2009 Mazda RX-8

RX-8 GT Coupe

Manual

JM1FE174390400609

Clear

RWD

Gasoline

Listing by Auction123.com copyright Auction123, Inc.Palmer Dodge Chrysler Jeep - 11460 Alpharetta Highway Roswell, GA 30076 - 1-888-829-22592009 Mazda RX-8 Grand TouringPriced to Sell Fast!!! Click here for an XL view of the above Image PrevNext 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 DescriptionOptionsPower WindowsPower Door LocksTilt WheelRemote Keyless EntryRemote Trunk ReleaseCruise ControlTachometerSteering Wheel Stereo ControlsSteering Wheel-Leather WrappedTire-Pressure Monitoring SystemSecurity SystemEngine Immobilizer/Vehicle Anti-Theft SystemAm/Fm StereoAudio-Upgrade Sound SystemCd ChangerAdditional Power Outlet(S)Air ConditioningClimate Control - AutoRear Seat Heat DuctsBucket SeatsQuad SeatingSeat-MemorySeats - RecliningPower Driver SeatSeat-Heated DriverSeat-Lumbar-DriverSeat-Heated PassengerSeat-Rear Pass-ThroughCenter Arm RestLeather SeatsMap PocketsRoof-Sun/MoonRoof-Sun-ShieldMirrors-Pwr DriverMirrors-Pwr PassengerHeated Side MirrorsMirror-Electrochromic In-Side RearviewMirrors-Vanity-Driver IlluminatedMirrors-Vanity-Passenger IlluminatedWheels-AluminumSpoilerFog LightsHeadlights-High Intensity DischargeHeadlights-Auto-OffHeadlights-Auto-OnBuilt-In Garage Door OpenerConsoleTrip OdometerReading Lamps-FrontReading Lamps-RearClockAir Bag - DriverAir Bag - PassengerAir Bag On/Off Switch - PassengerAir Bags - HeadAir Bag - SideRear Shoulder HarnessTraction ControlPower SteeringPower BrakesBrakes-Abs-4 Wheel4 Wheel Disc BrakesTelephone-Hands-Free Wireless ConnectionWheels-LocksIntermittent WipersWipers-Rain SensingWipers-Variable Speed IntermittentRear DefrostRear WiperWindow LocksDifferential-Locking RearDriveTrainTransmission: 6-Speed ManualDrive Train Type: RWDDriven Wheels: Rear-WheelWheels Rims: AlloyRoof and GlassFront Wipers: Variable IntermittentRear DefoggerRear Qtr Windows: VentedPrivacy Glass: LightConvenienceCruise Control: With Steering Wheel ControlsWindows: PowerSteering Power: Electric Power-AssistSteering Adjustment: Manual TiltingSteering Wheel Control: Audio Cruise ControlEasy Entry: PowerMirrors: Power RemoteRemote Mirrors: Power RemotePower Door Locks: Power With 2 Stage UnlockCupholdersDoor PocketsOverhead Console: MiniPower Outlets: 2Remote Trunk Release: PowerRetained Accessory PowerSeatback StorageUniversal Remote TransmitterMemory Features: DriverMemory Features Number of Drivers: 3SafetyDriver and Passenger AirbagHead Airbags: Curtain 1St And 2Nd RowSide Airbags: Seat MountedABS: 4-WheelBrakes: 4-Wheel DiscAnti Theft SystemStability ControlTraction ControlHeadlights: High Intensity Low BeamHeadlights Dusksensor: Fully AutomaticFog Lights: FrontFront Headrests: FixedTrunk Release: PowerEngine ImmobilizerTurning Circle: 34.80Door ReinforcementRear Headrests: 2Traction Control: DrivelineHead AirbagSide AirbagStability ControlNHTSA Passenger Grade: ExcellentNHTSA Driver Grade: GoodNHTSA Roll Over Resistance Rating: ExcellentBasic InformationVIN Number: JM1FE174390400609Stock Number: 10566AModel Year: 2009Make: MazdaModel: RX-8Style Name: Grand TouringVehicle Trim: Grand TouringBody Type: CoupeVehicle Type: CoupeInterior Color: BlackExterior Color: Velocity Red MicaSuspensionIndependent Suspension: IndependentStabilizer Bar: Front And RearIn Car EntertainmentAudio System: AM/FM/Satellite-CapableSpeakers: 9Premium Speakers: Bose(R)Multimedia CD Location: 6-Disc In-Dash MountedAntenna Type: Window GridComfortAir Conditioning: AutomaticAir FiltrationTrunk LightsCenter Console Trim: Metal-LookDash Trim: Piano BlackDoor Trim: Piano BlackMats: Carpet Front And RearReading Lights: FrontRearview Mirror: Day-NightShift Knob: Leather/AluminumSteering Wheel Trim: LeatherVanity Mirrors: Driver And PassengerDoorsRear Door Type: TrunkSide Door Type: Reverse OpeningEngineEngine Description: 1.3L RFuel Type: GasCam Type: Overhead ValveFuel Induction: MPIAspiration: NormalMPG Manual City: 16MPG Manual Highway: 22InstrumentationClockExternal TempLow Fuel LevelTachometerSeatsDrivers: Heated Cushion And SeatbackDrivers Height: PowerDrivers Lumbar: Power 2-WayDrivers Power: 8Passenger: Heated Cushion And SeatbackSeating Capacity: 4Front Seat Type: BucketUpholstery: LeatherCenter Armrest: With Pass-ThruHeat DuctsFeaturesAux Engine Cooler: RegularVinyl Floor Covering: CarpetBumpers: Body-ColoredDoor ReinforcementDimensionsGross Vehicle Weight Rating: 3818Front Head Room: 38.20 InchesFront Hip Room: 53.30 InchesFront Shoulder Room: 54.80 InchesFront Leg Room: 42.70 InchesRear Head Room: 36.80 InchesRear Hip Room: 48.10 InchesRear Leg Room: 32.20 InchesRear Shoulder Room: 54.90 InchesLuggage Capacity: 7.60 Cubic FeetMaximum Seating: 4Length: 175.60 InchesWidth: 69.70 InchesHeight: 52.80 InchesWeight: PoundsWheelbase: 106.40 InchesGround Clearance: 4.70 InchesMax Gross Vehicle Weight: 3818.00 PoundsCurb Weight: 3064.00 PoundsInspect My RideCARFAXCARFAX Vehicle History ReportDon’t buy a used car without CARFAX!CARFAX 1-OwnerVehicle Qualifies for the CARFAX Buyback GuaranteeNo Total Loss Reported to CARFAXNo Manufacturer Recalls Reported to CARFAXNo Airbag Deployment Reported to CARFAXNo Indication of an Odometer RollbackNo Structural/Frame Damage Reported to CARFAX Disclaimer: Not all accidents or other issues are reported to CARFAX. The number of owners is estimated. See the full CARFAX Report for additional information and glossary of terms. ContactAbout Us: Palmer Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram has been in business for over 17 years. We recently acquired the Chrysler Jeep franchise and can now fully service all your Chrysler brand needs. We are a family owned business that operates out of one store in Roswell, Ga. We pride ourselves on outstanding customer service and have been selling cars all over the country and world for several years on eBay. Our 100% positive feedback score is evidence of that pride. We are one of the top sellers of Vipers and other SRT vehicles in the country and are well versed in all makes and models. Thank you for taking your time to read about us and hope that we can better serve you. Terms & Conditions Winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours of auction end, and make arrangements for payment at that time. A $1,000.00 deposit is due within 24 hours of end of auction. The remainder is due within 5 days of Auction end. You may put up to $3000.00 on a credit card, remaining balance must be paid with certified funds/cashiers check or bank wire-transfer. If no contact is made within 24 hours we reserve the right to re-list the vehicle, sell it to the next high bidder, or sell it otherwise. Our dealership offers great financing rates. We do offer shipping to the continental U.S. We also can ship to any port for international shipping. If you are not sure about something, Please ASK. Do not assume anything not listed is included. We reserve the right to cancel bids for excessive negative feedback. We reserve the right to end the listing if the vehicle is no longer available for sale. PLEASE ONLY BID WHAT YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY. IF THE RESERVE IS NOT MET, WE MAY CONTACT THE HIGH BIDDER TO OFFER THE SECOND CHANCE OPTION. Fee and Tax Information: Fee and Tax Information: All buyers will pay a $599.00 documentation fee. The documentation fee is registered with the State of Georgia and applies to all retail sales regardless of the buyers State of Residence. Georgia residents must also pay applicable sales tax. Out of state buyers are responsible for their own taxes. New Vehicles: New vehicle pricing includes all rebates, incentives, and available financing for the Southeast region. The rebates could change depending on the region you live. Please include your zip code with any new vehicle inquiries.Palmer Dodge Chrysler Jeep 11460 Alpharetta Highway Roswell, Georgia 30076Ask for:DJ WILKSCELL PHONE:1-888-829-2259Email: Email SellerSecure Online Credit Application Form Applying for a vehicle loan online is one of the quickest and easiest application methods. Our secure online application form is easy to complete, all you need are a few personal and employment details. Click here to get started.Email SellerEmail to FriendComplete and submit the form below to send a message to our dedicated sales team.* First Name:* Last Name:* Email:* Phone: Ext. Preferred Method:PhoneEmailMessage:Send Yourself a CopyComplete and submit the form below to send a link and your message to a friend.First Name:Last Name:* Your email:* Friend's email:We won't use this information for promotional purposes or disclose it to a third party.Message:Send Yourself a CopyVideosVehicle InformationOverviewIntroductionWalkaroundDriving ImpressionInteriorSummaryFour-seat sports car.The aggressively styled RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car thanks to its near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution, and light weight, high-revving rotary engine.The RX-8 is available in four trims, Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and the R3. A 232 horsepower rotary engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, while six-speed automatic equipped cars get 212 horsepower. The six-speed automatic comes with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters for sequential sport shifting. It seats four adults very comfortable and has two small rear opening "Freestyle" doors making entering and exiting the rear seats much easier than a typical two-door sports car. Standard safety features include front and side-impact airbags for the front occupants, curtain airbags front and rear, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, stability control with traction control and tire pressure monitoring.The Mazda RX-8 has been significantly refreshed inside and out for 2009, and a new R3 trim level has been added.The aggressively styled RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car thanks to its near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution, and light weight, high-revving rotary engine.The RX-8 is available in four trims, Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and the R3. A 232 horsepower rotary engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, while six-speed automatic equipped cars get 212 horsepower. The six-speed automatic comes with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters for sequential sport shifting. It seats four adults very comfortably and has two small rear opening "Freestyle" doors making entering and exiting the rear seats much easier than a typical two-door sports car. Standard safety features include front and side-impact airbags for the front occupants, curtain airbags front and rear, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, stability control with traction control and tire pressure monitoring.The Mazda RX-8 has been significantly refreshed inside and out for 2009, and a new R3 trim level has been added. Source: NewCarTestDrive.ComIntroductionIt's been 40 years since Mazda released its first rotary-engine production model, a twin-rotor coupe called Cosmo Sport in mid-1967.By the early 1970s, the rotary seemed poised to conquer the automotive world.That never happened for a long list of reasons, but the lightweight rotary engine found a purpose powering a delightful series of light, nimble, high-revving Mazda sports-touring cars.Over the past four decades, Mazda has manufactured more than 1.9 million rotary-engine vehicles.And we're glad it did. The latest model in this series, the ingeniously engineered Mazda RX-8, drives like a sports car, with a high-revving engine and near perfect weight distribution for balanced handling, and it has garnered motoring award recognition on four continents. For 2009 RX-8 receives evolutionary styling updates, a more rigid structure and driveshaft, revised rear suspension and gearing, and a new RX-8 R3 aimed at enthusiasts.Although the R3 powertrain is the same as that of the other RX8s, its sports suspension and cosmetic and functional upgrades qualify it as the best sports value in the line for serious enthusiasts. The Mazda RX-8 is surprisingly practical.It's capable of taking the kids to soccer practice, with passenger space for four full-size adults.There's enough room for a weekend's worth of luggage or two full-size golf bags, and the small rear doors and relatively spacious trunk make trips to the home improvement center possible.It's not as roomy as a sedan, but it can move people and stuff when needed, while offer the driving experience of a two-seat sports car. In short, the RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car.And it's the small but powerful rotary engine that makes this possible. The RX-8 was launched as an all-new model for 2004.Its most significant prior update was the six-speed automatic transmission that arrived for 2006, replacing the previously available four-speed.In addition to two more gears, the six-speed automatic also brought steering-wheel mounted paddle controls for semi-manual shifting; and allowed the engine to be tuned closer to its manual-transmission specification, narrowing the performance gap between the auto-shifting and shift-it-yourself versions. Still, the manual and automatic models are two different cars.The manual benefits from 232 horsepower at 8500 rpm, while the automatic gets 212 hp at 7500 rpm, albeit with the same 159 pound-feet of torque at 5500 rpm.The bottom line is that the manual model is for driving enthusiasts willing to shift for themselves and those seeking maximum efficiency, while the automatic is for drivers more interested in the look and feel of a sports car than in ultimate performance or heavy stop-and-go commuters.It's been 40 years since Mazda released its first rotary-engine production model, a twin-rotor coupe called Cosmo Sport in mid-1967.By the early 1970s, the rotary seemed poised to conquer the automotive world.That never happened for a long list of reasons, but the lightweight rotary engine found a purpose powering a delightful series of light, nimble, high-revving Mazda sports-touring cars.Over the past four decades, Mazda has manufactured more than 1.9 million rotary-engine vehicles.And we're glad it did. The latest model in this series, the ingeniously engineered Mazda RX-8, drives like a sports car, with a high-revving engine and near perfect weight distribution for balanced handling, and it has garnered motoring award recognition on four continents. For 2009 RX-8 receives evolutionary styling updates, a more rigid structure and driveshaft, revised rear suspension and gearing, and a new RX-8 R3 aimed at enthusiasts.Although the R3 powertrain is the same as that of the other RX8s, its sports suspension and cosmetic and functional upgrades qualify it as the best sports value in the line for serious enthusiasts. The Mazda RX-8 is surprisingly practical.It's capable of taking the kids to soccer practice, with passenger space for four full-size adults.There's enough room for a weekend's worth of luggage or two full-size golf bags, and the small rear doors and relatively spacious trunk make trips to the home improvement center possible.It's not as roomy as a sedan, but it can move people and stuff when needed, while offer the driving experience of a two-seat sports car. In short, the RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car.And it's the small but powerful rotary engine that makes this possible. The RX-8 was launched as an all-new model for 2004.Its most significant prior update was the six-speed automatic transmission that arrived for 2006, replacing the previously available four-speed.In addition to two more gears, the six-speed automatic also brought steering-wheel mounted paddle controls for semi-manual shifting; and allowed the engine to be tuned closer to its manual-transmission specification, narrowing the performance gap between the auto-shifting and shift-it-yourself versions. Still, the manual and automatic models are two different cars.The manual benefits from 232 horsepower at 8500 rpm, while the automatic gets 212 hp at 7500 rpm, albeit with the same 159 pound-feet of torque at 5500 rpm.The bottom line is that the manual model is for driving enthusiasts willing to shift for themselves and those seeking maximum efficiency, while the automatic is for drivers more interested in the look and feel of a sports car than in ultimate performance or heavy stop-and-go commuters.It's been 40 years since Mazda released its first rotary-engine production model, a twin-rotor coupe called Cosmo Sport in mid-1967.By the early 1970s, the rotary seemed poised to conquer the automotive world.That never happened for a long list of reasons, but the lightweight rotary engine found a purpose powering a delightful series of light, nimble, high-revving Mazda sports-touring cars.Over the past four decades, Mazda has manufactured more than 1.9 million rotary-engine vehicles.And we're glad it did. The latest model in this series, the ingeniously engineered Mazda RX-8, drives like a sports car, with a high-revving engine and near perfect weight distribution for balanced handling, and it has garnered motoring award recognition on four continents. For 2009 RX-8 receives evolutionary styling updates, a more rigid structure and driveshaft, revised rear suspension and gearing, and a new RX-8 R3 aimed at enthusiasts.Although the R3 powertrain is the same as that of the other RX8s, its sports suspension and cosmetic and functional upgrades qualify it as the best sports value in the line for serious enthusiasts. The Mazda RX-8 is surprisingly practical.It's capable of taking the kids to soccer practice, with passenger space for four full-size adults.There's enough room for a weekend's worth of luggage or two full-size golf bags, and the small rear doors and relatively spacious trunk make trips to the home improvement center possible.It's not as roomy as a sedan, but it can move people and stuff when needed, while offer the driving experience of a two-seat sports car. In short, the RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car.And it's the small but powerful rotary engine that makes this possible. The RX-8 was launched as an all-new model for 2004.Its most significant prior update was the six-speed automatic transmission that arrived for 2006, replacing the previously available four-speed.In addition to two more gears, the six-speed automatic also brought steering-wheel mounted paddle controls for semi-manual shifting; and allowed the engine to be tuned closer to its manual-transmission specification, narrowing the performance gap between the auto-shifting and shift-it-yourself versions. Still, the manual and automatic models are two different cars.The manual benefits from 232 horsepower at 8500 rpm, while the automatic gets 212 hp at 7500 rpm, albeit with the same 159 pound-feet of torque at 5500 rpm.The bottom line is that the manual model is for driving enthusiasts willing to shift for themselves and those seeking maximum efficiency, while the automatic is for drivers more interested in the look and feel of a sports car than in ultimate performance or heavy stop-and-go commuters.It's been 40 years since Mazda released its first rotary-engine production model, a twin-rotor coupe called Cosmo Sport in mid-1967.By the early 1970s, the rotary seemed poised to conquer the automotive world.That never happened for a long list of reasons, but the lightweight rotary engine found a purpose powering a delightful series of light, nimble, high-revving Mazda sports-touring cars.Over the past four decades, Mazda has manufactured more than 1.9 million rotary-engine vehicles.And we're glad it did. The latest model in this series, the ingeniously engineered Mazda RX-8, drives like a sports car, with a high-revving engine and near perfect weight distribution for balanced handling, and it has garnered motoring award recognition on four continents. For 2009 RX-8 receives evolutionary styling updates, a more rigid structure and driveshaft, revised rear suspension and gearing, and a new RX-8 R3 aimed at enthusiasts.Although the R3 powertrain is the same as that of the other RX8s, its sports suspension and cosmetic and functional upgrades qualify it as the best sports value in the line for serious enthusiasts. The Mazda RX-8 is surprisingly practical.It's capable of taking the kids to soccer practice, with passenger space for four full-size adults.There's enough room for a weekend's worth of luggage or two full-size golf bags, and the small rear doors and relatively spacious trunk make trips to the home improvement center possible.It's not as roomy as a sedan, but it can move people and stuff when needed, while offer the driving experience of a two-seat sports car. In short, the RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car.And it's the small but powerful rotary engine that makes this possible. The RX-8 was launched as an all-new model for 2004.Its most significant prior update was the six-speed automatic transmission that arrived for 2006, replacing the previously available four-speed.In addition to two more gears, the six-speed automatic also brought steering-wheel mounted paddle controls for semi-manual shifting; and allowed the engine to be tuned closer to its manual-transmission specification, narrowing the performance gap between the auto-shifting and shift-it-yourself versions. Still, the manual and automatic models are two different cars.The manual benefits from 232 horsepower at 8500 rpm, while the automatic gets 212 hp at 7500 rpm, albeit with the same 159 pound-feet of torque at 5500 rpm.The bottom line is that the manual model is for driving enthusiasts willing to shift for themselves and those seeking maximum efficiency, while the automatic is for drivers more interested in the look and feel of a sports car than in ultimate performance or heavy stop-and-go commuters.It's been 40 years since Mazda released its first rotary-engine production model, a twin-rotor coupe called Cosmo Sport in mid-1967.By the early 1970s, the rotary seemed poised to conquer the automotive world.That never happened for a long list of reasons, but the lightweight rotary engine found a purpose powering a delightful series of light, nimble, high-revving Mazda sports-touring cars.Over the past four decades, Mazda has manufactured more than 1.9 million rotary-engine vehicles.And we're glad it did. The latest model in this series, the ingeniously engineered Mazda RX-8, drives like a sports car, with a high-revving engine and near perfect weight distribution for balanced handling, and it has garnered motoring award recognition on four continents. For 2009 RX-8 receives evolutionary styling updates, a more rigid structure and driveshaft, revised rear suspension and gearing, and a new RX-8 R3 aimed at enthusiasts.Although the R3 powertrain is the same as that of the other RX8s, its sports suspension and cosmetic and functional upgrades qualify it as the best sports value in the line for serious enthusiasts. The Mazda RX-8 is surprisingly practical.It's capable of taking the kids to soccer practice, with passenger space for four full-size adults.There's enough room for a weekend's worth of luggage or two full-size golf bags, and the small rear doors and relatively spacious trunk make trips to the home improvement center possible.It's not as roomy as a sedan, but it can move people and stuff when needed, while offer the driving experience of a two-seat sports car. In short, the RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car.And it's the small but powerful rotary engine that makes this possible. The RX-8 was launched as an all-new model for 2004.Its most significant prior update was the six-speed automatic transmission that arrived for 2006, replacing the previously available four-speed.In addition to two more gears, the six-speed automatic also brought steering-wheel mounted paddle controls for semi-manual shifting; and allowed the engine to be tuned closer to its manual-transmission specification, narrowing the performance gap between the auto-shifting and shift-it-yourself versions. Still, the manual and automatic models are two different cars.The manual benefits from 232 horsepower at 8500 rpm, while the automatic gets 212 hp at 7500 rpm, albeit with the same 159 pound-feet of torque at 5500 rpm.The bottom line is that the manual model is for driving enthusiasts willing to shift for themselves and those seeking maximum efficiency, while the automatic is for drivers more interested in the look and feel of a sports car than in ultimate performance or heavy stop-and-go commuters.It's been 40 years since Mazda released its first rotary-engine production model, a twin-rotor coupe called Cosmo Sport in mid-1967.By the early 1970s, the rotary seemed poised to conquer the automotive world.That never happened for a long list of reasons, but the lightweight rotary engine found a purpose powering a delightful series of light, nimble, high-revving Mazda sports-touring cars.Over the past four decades, Mazda has manufactured more than 1.9 million rotary-engine vehicles.And we're glad it did. The latest model in this series, the ingeniously engineered Mazda RX-8, drives like a sports car, with a high-revving engine and near perfect weight distribution for balanced handling, and it has garnered motoring award recognition on four continents. For 2009 RX-8 receives evolutionary styling updates, a more rigid structure and driveshaft, revised rear suspension and gearing, and a new RX-8 R3 aimed at enthusiasts.Although the R3 powertrain is the same as that of the other RX8s, its sports suspension and cosmetic and functional upgrades qualify it as the best sports value in the line for serious enthusiasts. The Mazda RX-8 is surprisingly practical.It's capable of taking the kids to soccer practice, with passenger space for four full-size adults.There's enough room for a weekend's worth of luggage or two full-size golf bags, and the small rear doors and relatively spacious trunk make trips to the home improvement center possible.It's not as roomy as a sedan, but it can move people and stuff when needed, while offer the driving experience of a two-seat sports car. In short, the RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car.And it's the small but powerful rotary engine that makes this possible. The RX-8 was launched as an all-new model for 2004.Its most significant prior update was the six-speed automatic transmission that arrived for 2006, replacing the previously available four-speed.In addition to two more gears, the six-speed automatic also brought steering-wheel mounted paddle controls for semi-manual shifting; and allowed the engine to be tuned closer to its manual-transmission specification, narrowing the performance gap between the auto-shifting and shift-it-yourself versions. Still, the manual and automatic models are two different cars.The manual benefits from 232 horsepower at 8500 rpm, while the automatic gets 212 hp at 7500 rpm, albeit with the same 159 pound-feet of torque at 5500 rpm.The bottom line is that the manual model is for driving enthusiasts willing to shift for themselves and those seeking maximum efficiency, while the automatic is for drivers more interested in the look and feel of a sports car than in ultimate performance or heavy stop-and-go commuters.It's been 40 years since Mazda released its first rotary-engine production model, a twin-rotor coupe called Cosmo Sport in mid-1967.By the early 1970s, the rotary seemed poised to conquer the automotive world.That never happened for a long list of reasons, but the lightweight rotary engine found a purpose powering a delightful series of light, nimble, high-revving Mazda sports-touring cars.Over the past four decades, Mazda has manufactured more than 1.9 million rotary-engine vehicles.And we're glad it did. The latest model in this series, the ingeniously engineered Mazda RX-8, drives like a sports car, with a high-revving engine and near perfect weight distribution for balanced handling, and it has garnered motoring award recognition on four continents. For 2009 RX-8 receives evolutionary styling updates, a more rigid structure and driveshaft, revised rear suspension and gearing, and a new RX-8 R3 aimed at enthusiasts.Although the R3 powertrain is the same as that of the other RX8s, its sports suspension and cosmetic and functional upgrades qualify it as the best sports value in the line for serious enthusiasts. The Mazda RX-8 is surprisingly practical.It's capable of taking the kids to soccer practice, with passenger space for four full-size adults.There's enough room for a weekend's worth of luggage or two full-size golf bags, and the small rear doors and relatively spacious trunk make trips to the home improvement center possible.It's not as roomy as a sedan, but it can move people and stuff when needed, while offer the driving experience of a two-seat sports car. In short, the RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car.And it's the small but powerful rotary engine that makes this possible. The RX-8 was launched as an all-new model for 2004.Its most significant prior update was the six-speed automatic transmission that arrived for 2006, replacing the previously available four-speed.In addition to two more gears, the six-speed automatic also brought steering-wheel mounted paddle controls for semi-manual shifting; and allowed the engine to be tuned closer to its manual-transmission specification, narrowing the performance gap between the auto-shifting and shift-it-yourself versions. Still, the manual and automatic models are two different cars.The manual benefits from 232 horsepower at 8500 rpm, while the automatic gets 212 hp at 7500 rpm, albeit with the same 159 pound-feet of torque at 5500 rpm.The bottom line is that the manual model is for driving enthusiasts willing to shift for themselves and those seeking maximum efficiency, while the automatic is for drivers more interested in the look and feel of a sports car than in ultimate performance or heavy stop-and-go commuters.It's been 40 years since Mazda released its first rotary-engine production model, a twin-rotor coupe called Cosmo Sport in mid-1967.By the early 1970s, the rotary seemed poised to conquer the automotive world.That never happened for a long list of reasons, but the lightweight rotary engine found a purpose powering a delightful series of light, nimble, high-revving Mazda sports-touring cars.Over the past four decades, Mazda has manufactured more than 1.9 million rotary-engine vehicles.And we're glad it did. The latest model in this series, the ingeniously engineered Mazda RX-8, drives like a sports car, with a high-revving engine and near perfect weight distribution for balanced handling, and it has garnered motoring award recognition on four continents. For 2009 RX-8 receives evolutionary styling updates, a more rigid structure and driveshaft, revised rear suspension and gearing, and a new RX-8 R3 aimed at enthusiasts.Although the R3 powertrain is the same as that of the other RX8s, its sports suspension and cosmetic and functional upgrades qualify it as the best sports value in the line for serious enthusiasts. The Mazda RX-8 is surprisingly practical.It's capable of taking the kids to soccer practice, with passenger space for four full-size adults.There's enough room for a weekend's worth of luggage or two full-size golf bags, and the small rear doors and relatively spacious trunk make trips to the home improvement center possible.It's not as roomy as a sedan, but it can move people and stuff when needed, while offer the driving experience of a two-seat sports car. In short, the RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car.And it's the small but powerful rotary engine that makes this possible. The RX-8 was launched as an all-new model for 2004.Its most significant prior update was the six-speed automatic transmission that arrived for 2006, replacing the previously available four-speed.In addition to two more gears, the six-speed automatic also brought steering-wheel mounted paddle controls for semi-manual shifting; and allowed the engine to be tuned closer to its manual-transmission specification, narrowing the performance gap between the auto-shifting and shift-it-yourself versions. Still, the manual and automatic models are two different cars.The manual benefits from 232 horsepower at 8500 rpm, while the automatic gets 212 hp at 7500 rpm, albeit with the same 159 pound-feet of torque at 5500 rpm.The bottom line is that the manual model is for driving enthusiasts willing to shift for themselves and those seeking maximum efficiency, while the automatic is for drivers more interested in the look and feel of a sports car than in ultimate performance or heavy stop-and-go commuters.It's been 40 years since Mazda released its first rotary-engine production model, a twin-rotor coupe called Cosmo Sport in mid-1967.By the early 1970s, the rotary seemed poised to conquer the automotive world.That never happened for a long list of reasons, but the lightweight rotary engine found a purpose powering a delightful series of light, nimble, high-revving Mazda sports-touring cars.Over the past four decades, Mazda has manufactured more than 1.9 million rotary-engine vehicles.And we're glad it did. The latest model in this series, the ingeniously engineered Mazda RX-8, drives like a sports car, with a high-revving engine and near perfect weight distribution for balanced handling, and it has garnered motoring award recognition on four continents. For 2009 RX-8 receives evolutionary styling updates, a more rigid structure and driveshaft, revised rear suspension and gearing, and a new RX-8 R3 aimed at enthusiasts.Although the R3 powertrain is the same as that of the other RX8s, its sports suspension and cosmetic and functional upgrades qualify it as the best sports value in the line for serious enthusiasts. The Mazda RX-8 is surprisingly practical.It's capable of taking the kids to soccer practice, with passenger space for four full-size adults.There's enough room for a weekend's worth of luggage or two full-size golf bags, and the small rear doors and relatively spacious trunk make trips to the home improvement center possible.It's not as roomy as a sedan, but it can move people and stuff when needed, while offer the driving experience of a two-seat sports car. In short, the RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car.And it's the small but powerful rotary engine that makes this possible. The RX-8 was launched as an all-new model for 2004.Its most significant prior update was the six-speed automatic transmission that arrived for 2006, replacing the previously available four-speed.In addition to two more gears, the six-speed automatic also brought steering-wheel mounted paddle controls for semi-manual shifting; and allowed the engine to be tuned closer to its manual-transmission specification, narrowing the performance gap between the auto-shifting and shift-it-yourself versions. Still, the manual and automatic models are two different cars.The manual benefits from 232 horsepower at 8500 rpm, while the automatic gets 212 hp at 7500 rpm, albeit with the same 159 pound-feet of torque at 5500 rpm.The bottom line is that the manual model is for driving enthusiasts willing to shift for themselves and those seeking maximum efficiency, while the automatic is for drivers more interested in the look and feel of a sports car than in ultimate performance or heavy stop-and-go commuters.It's been 40 years since Mazda released its first rotary-engine production model, a twin-rotor coupe called Cosmo Sport in mid-1967.By the early 1970s, the rotary seemed poised to conquer the automotive world.That never happened for a long list of reasons, but the lightweight rotary engine found a purpose powering a delightful series of light, nimble, high-revving Mazda sports-touring cars.Over the past four decades, Mazda has manufactured more than 1.9 million rotary-engine vehicles.And we're glad it did. The latest model in this series, the ingeniously engineered Mazda RX-8, drives like a sports car, with a high-revving engine and near perfect weight distribution for balanced handling, and it has garnered motoring award recognition on four continents. For 2009 RX-8 receives evolutionary styling updates, a more rigid structure and driveshaft, revised rear suspension and gearing, and a new RX-8 R3 aimed at enthusiasts.Although the R3 powertrain is the same as that of the other RX8s, its sports suspension and cosmetic and functional upgrades qualify it as the best sports value in the line for serious enthusiasts. The Mazda RX-8 is surprisingly practical.It's capable of taking the kids to soccer practice, with passenger space for four full-size adults.There's enough room for a weekend's worth of luggage or two full-size golf bags, and the small rear doors and relatively spacious trunk make trips to the home improvement center possible.It's not as roomy as a sedan, but it can move people and stuff when needed, while offer the driving experience of a two-seat sports car. In short, the RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car.And it's the small but powerful rotary engine that makes this possible. The RX-8 was launched as an all-new model for 2004.Its most significant prior update was the six-speed automatic transmission that arrived for 2006, replacing the previously available four-speed.In addition to two more gears, the six-speed automatic also brought steering-wheel mounted paddle controls for semi-manual shifting; and allowed the engine to be tuned closer to its manual-transmission specification, narrowing the performance gap between the auto-shifting and shift-it-yourself versions. Still, the manual and automatic models are two different cars.The manual benefits from 232 horsepower at 8500 rpm, while the automatic gets 212 hp at 7500 rpm, albeit with the same 159 pound-feet of torque at 5500 rpm.The bottom line is that the manual model is for driving enthusiasts willing to shift for themselves and those seeking maximum efficiency, while the automatic is for drivers more interested in the look and feel of a sports car than in ultimate performance or heavy stop-and-go commuters.It's been 40 years since Mazda released its first rotary-engine production model, a twin-rotor coupe called Cosmo Sport in mid-1967.By the early 1970s, the rotary seemed poised to conquer the automotive world.That never happened for a long list of reasons, but the lightweight rotary engine found a purpose powering a delightful series of light, nimble, high-revving Mazda sports-touring cars.Over the past four decades, Mazda has manufactured more than 1.9 million rotary-engine vehicles.And we're glad it did. The latest model in this series, the ingeniously engineered Mazda RX-8, drives like a sports car, with a high-revving engine and near perfect weight distribution for balanced handling, and it has garnered motoring award recognition on four continents. For 2009 RX-8 receives evolutionary styling updates, a more rigid structure and driveshaft, revised rear suspension and gearing, and a new RX-8 R3 aimed at enthusiasts.Although the R3 powertrain is the same as that of the other RX8s, its sports suspension and cosmetic and functional upgrades qualify it as the best sports value in the line for serious enthusiasts. The Mazda RX-8 is surprisingly practical.It's capable of taking the kids to soccer practice, with passenger space for four full-size adults.There's enough room for a weekend's worth of luggage or two full-size golf bags, and the small rear doors and relatively spacious trunk make trips to the home improvement center possible.It's not as roomy as a sedan, but it can move people and stuff when needed, while offer the driving experience of a two-seat sports car. In short, the RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car.And it's the small but powerful rotary engine that makes this possible. The RX-8 was launched as an all-new model for 2004.Its most significant prior update was the six-speed automatic transmission that arrived for 2006, replacing the previously available four-speed.In addition to two more gears, the six-speed automatic also brought steering-wheel mounted paddle controls for semi-manual shifting; and allowed the engine to be tuned closer to its manual-transmission specification, narrowing the performance gap between the auto-shifting and shift-it-yourself versions. Still, the manual and automatic models are two different cars.The manual benefits from 232 horsepower at 8500 rpm, while the automatic gets 212 hp at 7500 rpm, albeit with the same 159 pound-feet of torque at 5500 rpm.The bottom line is that the manual model is for driving enthusiasts willing to shift for themselves and those seeking maximum efficiency, while the automatic is for drivers more interested in the look and feel of a sports car than in ultimate performance or heavy stop-and-go commuters.It's been 40 years since Mazda released its first rotary-engine production model, a twin-rotor coupe called Cosmo Sport in mid-1967.By the early 1970s, the rotary seemed poised to conquer the automotive world.That never happened for a long list of reasons, but the lightweight rotary engine found a purpose powering a delightful series of light, nimble, high-revving Mazda sports-touring cars.Over the past four decades, Mazda has manufactured more than 1.9 million rotary-engine vehicles.And we're glad it did. The latest model in this series, the ingeniously engineered Mazda RX-8, drives like a sports car, with a high-revving engine and near perfect weight distribution for balanced handling, and it has garnered motoring award recognition on four continents. For 2009 RX-8 receives evolutionary styling updates, a more rigid structure and driveshaft, revised rear suspension and gearing, and a new RX-8 R3 aimed at enthusiasts.Although the R3 powertrain is the same as that of the other RX8s, its sports suspension and cosmetic and functional upgrades qualify it as the best sports value in the line for serious enthusiasts. The Mazda RX-8 is surprisingly practical.It's capable of taking the kids to soccer practice, with passenger space for four full-size adults.There's enough room for a weekend's worth of luggage or two full-size golf bags, and the small rear doors and relatively spacious trunk make trips to the home improvement center possible.It's not as roomy as a sedan, but it can move people and stuff when needed, while offer the driving experience of a two-seat sports car. In short, the RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car.And it's the small but powerful rotary engine that makes this possible. The RX-8 was launched as an all-new model for 2004.Its most significant prior update was the six-speed automatic transmission that arrived for 2006, replacing the previously available four-speed.In addition to two more gears, the six-speed automatic also brought steering-wheel mounted paddle controls for semi-manual shifting; and allowed the engine to be tuned closer to its manual-transmission specification, narrowing the performance gap between the auto-shifting and shift-it-yourself versions. Still, the manual and automatic models are two different cars.The manual benefits from 232 horsepower at 8500 rpm, while the automatic gets 212 hp at 7500 rpm, albeit with the same 159 pound-feet of torque at 5500 rpm.The bottom line is that the manual model is for driving enthusiasts willing to shift for themselves and those seeking maximum efficiency, while the automatic is for drivers more interested in the look and feel of a sports car than in ultimate performance or heavy stop-and-go commuters.It's been 40 years since Mazda released its first rotary-engine production model, a twin-rotor coupe called Cosmo Sport in mid-1967.By the early 1970s, the rotary seemed poised to conquer the automotive world.That never happened for a long list of reasons, but the lightweight rotary engine found a purpose powering a delightful series of light, nimble, high-revving Mazda sports-touring cars.Over the past four decades, Mazda has manufactured more than 1.9 million rotary-engine vehicles.And we're glad it did. The latest model in this series, the ingeniously engineered Mazda RX-8, drives like a sports car, with a high-revving engine and near perfect weight distribution for balanced handling, and it has garnered motoring award recognition on four continents. For 2009 RX-8 receives evolutionary styling updates, a more rigid structure and driveshaft, revised rear suspension and gearing, and a new RX-8 R3 aimed at enthusiasts.Although the R3 powertrain is the same as that of the other RX8s, its sports suspension and cosmetic and functional upgrades qualify it as the best sports value in the line for serious enthusiasts. The Mazda RX-8 is surprisingly practical.It's capable of taking the kids to soccer practice, with passenger space for four full-size adults.There's enough room for a weekend's worth of luggage or two full-size golf bags, and the small rear doors and relatively spacious trunk make trips to the home improvement center possible.It's not as roomy as a sedan, but it can move people and stuff when needed, while offer the driving experience of a two-seat sports car. In short, the RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car.And it's the small but powerful rotary engine that makes this possible. The RX-8 was launched as an all-new model for 2004.Its most significant prior update was the six-speed automatic transmission that arrived for 2006, replacing the previously available four-speed.In addition to two more gears, the six-speed automatic also brought steering-wheel mounted paddle controls for semi-manual shifting; and allowed the engine to be tuned closer to its manual-transmission specification, narrowing the performance gap between the auto-shifting and shift-it-yourself versions. Still, the manual and automatic models are two different cars.The manual benefits from 232 horsepower at 8500 rpm, while the automatic gets 212 hp at 7500 rpm, albeit with the same 159 pound-feet of torque at 5500 rpm.The bottom line is that the manual model is for driving enthusiasts willing to shift for themselves and those seeking maximum efficiency, while the automatic is for drivers more interested in the look and feel of a sports car than in ultimate performance or heavy stop-and-go commuters.It's been 40 years since Mazda released its first rotary-engine production model, a twin-rotor coupe called Cosmo Sport in mid-1967.By the early 1970s, the rotary seemed poised to conquer the automotive world.That never happened for a long list of reasons, but the lightweight rotary engine found a purpose powering a delightful series of light, nimble, high-revving Mazda sports-touring cars.Over the past four decades, Mazda has manufactured more than 1.9 million rotary-engine vehicles.And we're glad it did. The latest model in this series, the ingeniously engineered Mazda RX-8, drives like a sports car, with a high-revving engine and near perfect weight distribution for balanced handling, and it has garnered motoring award recognition on four continents. For 2009 RX-8 receives evolutionary styling updates, a more rigid structure and driveshaft, revised rear suspension and gearing, and a new RX-8 R3 aimed at enthusiasts.Although the R3 powertrain is the same as that of the other RX8s, its sports suspension and cosmetic and functional upgrades qualify it as the best sports value in the line for serious enthusiasts. The Mazda RX-8 is surprisingly practical.It's capable of taking the kids to soccer practice, with passenger space for four full-size adults.There's enough room for a weekend's worth of luggage or two full-size golf bags, and the small rear doors and relatively spacious trunk make trips to the home improvement center possible.It's not as roomy as a sedan, but it can move people and stuff when needed, while offer the driving experience of a two-seat sports car. In short, the RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car.And it's the small but powerful rotary engine that makes this possible. The RX-8 was launched as an all-new model for 2004.Its most significant prior update was the six-speed automatic transmission that arrived for 2006, replacing the previously available four-speed.In addition to two more gears, the six-speed automatic also brought steering-wheel mounted paddle controls for semi-manual shifting; and allowed the engine to be tuned closer to its manual-transmission specification, narrowing the performance gap between the auto-shifting and shift-it-yourself versions. Still, the manual and automatic models are two different cars.The manual benefits from 232 horsepower at 8500 rpm, while the automatic gets 212 hp at 7500 rpm, albeit with the same 159 pound-feet of torque at 5500 rpm.The bottom line is that the manual model is for driving enthusiasts willing to shift for themselves and those seeking maximum efficiency, while the automatic is for drivers more interested in the look and feel of a sports car than in ultimate performance or heavy stop-and-go commuters.It's been 40 years since Mazda released its first rotary-engine production model, a twin-rotor coupe called Cosmo Sport in mid-1967.By the early 1970s, the rotary seemed poised to conquer the automotive world.That never happened for a long list of reasons, but the lightweight rotary engine found a purpose powering a delightful series of light, nimble, high-revving Mazda sports-touring cars.Over the past four decades, Mazda has manufactured more than 1.9 million rotary-engine vehicles.And we're glad it did. The latest model in this series, the ingeniously engineered Mazda RX-8, drives like a sports car, with a high-revving engine and near perfect weight distribution for balanced handling, and it has garnered motoring award recognition on four continents. For 2009 RX-8 receives evolutionary styling updates, a more rigid structure and driveshaft, revised rear suspension and gearing, and a new RX-8 R3 aimed at enthusiasts.Although the R3 powertrain is the same as that of the other RX8s, its sports suspension and cosmetic and functional upgrades qualify it as the best sports value in the line for serious enthusiasts. The Mazda RX-8 is surprisingly practical.It's capable of taking the kids to soccer practice, with passenger space for four full-size adults.There's enough room for a weekend's worth of luggage or two full-size golf bags, and the small rear doors and relatively spacious trunk make trips to the home improvement center possible.It's not as roomy as a sedan, but it can move people and stuff when needed, while offer the driving experience of a two-seat sports car. In short, the RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car.And it's the small but powerful rotary engine that makes this possible. The RX-8 was launched as an all-new model for 2004.Its most significant prior update was the six-speed automatic transmission that arrived for 2006, replacing the previously available four-speed.In addition to two more gears, the six-speed automatic also brought steering-wheel mounted paddle controls for semi-manual shifting; and allowed the engine to be tuned closer to its manual-transmission specification, narrowing the performance gap between the auto-shifting and shift-it-yourself versions. Still, the manual and automatic models are two different cars.The manual benefits from 232 horsepower at 8500 rpm, while the automatic gets 212 hp at 7500 rpm, albeit with the same 159 pound-feet of torque at 5500 rpm.The bottom line is that the manual model is for driving enthusiasts willing to shift for themselves and those seeking maximum efficiency, while the automatic is for drivers more interested in the look and feel of a sports car than in ultimate performance or heavy stop-and-go commuters.It's been 40 years since Mazda released its first rotary-engine production model, a twin-rotor coupe called Cosmo Sport in mid-1967.By the early 1970s, the rotary seemed poised to conquer the automotive world.That never happened for a long list of reasons, but the lightweight rotary engine found a purpose powering a delightful series of light, nimble, high-revving Mazda sports-touring cars.Over the past four decades, Mazda has manufactured more than 1.9 million rotary-engine vehicles.And we're glad it did. The latest model in this series, the ingeniously engineered Mazda RX-8, drives like a sports car, with a high-revving engine and near perfect weight distribution for balanced handling, and it has garnered motoring award recognition on four continents. For 2009 RX-8 receives evolutionary styling updates, a more rigid structure and driveshaft, revised rear suspension and gearing, and a new RX-8 R3 aimed at enthusiasts.Although the R3 powertrain is the same as that of the other RX8s, its sports suspension and cosmetic and functional upgrades qualify it as the best sports value in the line for serious enthusiasts. The Mazda RX-8 is surprisingly practical.It's capable of taking the kids to soccer practice, with passenger space for four full-size adults.There's enough room for a weekend's worth of luggage or two full-size golf bags, and the small rear doors and relatively spacious trunk make trips to the home improvement center possible.It's not as roomy as a sedan, but it can move people and stuff when needed, while offer the driving experience of a two-seat sports car. In short, the RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car.And it's the small but powerful rotary engine that makes this possible. The RX-8 was launched as an all-new model for 2004.Its most significant prior update was the six-speed automatic transmission that arrived for 2006, replacing the previously available four-speed.In addition to two more gears, the six-speed automatic also brought steering-wheel mounted paddle controls for semi-manual shifting; and allowed the engine to be tuned closer to its manual-transmission specification, narrowing the performance gap between the auto-shifting and shift-it-yourself versions. Still, the manual and automatic models are two different cars.The manual benefits from 232 horsepower at 8500 rpm, while the automatic gets 212 hp at 7500 rpm, albeit with the same 159 pound-feet of torque at 5500 rpm.The bottom line is that the manual model is for driving enthusiasts willing to shift for themselves and those seeking maximum efficiency, while the automatic is for drivers more interested in the look and feel of a sports car than in ultimate performance or heavy stop-and-go commuters.It's been 40 years since Mazda released its first rotary-engine production model, a twin-rotor coupe called Cosmo Sport in mid-1967.By the early 1970s, the rotary seemed poised to conquer the automotive world.That never happened for a long list of reasons, but the lightweight rotary engine found a purpose powering a delightful series of light, nimble, high-revving Mazda sports-touring cars.Over the past four decades, Mazda has manufactured more than 1.9 million rotary-engine vehicles.And we're glad it did. The latest model in this series, the ingeniously engineered Mazda RX-8, drives like a sports car, with a high-revving engine and near perfect weight distribution for balanced handling, and it has garnered motoring award recognition on four continents. For 2009 RX-8 receives evolutionary styling updates, a more rigid structure and driveshaft, revised rear suspension and gearing, and a new RX-8 R3 aimed at enthusiasts.Although the R3 powertrain is the same as that of the other RX8s, its sports suspension and cosmetic and functional upgrades qualify it as the best sports value in the line for serious enthusiasts. The Mazda RX-8 is surprisingly practical.It's capable of taking the kids to soccer practice, with passenger space for four full-size adults.There's enough room for a weekend's worth of luggage or two full-size golf bags, and the small rear doors and relatively spacious trunk make trips to the home improvement center possible.It's not as roomy as a sedan, but it can move people and stuff when needed, while offer the driving experience of a two-seat sports car. In short, the RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car.And it's the small but powerful rotary engine that makes this possible. The RX-8 was launched as an all-new model for 2004.Its most significant prior update was the six-speed automatic transmission that arrived for 2006, replacing the previously available four-speed.In addition to two more gears, the six-speed automatic also brought steering-wheel mounted paddle controls for semi-manual shifting; and allowed the engine to be tuned closer to its manual-transmission specification, narrowing the performance gap between the auto-shifting and shift-it-yourself versions. Still, the manual and automatic models are two different cars.The manual benefits from 232 horsepower at 8500 rpm, while the automatic gets 212 hp at 7500 rpm, albeit with the same 159 pound-feet of torque at 5500 rpm.The bottom line is that the manual model is for driving enthusiasts willing to shift for themselves and those seeking maximum efficiency, while the automatic is for drivers more interested in the look and feel of a sports car than in ultimate performance or heavy stop-and-go commuters.It's been 40 years since Mazda released its first rotary-engine production model, a twin-rotor coupe called Cosmo Sport in mid-1967.By the early 1970s, the rotary seemed poised to conquer the automotive world.That never happened for a long list of reasons, but the lightweight rotary engine found a purpose powering a delightful series of light, nimble, high-revving Mazda sports-touring cars.Over the past four decades, Mazda has manufactured more than 1.9 million rotary-engine vehicles.And we're glad it did. The latest model in this series, the ingeniously engineered Mazda RX-8, drives like a sports car, with a high-revving engine and near perfect weight distribution for balanced handling, and it has garnered motoring award recognition on four continents. For 2009 RX-8 receives evolutionary styling updates, a more rigid structure and driveshaft, revised rear suspension and gearing, and a new RX-8 R3 aimed at enthusiasts.Although the R3 powertrain is the same as that of the other RX8s, its sports suspension and cosmetic and functional upgrades qualify it as the best sports value in the line for serious enthusiasts. The Mazda RX-8 is surprisingly practical.It's capable of taking the kids to soccer practice, with passenger space for four full-size adults.There's enough room for a weekend's worth of luggage or two full-size golf bags, and the small rear doors and relatively spacious trunk make trips to the home improvement center possible.It's not as roomy as a sedan, but it can move people and stuff when needed, while offer the driving experience of a two-seat sports car. In short, the RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car.And it's the small but powerful rotary engine that makes this possible. The RX-8 was launched as an all-new model for 2004.Its most significant prior update was the six-speed automatic transmission that arrived for 2006, replacing the previously available four-speed.In addition to two more gears, the six-speed automatic also brought steering-wheel mounted paddle controls for semi-manual shifting; and allowed the engine to be tuned closer to its manual-transmission specification, narrowing the performance gap between the auto-shifting and shift-it-yourself versions. Still, the manual and automatic models are two different cars.The manual benefits from 232 horsepower at 8500 rpm, while the automatic gets 212 hp at 7500 rpm, albeit with the same 159 pound-feet of torque at 5500 rpm.The bottom line is that the manual model is for driving enthusiasts willing to shift for themselves and those seeking maximum efficiency, while the automatic is for drivers more interested in the look and feel of a sports car than in ultimate performance or heavy stop-and-go commuters.It's been 40 years since Mazda released its first rotary-engine production model, a twin-rotor coupe called Cosmo Sport in mid-1967.By the early 1970s, the rotary seemed poised to conquer the automotive world.That never happened for a long list of reasons, but the lightweight rotary engine found a purpose powering a delightful series of light, nimble, high-revving Mazda sports-touring cars.Over the past four decades, Mazda has manufactured more than 1.9 million rotary-engine vehicles.And we're glad it did. The latest model in this series, the ingeniously engineered Mazda RX-8, drives like a sports car, with a high-revving engine and near perfect weight distribution for balanced handling, and it has garnered motoring award recognition on four continents. For 2009 RX-8 receives evolutionary styling updates, a more rigid structure and driveshaft, revised rear suspension and gearing, and a new RX-8 R3 aimed at enthusiasts.Although the R3 powertrain is the same as that of the other RX8s, its sports suspension and cosmetic and functional upgrades qualify it as the best sports value in the line for serious enthusiasts. The Mazda RX-8 is surprisingly practical.It's capable of taking the kids to soccer practice, with passenger space for four full-size adults.There's enough room for a weekend's worth of luggage or two full-size golf bags, and the small rear doors and relatively spacious trunk make trips to the home improvement center possible.It's not as roomy as a sedan, but it can move people and stuff when needed, while offer the driving experience of a two-seat sports car. In short, the RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car.And it's the small but powerful rotary engine that makes this possible. The RX-8 was launched as an all-new model for 2004.Its most significant prior update was the six-speed automatic transmission that arrived for 2006, replacing the previously available four-speed.In addition to two more gears, the six-speed automatic also brought steering-wheel mounted paddle controls for semi-manual shifting; and allowed the engine to be tuned closer to its manual-transmission specification, narrowing the performance gap between the auto-shifting and shift-it-yourself versions. Still, the manual and automatic models are two different cars.The manual benefits from 232 horsepower at 8500 rpm, while the automatic gets 212 hp at 7500 rpm, albeit with the same 159 pound-feet of torque at 5500 rpm.The bottom line is that the manual model is for driving enthusiasts willing to shift for themselves and those seeking maximum efficiency, while the automatic is for drivers more interested in the look and feel of a sports car than in ultimate performance or heavy stop-and-go commuters.It's been 40 years since Mazda released its first rotary-engine production model, a twin-rotor coupe called Cosmo Sport in mid-1967.By the early 1970s, the rotary seemed poised to conquer the automotive world.That never happened for a long list of reasons, but the lightweight rotary engine found a purpose powering a delightful series of light, nimble, high-revving Mazda sports-touring cars.Over the past four decades, Mazda has manufactured more than 1.9 million rotary-engine vehicles.And we're glad it did. The latest model in this series, the ingeniously engineered Mazda RX-8, drives like a sports car, with a high-revving engine and near perfect weight distribution for balanced handling, and it has garnered motoring award recognition on four continents. For 2009 RX-8 receives evolutionary styling updates, a more rigid structure and driveshaft, revised rear suspension and gearing, and a new RX-8 R3 aimed at enthusiasts.Although the R3 powertrain is the same as that of the other RX8s, its sports suspension and cosmetic and functional upgrades qualify it as the best sports value in the line for serious enthusiasts. The Mazda RX-8 is surprisingly practical.It's capable of taking the kids to soccer practice, with passenger space for four full-size adults.There's enough room for a weekend's worth of luggage or two full-size golf bags, and the small rear doors and relatively spacious trunk make trips to the home improvement center possible.It's not as roomy as a sedan, but it can move people and stuff when needed, while offer the driving experience of a two-seat sports car. In short, the RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car.And it's the small but powerful rotary engine that makes this possible. The RX-8 was launched as an all-new model for 2004.Its most significant prior update was the six-speed automatic transmission that arrived for 2006, replacing the previously available four-speed.In addition to two more gears, the six-speed automatic also brought steering-wheel mounted paddle controls for semi-manual shifting; and allowed the engine to be tuned closer to its manual-transmission specification, narrowing the performance gap between the auto-shifting and shift-it-yourself versions. Still, the manual and automatic models are two different cars.The manual benefits from 232 horsepower at 8500 rpm, while the automatic gets 212 hp at 7500 rpm, albeit with the same 159 pound-feet of torque at 5500 rpm.The bottom line is that the manual model is for driving enthusiasts willing to shift for themselves and those seeking maximum efficiency, while the automatic is for drivers more interested in the look and feel of a sports car than in ultimate performance or heavy stop-and-go commuters.It's been 40 years since Mazda released its first rotary-engine production model, a twin-rotor coupe called Cosmo Sport in mid-1967.By the early 1970s, the rotary seemed poised to conquer the automotive world.That never happened for a long list of reasons, but the lightweight rotary engine found a purpose powering a delightful series of light, nimble, high-