Mazda RX-8

Mazda’s rotary powered rocket, the RX-8, has been given a few updates by the Japanese automaker in order to keep their sports car current and a bit more user friendly. The four-door, four-passenger sport compact has received rain-sensing windshield wipers, Mazda’s auto-light system and an audio-less option, all standard. However the most striking of the recent upgrades comes in the form of two new color choices for the exterior: Aluminum Metallic and Metropolitan Gray Mica.

Mazda has left the lovable 13B alone; the two-rotor motor still makes 232 HP in manually shifter vehicles. However, we are still awaiting word of a turbocharger.

The 2009 Mazda RX-8 is available as either a 232-hp model fitted with a six-speed manual transmission, or a 212-hp model fitted with a six-speed Sport A/T automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for a Formula 1-style driving experience.

2009 Mazda RX-8 Specifications

Chassis
Brakes F/R:	ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R:	225/45 ZR18
Driveline:	Rear Wheel Drive
Engine
Type:	Wankel-2
Displacement cu in (cc):	80 (1308)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM:	232(173) / 8500
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM:	159(216) / 5500
Redline at RPM:	9000
Exterior
Length × Width × Height in:	n.a.
Weight lb (kg):	n.a.
Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph s:	6.0 (source: Motor Trend)
Top Speed mph (km/h):	150 (241) (source: Car&Driver)
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km):	18/24 (n.a.)