Five years after its debut, the RX-8 has received its first major facelift which concerns subtle exterior and interior design changes, chassis improvements and the addition of a new R3 sport package –no, Mazda didn’t fiddle around with the rotary engine units. In terms of exterior styling, the 2009 RX-8 gets restyled front and rear bumpers and front fascia; slightly different headlamps and tail-lamps, larger exhaust and new alloy-wheel designs. The interior gets minor enhancements that include the redesigned centre console, new front and rear seats and an MX-5 inspired steering wheel.
For the 2009 MY, Mazda engineers improved the RX-8’s body rigidity through the addition of structural reinforcements while the rear suspension geometry has also been reconfigured. Additionally, the differential gear ratio on manual transmission-equipped cars is lowered from 4.444 to 4.777.
Finally, Mazda will offer a new R3 sport package (same as the JDM RS) that adds a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and front suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam, a rear spoiler, side sills, fog lights and sporty front bumper along with 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside, the R3 pack adds a 300-watt Bose audio system, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, front Recaro sport seats, leather-wrapped parking brake handle and keyless entry and start system.
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