Is this the 2009 Mazda RX-8?
December 24, 2007 by George Skentzos
The official debut of the 2009 Mazda RX-8 is slated for the Detroit Motor Show next year, however a magazine scan has surfaced – as they often do – of what is allegedly the new 2009 model RX-8.
If these shots are indeed that of the revised model, it seems Mazda are maintaining much of their highly acclaimed, award winning original design, with only subtle changes made to the front and rear bumpers, a slightly modified grill and revised lights.
The overall styling is reminiscent of the Mazdaspeed RX-8 concept which first debuted back in 2005.
Source: CarScoop
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I would have expected a bigger change after five years on the market, but I guess its whats under the bonnet that is important and it already is a pretty good car. The front lights look like a Honda S2000.
developing something that wont be upstaged by a WRX STI or Evo would be a good start – esp when you look at how much you are paying for it and how much petrol it gulps for what is relatively average performance…
I can’t see that much difference, but they got rid of that triangle on the out side.
There is not much changes to the car from the outside…inside….might have…….but i heard mazda said they are planning of making a much more powerful engine!
Oh! Yeah! ………….you can see the 300 in the top pic! Must mean the type of power (kW) or something so i bet it will be alot more powerful.
I think they could have changed more externally… But you never know, they could just be saying this is what the new ones going to be like, but in fact they could change stuff on it so its completely different to what we were expecting.
They will change it alot more when it hits the market, it looks too much like the current model.
Looks like everyone has gone to bed for tommorow…I might have to aswell.
Duck. i would think the 300 is actually in HP not kW as the current RX-8 had 220 or something.
I thought if it became 300KW would a big jump. If that hapend they would almost be a supercar, which is highly unlikely that would ever happen.
Hmm, I was expecting a more radical change to be honest, that’s what was slated. I know the side on profile was to remain the same/similar though.
I do wish they’d produce a turbo version of the RENESIS rotary though.
Also, could swear those rims in the mag pic came off a later model HSV Clubsport…
hahaha, that’s not 300kw or 300hp. This is actually the cover of a Jap car magazine, and its the RRP of the magazine being 300 yen. :)
……..or the 300 means 300 manyen, menaing, 3,000,000 yen meaning it will cost around 30K. This is how much they cost in Japan.
“Also, could swear those rims in the mag pic came off a later model HSV Clubsport…”
haha it’s true! it’s so damn true.
looks like an aftermarket kit
merry xmas guys!
i wonder how they will increase the power by 80hp without futher compromising its already poor fuel economy
Maybe this is just a minor facelift to come out in 2008 with a new model due in the later part of 2009….
Not sure this is the next RX-8, I read somewhere that the suicide rear doors were being left of the next model. This is more of a mid term face lift to top up flagging sales.
If that is the next upgrade Mazda had better have something better under the hood!! Their own 6MPS is a more powerful car and cheaper, has 4 doors, uses much less fuel, same or better equipment levels, is 4wd…
WTF MAZDA???? Turbo the RX8 and give it RX7 output and you will have a winner. Hurry up coz I am sick of waiting for Mazda to do something good with the rotary post RX7 of 2002.
And also take a look at Mazdaspeed and realise that most markets WANT what Mazdaspeed have to offer. Look back at the Aussie SP models and say to yourself… YES… we can do it better from the factory. Stop saying NO to the power and stop catering for the Japanese plastic market and get your gear on. Put a rotary in the MX5 while your at it and I’ll buy both of them.
Tez,
Dont worry MAZDA have got ready to put the rotary’s in the new mazda’s after reading your comment.
Most rotary owners would agree that Mazda need to go FI with it. History shows us that Mazda don’t listen to people’s opinion. But they just might take note if sales are very low. Mazda would sell many thousands more MX5 if they turbo’d the NC 2L… that kind of car should have 150Kw at minimum. The RX8 should have at least 220Kw if it is to compete in the current price range it is in. The instrument cluster is very nice, but the centre console is aweful, and who cares about piano black finish everywhere? Anyone looked at Mazda options? Chromed electric window buttons $300!! (for two buttons!) Bigger mudflaps for $250 etc… Mazda have lost the plot! Trying to outdo BMW I reckon.
And you know any Mazda car cost more to repair and replace parts than Holden or Ford!
Well I just traded my RX8 Leather Pack for a new RX8 Luxury manual with all the bits.
Yes it would be nice if Mazda dropped a turbo or 2 into it, but this car is still such great value & still looks great after 5 years.
Maybe i should put an aftermarket turbo into it :)
BTW I get free petrol :D
everyone should know that rotarys run fuel rich in the fuel/air mixture….. which means…… even if they only have minimal stock power putting in a Turbo would probably give lots of horse not to mention a little bit better fuel economy but, depends the kind of turbo you put it in…. as for the renisis series having stock turbo… well no but mazda will put one in for you and charge you a bit more should push you to 340 Hp thats horsepower now KW;)