Home >> Buyer's Guide >> Mazda >> RX-8
2009 Mazda RX-8
At a Glance
| Pricing | $25,785 - $31,930 |
|---|---|
| Drive Types | RWD |
| Engines | (212hp), (232hp) |
| Transmissions | A6, M6 |
| Fuel Economy | 16 (city), 22-23 (highway) |
Our Ratings
| Velocity Index | 76 |
|---|---|
| Quality | 
|
| Style | 
|
| Utility | 
|
| Livability |
|
| Value | 
|
| Fun |
|
A rotary engine sports car with an extra dose of practicality.
Overview Information
As the only rotary sports car, the RX-8 is a unique vehicle. Although not officially a replacement for the RX-7, this Mazda has essentially taken over the role of its predecessor as Mazda's premium sports car, positioned above the popular MX-5. Although the Nissan 350Z is its direct rival in this sports car segment, the RX-8 offers a radically different driving experience. Powered by a 232-bhp/159 lb.-ft. 1.3L Wankel rotary mated to a 6-speed manual or automatic (engine output drops to 212-bhp with the automatic), the RX-8 offers superb handling, but sacrifices straight-line acceleration in the process. Although Mazda's gearing exploits the Wankel's 9000 RPM redline, the penalty is poor fuel economy and a buzzy engine note on the highway. Available features include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), 18-inch alloy wheels, navigation system, and Bose 300-watt audio system. Despite its faults, the RX-8 is at home on a tightly curving country road, where its light weight and balanced handling ensure a truly enjoyable experience.
What Changed:
The 2009 Mazda RX-8 wears a restyled front fascia with new headlamps. In the back, a new bumper accompanies larger diameter exhaust outlets. The powertrain remains the same, but manual transmission models now include a lower ratio in the differential. A trapezoidal strut tower brace has been added for extra rigidity. The RX-8 continues to offer Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels, but adds a new R3 sport package. The R3 sport package features a sport-tuned suspension, Bilstein shocks and urethane-filled front suspension crossmemebers. The R3 package also wears a unique front bumper, side sill extensions, 19-inch wheels and a rear spoiler.
Official Word:
Launched in 2003, the Mazda RX-8 hit the global market with a serious bang. The RX-8 has won more than 50 global awards since its release including 2003 RJC Car of the Year in Japan, Australia's Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 2003, 2003 International Engine of the Year, 2004 Singapore Car of the Year, the 2004 U.S. Best Sports Car and UK Car of the Year 2004. It was also named on Car and...Read.
| Model | Drive | Engine | Transmission | Velocity Index | Base Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX-8 | RWD | A6 | 70 | $26,435 | ||
| RX-8 | RWD | M6 | 74 | $25,785 | ||
| RX-8 R3 | RWD | M6 | 76 | $31,930 |
Similar Vehicles
|
| 2009 Volvo C30 |