2009 Mazda RX-8 revealed
January 11, 2008 by George Skentzos
Update: Details released. Click to read the latest on the 2009 Mazda RX-8.
An entire gallery of the face lifted 2009 Mazda RX-8 has found its way onto the internet accidentally on purpose, revealing that images CarAdvice previously published were indeed accurate.
The model pictured is the Type RS model, unique to the Japanese market. Most reassuringly, Mazda has continued with the unique suicide door arrangement for access into the rear seats.
Notable enhancements include stunning Recaro pews, Porsche-esque fog lamps, alloy wheels as well as revised tail lights. More info to follow when Mazda’s official press release becomes available.
Print it: 
nothing much different from the last model
brrrrrrrrrrrrp
Boring!
Too much like the current model. They could of done better than that! :(
Sorry,still looks dated.
Looks better than current model, brake lights look better i have to admit but i have to agree with the other people it still has’nt had much changed just a minor facelift………rather have a Nissan 350Z
Looks better than the current model, but it’s not much of a change. I’m disappointed that they still haven’t gotten rid of the horrible circular head unit…
Yawn…..
Why is everyone surprised that this is no more than a touch up? Didn’t we all see the all-new (2-door) 2010 car on this very site a couple of weeks ago? Come on, where’s the attention span?
You’re took the words right out of my mouth there Captain. It’s a mid-life crisis face lift to boost flagging sales. I think I wrote that before a few weeks ago. Lets wait for the proper replacement in 2010.
Still no diesel ….heh heh
Love the wheels, shame the performance doesn’t match the looks.
I love the RX8 so a fresh up is cool with me as its a great car now. Of course a few extra kW would be nice but with what Mazda have on the horizon so patience is required. The fresh could have been more ratical but they have to look into the spare parts bin and use what they (Mazda) have to hold over til the the new model. I would still have one thou….love the suicide doors and the rims have greed.
I like very much, it is keeping the RX8 tradition and the new shape does work for this little Mazda, with excellent quality, should win more award’s and heart’s…
They’ve gone BACKWARDS… apart from the general look being ordinary the parts theyve added look rice, for eg the brake lights.
I think the front of the original looks better and cleaner, although the remainder of the changes are an improvement and it still looks nice overall.
Definitely the front of this car looks better then last design as middle air intake matched a lot better with side air intakes where driving lights are.
Hot car…interesting reading some of the comments here, they lack substance. If this car is boring, average design and bland then you are being quite silly…that is have a look in the range of cars you support and you come up with TRD Aurion or other boring grandpa cars when lined up against this car. The shape of this car will leave for dead your TURD Aurion. Everyone seems to forget it is a mild makeover and not a entire new model…one hot car! CONGRATULATIONS MAZDA!
Yaaaaaaaaawn NM… honestly talking about lacking any substance, I cant find any post of yours that has ever had substance. You attack the TRD for having ‘tacky bits’ which is a laugh then come here and praise a Mazda (Ford Connection Suprise Suprise) where all they have managed to do is tack on some parts around the indicators, tack on some rims which look like the local boy racers and finally to complete the backward step tack on some supercheap auto altezza brake lights. I liked the previous RX-8, sporty but not to over-stated…. a good thing.
PULLER…tell someone who cares as you are so polarising a self centred obsessed Toyota lover tosser. Your comments at times are good, but the more one reads the more one comes to the conclusion “GET A LIFE” as same same same = BORING AS!
Facts are:
1. Mazda does not have any design constraints placed on it by Ford
2. If you lined this car up with your TURD Aurion with more way too many curves on bottom air intake and people had a choice to pick – well one is light years more character and style. And finesse.
3. LOL about rear tailights. The Mazda 3 is similar and most have similar style on there cars as standard from manufacturer. Obviously you are scratching your head for that one.
4. As for front end – it looks more stylish as small side air intakes take on depth and before it was just one huge whaleshark grille which looked awkward. Now looks classy
As a former RX8 owner I’d have to say I quite like the look of this. Shame no power upgrade will keep me away from Mazda showrooms and into Mitsubishi showrooms instead.
TP,
i find it a laugh that you come here and shyte on a Mazda (Ford Connection Suprise Suprise)
CapnCrunch,
i think thats the question on everyones lips…..why dont they whip this out with some kick a-r-s-e power????
its got the looks and feel to take it to the evo and rex crowd
The face lift this year is just to tie it over till the new model comes with more power….if Ford had a say in what Mazda did don’t you think that we we go backwards to the old days and have badge sharing…since 2000 I think Mazda have been standing on their own feet and would like the percentage that Ford have in the company back…as Mazda are doing quite well for themselves and Ford are the ones in financial difficulties. On an example most Series 2 model (taxis) Falcon/Holdens don’t get more power its a headlight, trim and light change as what Mazda has done for the RX8 given it a fresh up. The new model rumoured to replace the current RX8 will have a more powerful rotary motor which take it upto the new breed turbo’s.
In regards to using a TRD to compare to an RX8 is ridiculous as the TRD Aurion is missing a letter ” U ”
This car is a warmed up cardigan on wheels and what the hell no manual.
I wasnt soley comparing TRD Aurion with RX8, just got TP to chime in….which he did. My point is the shape of the RX8 is great and stylish.
I think what is much more to the point is TP has stated it looks ordinary – which is a joke especially as the RX8 is a slippery design and curvy as. How many picked this up as stupid comment by TP. Maybe if you all think the RX8 is average you all drive Toyota Corolla’s with aftermarket recaro seats and hang outside Video Ezy. Now that is a much more sporty look…LAUGHING MY ARSE OFF
NM,
you forgot the $300 bolt on autobarn exhaust
This has nothing to do with Toyota yet you’ve managed to twist it in NM. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, as far as Im concerned all they have done is riced up the RX8, which obviously appeals to people like yourself…. I can take most of it but those Altezza lights are a joke, they look exatly like the Tiburons. For me, the previous RX8 was nice, they have gone backwards.
Andrew.M are your referring to the TRD? The TRD exhaust looks awesome… everyone I have spoken to from any brand has said the TRD looks hot… you peoples bias is good for a laugh on a Sunday morning
TP….I never said the TRD exhaust is crap. It does look good if one likes splatter everywhere. You were the one who somehow defies logic by saying the RX8 looks ordinary (dont use defence syaing compared to previous model). Have I not stated I liked the Toyota MR2 some years back which was hot as – in fact I seen around a 1992 model the other day and still looks full on trendy. If you are going to say the RX8 looks ordinary…ordinary compared to what as my point is silly comment to say its ordinary (remember I like cars and am not out and out a Ford supporter you state).
TP,
dont go all paranoid on me man.
i was referring to the $300 autobarn exhaust they bolt on their corollas to go with the recaro seats NM pointed out they bolt in before sitting outside video ezy.
yep i think the exhaust does look pretty cool though (its straight out of the Lexus designers book though)
but as NM said as long as you can handle the splatter that is always pointed out.
i dont think its bias you see here but rather paranoia from yourself
NM this RX8 looks ordinary, simple as that, when I look at it I think Hyundai Tiburon.
Andrew there is no paranoia, I thought you meant TRD… because it seems attacking the TRD is the flavour of the month. Yes some people do up Corollas which look ridiculous, but thats really irrelevant for this argument… we can all agree they are a joke. But the fact is imo the RX8 has gone backwards in terms of exterior looks, rather then some subtle styling chances to modernise it they have added all the boy racer parts they could onto it.
For the first time I can agree with Tomboy Puller.
Chuck a mps engine in it I say.
so anyone can comfirm when wil this new RX8 comes into australia, i m keen to getting one. if this coming soon then i might jus wait for it
200SX
racing
Dont buy, good looks but thats where it ends. Finish will leave you wanting, lot of cabin black plastic [which falls off a lot], engine with more problems than its worth (search on rx8, flooding, replacement). Mine died, rotor drop – and this after many visits to the shop for flooding (expect a no start if you drive it any less than 40 minutes at a time). The rotor drop meant a total engine replacement – Mazda Australia’s comment was “no customer goodwill will be provided”. Legal action I hear, try waiting that one out while you have no wheels.
Expected a lot given the rx7 – lost the zoom.
(plus any one notice the average age of the drivers!!)