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What it Is
2009 Mazda RX-8 Preview – Detroit Auto Show: Nissan has its Z. Toyota had its Supra. Chevrolet has its Corvette. Mazda has its RX-8. All represent the pinnacle of performance for their respective brands as nameplates that are well-established and immediately recognizable. In the case of Mazda, the entire product lineup is smattered with turbo-this and sport tuned-that, but all of these lesser models owe their existence to the RX-8’s respected history. For 2009, Mazda’s halo sports car gets a gentle massage that leaves it with a fresh face and a mildly enhanced interior, while the familiar Renesis rotary engine manages all things under the hood.
Why it Matters
Mazda is a small fish in the North American automotive pond, but one that’s respected for building sporty, engaging rides that appeal to the masses. As noted by company executives, you’ll likely see more Mazda vehicles at your local autocross or weekend track event than any other single manufacturer. It’s a position hard-earned over the decades, but it needs to be continually stoked by impressive new or updated products to keep the momentum for and interest in the brand going. That’s the job of all Mazda products, but especially models labeled Mazdaspeed, MX-5, and RX-8.
What’s Under the Hood
Tradition carries on under the 2009 Mazda RX-8’s hood, where you’ll find a 1.3-liter Renesis rotary engine that offers a lofty 9,000-rpm redline. When fitted with a six-speed manual transmission, horsepower comes in at 232; opt for a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters and output drops to 212 horsepower (and the redline drops to 7,500 rpm). Balancing the energetic engine is are a standard double-wishbone front suspension and electronic rack-and-pinion steering system. Optional is an R3 Sport Package which swaps in Bilstein shocks and front cross members filled with urethane foam, a feature meant to improve ride and handling while also cutting down on noise levels.
What it Looks Like
This one’s a light refresh, so you’ll have to spend a few minutes comparing the 2009 Mazda RX-8 with the outgoing variant to notice the changes. Designers played a bit with the front and rear bumper treatments, the headlights have been tweaked to rise over the outer edges of fenders that appear to flex even more than before, the lower grille insert gets an added black panel that most closely resembles a fat upper lip, and a new alloy wheel is offered. The rear is treated to updated taillights and exhaust pipes, while the interior boasts an altered center console, reworked seats, and a redesigned steering wheel.
What Mazda Says
Mazda North America’s Tetsu Nakazawa said, “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. The 2009 RX-8 embodies that mission, conveying the unique and distinct Mazda brand DNA to the fullest.”
What We Think
As we write this, it occurs to us that it’s been a little too long since our paths crossed with an RX-8. Thankfully, the launch of the 2009 version provides the perfect excuse for rectifying the situation. Until we can actually get behind the wheel, we’re left with memories of a terrific handler that could use a slight boost in power. Visually, the ’09 RX-8’s changes are pleasant enough, but they’re for too insignificant to win the hearts of those who have passed on the existing RX-8 for years.
By Thom Blackett
Photo credit: Oliver Bentley
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