2009 Mazda RX-8

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What is it?
2009 Mazda RX-8

What's special about it?
If you're really into rotary engine-inspired wheels, the 2009 Mazda RX-8 might fall into the "special" category. For the rest of us, this RX-8 is merely what car companies like to call a "midcycle refresh." No major sheet metal changes, a relatively untouched interior and nothing much going on under the hood. It's an attempt to inject some newness into an aging car without spending the big bucks to give it a full redesign.

In this case, the refreshed exterior pieces include the front and rear bumpers, front fasica and the headlights. Oh, and the tailpipes now measure 90mm across, which is wider for those who aren't familiar with the tailpipe diameter of the current RX-8.

Inside the RX-8, the upgrades for 2009 are equally minor. Mazda has redesigned the center stack and added a new steering wheel. The front and rear seats have been changed, and we can only assume that they'll be a more comfortable place to sit than before. There's also a new tachometer with a variable redline similar to BMW's M cars, so as the engine oil warms up, the redline rises. Not a bad addition considering the Mazda rotary's 9,000-rpm capability. Horsepower remains unchanged at 232 hp, but a shorter 4.77:1 rear-axle ratio should give manual-equipped cars some added low-end punch.

Mazda says it also added some structural reinforcements to boost the RX-8's overall body rigidity and has also made a front strut-tower bar standard equipment and strengthened the front suspension towers as well. A stiffer driveshaft and reconfigured rear suspension are also part of the refresh.

If these upgrades don't sound substantial enough, there's also a new R3 sport package. It adds Bilstein shocks and a sport-tuned suspension complete with urethane foam-filled crossmembers up front. Since no one can see those nifty crossmembers, the R3 package also includes a rear spoiler, extended side sills, foglights and a more aggressive front bumper. A set of 19-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels with high-performance summer tires is also part of the package.

There are interior upgrades included in the R3 package as well. Recaro seats with leather side bolsters replace the stock units, while the stereo has been upgraded to a 300-watt Bose audio system with integrated Bluetooth connectivity. There's also the all-important leather-wrapped parking brake handle and a keyless ignition system.

What's Edmunds' take?
All the RX-8 has ever needed was a little more horsepower. Making it look good might help for now, but a full redesign couldn't come soon enough. — Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor