Mazda refines their award-winning RX-8 By ALAN GELL www.CarColumns.Net The North American International Auto Show is always a showcase for new or re-newed vehicles, as well as an opportunity to introduce concepts that may make it off the drawing board and into the showrooms.  This year, Mazda release a triple whammy.  They showcased their Furai concept vehicle and the Taiki, brought over from Tokyo.  But what caught my attention was the 2009 RX-8.

The RX-8 hit the market back in 2003 and has not slowed down since.  Mazda's showcases continue to add award upon award for this great looking sports car with the rotary engine.  The heart of the RX-8 is that world-renowned twin-rotor RENESIS rotary engine, which has remained unchanged.  Meanwhile, the exterior and interior have both been refreshed, the performance has been enhanced, and there is a new sports package for the serious driving enthusiast.

The RX-8 is a four door, four seater sports coupe.  The most noticeable update for 2009 is the restyled front and rear bumpers.  The design engineers have also added a new front fascia and a higher quality finish, larger exhaust pipes, and a new five-spoke wheel design.

The freestyle design of the rear-hinged back doors has remained and is very unique.  By putting the hinges at the back of the rear doors, the door opening allows large adults to easily enter or exit the back seat area.  It also makes it easier for reaching or securing a baby carrier.  The cabin floor of the RX-8 is really low, which allows the seats to be mounted low in the chassis.  This provides a low center of gravity, yet does not deter visibility.

The RX-8 had some performance-enhancing changes made.  The hallmark rotary engine stayed the same, but the differential gear ratio was lowered on cars with standard transmission.  The rear suspension geometry was reconfigured.  The driveshaft rigidity was improved.  Although these were small changes, they did help provide better handling and performance. 

The conventional power-steering pump on the RX-8 has been changed to an electric motor.  The Mazda engineers say this provides additional help at low speeds for parking and allows better responsiveness at high speeds.

The new R-3 sport package is being introduced for the 2009 model for the serious driving enthusiast.  It adds sport-tuned suspension and front suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam.  This makes for a smoother ride and better control.  The R-3 sport package also includes a 300 watt Bose audio system, Centerpoint surround sound, front sport seats with leather side bolsters, 19 inch forged aluminum alloy wheels, high performance tires, a rear spoiler, fog lights, and a sporty front bumper.

Check out the Zoom-Zoom factor yourself at a Mazda dealership.  The RX-8 might just be what you are looking for in a sports sedan.