2009 Mazda RX-8 R3 Detroit MI

September 29, 2009   By Brian Alexander, Content Editor



2009 Mazda RX-8
DriverSide Overview
Ask ten different people what their idea of the perfect car is and you're likely to get ten different answers. It's this philosophy that the 2009 Mazda RX-8 banks on – much like the lone Gothic kid stuck in an honors literature class with a bunch of Abercrombie-wearing middle-class lookalikes, the RX-8 is different for the sake of being different. While there’s been a mild exterior refresh, it retains the trademark love it or hate it 1.3-liter rotary engine from the previous model. Gone is the somewhat timid outward appearance of the previous RX-8 thanks to the R3 sport package, which adds a rear spoiler, hard-hitting 19-inch wheels, side sills, fog lamps and some serious Recaro sports seats. Underneath it all, however, lies the same lithe, agile chassis and pointable helm automotive critics the world over have adored since the RX-8’s debut in 2003. This ninja’s still a ninja, albeit with a shinier sword.








What's to Like
The low-inertia rotary engine loves to rev, and you’ll love revving it halfway to the moon. Rear half-doors that reverse open provide convenient and easy access to an otherwise cramped rear seat. The R3 package adds some aesthetic aggression to the otherwise clean-looking RX-8.

What's Not to Like
A consequence of the rear half-doors is a chunky C-pillar that limits over the shoulder visibility. Rotary engines are notoriously thirsty creatures (with an appetite for both gasoline and oil), and this 1.3-liter engine returns small V-8 fuel economy as a result. While the Recaro seats provided by the R3 package are amazingly supportive, like all racing seats they can literally become a pain during long hauls.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
The key to the RX-8’s performance is its lightweight, compact design. Its engine’s peaky powerband relies on high rpm power, and with relatively meager amounts of torque on hand and a limited slip differential, it’s no powersliding hero. Rather, its ride is smooth and controlled, allowing you to get deeper into the throttle earlier in the corner, exploiting the chassis’ superb balance to the fullest extent. Maintaining momentum quickly becomes your goal, though when you do have to slow down the brakes shed speed with confidence. The gearshift is a particular highlight, with every crisp, notchy shift coming through like a bullet into the chamber. Rather than employ a shift light to warn you the engine’s reached its upper limit, the Mazda does something more unique, letting loose a single “beep” that’s somehow neither overly shrill nor muted under the peaking engine note.

Engine and Drivetrain

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