2009 Mazda RX-8. Click image to enlarge |
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2009 Mazda RX-8
Detroit, Michigan - The 2009 Mazda RX-8 offers refreshed exterior and interior styling, enhanced performance and handling, and a new R3 sport package for driving enthusiasts - but it's not the complete redesign some observers were expecting.
Refinements for the 2009 model year include restyled front and rear bumpers and front fascia; sporty front and rear headlamps; and larger exhaust pipes (now measuring 90 mm across). The 2009 RX-8 also offers a new five-spoke wheel design featuring a design reminiscent of the rotary engine.
Minor enhancements were made to the interior to increase driving pleasure. The centre instrument panel shape was redesigned, a variable red-zone was added to the tachometer that will rise as the engine comes to operating temperature, and a new steering wheel and redesigned front and rear seats are also added.
For 2009, engineers improved RX-8 body rigidity through the addition of structural reinforcements, including a trapezoidal strut tower bar and enhanced rigidity of the front suspension tower areas. Also, the rear suspension geometry has been reconfigured for better handling performance and driveshaft rigidity is improved, lowering NVH levels and improving performance.
In addition, the differential gear ratio on manual transmission-equipped cars is lowered from 4.444 to 4.777 for improved off-the-line performance. While minimal, these performance changes give RX-8 increased acceleration and performance.
The Mazda RX-8 remains the only mass-produced rotary-powered passenger car in the world. The 2009 Mazda RX-8 is available as either a 232-horsepower model fitted with a six-speed manual transmission, or a 212-horsepower model fitted with a six-speed Sport A/T automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for a Formula 1-style driving experience.
To cater to the driving enthusiast, the 2009 RX-8 will offer a new R3 sport package. Harkening back to the R1 and R2 packages offered on the third-generation RX-7, the R3 adds a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and front suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam. Filling the crossmembers makes for a smoother ride, minimized NVH and greater suspension control.
On the visual side of the package, a rear spoiler, side sills, fog lights and sporty front bumper are added, along with 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels with high performance tires. Inside, the R3 adds a 300-watt Bose audio system with Centerpoint surround sound and AudioPilot noise compensation technology, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, front Recaro sport seats with leather side bolsters, leather-wrapped parking brake handle and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start system.
"Dating back to the Cosmo Sport released in 1967, every sports car ever developed by Mazda has had the same fundamental mission: to provide car lovers with a vehicle that's fun-to-drive, exciting to look at and easy to own," said Tetsu Nakazawa, Mazda North American Operations' RX-8 vehicle line manager. "The 2009 RX-8 embodies that mission, conveying the unique and distinctive Mazda brand DNA to the fullest."
