Test Drive: 2009 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring
The Mazda RX-8 is a complex car. And we don’t just mean we co-sign it, we mean that it stands out from the rest of the sports car world thanks to its unique features. Like its use of the Renesis rotary engine. Or its hidden rear doors. In the five years since Mazda released its flagship sports car, there have only been a few cars nearly as interesting. To see if the RX-8 was still the same car we tipped our fitted to in ‘03, we took it out for ride.
Read on for our full review and more photos…
PRICE: $31,000
SPECS:
Engine: 232hp, 159 lb./ft, 1.3L Renesis 2-rotor Rotary Motor
MPG: 16 city/22 mpg
RIDE:
Mazda is known for producing some of the most ridiculously fun sports cars in history. So it’s no surprise that their flagship sports car handles like it was made for the track. With its lightweight rotary motor positioned right behind the front axels and power going to the rear wheels, the RX-8 is afforded almost perfect balance enabling it to handle around corners as if it were a remote control car. And this isn’t even their top of the line R3 model which comes equipped with Bilstein shock absorbers. Although there’s virtually no low-end power, we’ll gladly take the 9,000 RPM redline instead. But that’s not to say it’s sporty ambitions made the ride harsh or unforgiving. The RX-8 is one of the few sport cars that is comfortable enough for you to use as a daily driver. Especially if you rock with the 6 speed automatic with paddle shifters.
EXTERIOR:
Somehow the RX-8’s basic design language has not changed since it’s debut in 2003. It still looks fresh thanks in part to Mazda incorporating their flowing Nagare design language into it, bringing it more inline with the rest of Mazda lineup. Paired with the 18” wheels, the wells are filled nicely giving it an even sportier look.
INTERIOR:
Sporty and comfortable. Though it’s spacious upfront, it gets a little cramped when people slide in the back. The sport buckets are very supportive and keep you in place when the car heads sideways. Our favorite part of the interior was the leather wrapped steering wheel. The three spoke wheel felt perfect in our hands no matter what we were doing. It was hard to take our hands off of it. They also stepped up the interior materials, everything felt good to the touch.
AUDIO:
The GT came with a 300 watt Bose 9 speaker system and a 6 CD changer. A big problem we have with cars is their volume limit, we had no such problem with the RX-8. We were able to crank the system almost to its max without the bass from T-Pain’s “Chopped N Skrewed” cracking. It knocked loud and clear. It also comes with a 3.5” audio input so you can play your MP3 player if you’re like us and don’t carry CDs around.
WHIP APPEAL:
It doesn’t turn heads the way it did when it first dropped, but even though the RX-8 has been out since 2003, people still just don’t know what the hell it is. But for a car that was first introduced as a concept in 2001(!), its design has kept pace with the rest of the automotive world. That said, you still don’t see many of them on the road, making it stand out that much more when you take it out.
ONE MORE THING:
One of the hottest things about the RX-8 are hidden rear hinged “freestyle” doors that gives you easier access to the rear seats. It’s the sports car for those who need a little more than sports car.
SUMMARY: It may not be the most powerful sports car on the market, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most fun to drive. And while we think the gas mileage could be better than 16/22, its high-revving rotary engine, excellence weight balance and looks that belie its age, the RX-8 is perfect for those looking for a fun everyday driver.
RATING: 4.5/5
