By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National September 29, 2011Vehicle Overview
Mazda's RX-8 received minor exterior and interior updates for 2009, which is when the rotary-powered sports car gained an R3 sport package. Competitors include the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Nissan 370Z.
New for 2011
There are no significant changes.
Exterior
On the whole, the RX-8 looks much the same as before. It retains a longish hood, pronounced fender flares and a cabin that has small, rear-hinged back doors to make it easier to get in the backseat. Exterior features include:
- Standard 18-inch wheels
- Standard chrome dual-tailpipe treatment
- Standard LED taillights
- Optional rear spoiler
- Optional R3 sport package adds a sport suspension, a rear spoiler, side sills, a different front bumper and 19-inch aluminum wheels shod with high-performance tires
Interior
The RX-8's cabin has room for up to four people. There are bucket seats in front and back, and a full-length center console runs the length of the cabin between both rows of seats. The tachometer has a variable redline that moves based on engine temperature. Interior features include:
- Standard air conditioning
- Standard MP3 player jack
- Standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- Optional R3 sport package adds a Bose audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, Recaro front bucket seats and keyless start
- Optional leather interior
- Optional heated seats
- Optional three-position driver-seat memory
Under the Hood
The RX-8's 1.3-liter rotary engine produces 232 horsepower when teamed with the six-speed manual transmission, but its output drops to 212 hp when paired with the optional six-speed automatic. Mechanical features include:
- Standard sport-tuned suspension
- Torque-sensing limited-slip differential on manual transmission models
- Automatic transmission includes shift paddles on the steering wheel for driver-initiated gear changes
Safety
Safety equipment includes:
- Antilock brakes
- Side-impact airbags for the front seats
- Side curtain airbags
- Optional electronic stability system
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Mike Hanley | Cars.com National | September 29, 2011 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | September 29, 2011 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Scott Burgess | The Detroit Newspapers | September 24, 2011 |
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