2009 Mazda RX-8
The 2008 Mazda RX-8 is a four-passenger sports car. In addition to the two conventional front doors, the RX-8 offers a pair of small reverse-opening rear doors to ease access to the rear passenger compartment. There are three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. Each is available with a choice of a six-speed automatic transmission (with paddle shifters) or a six-speed manual transmission.

The RX-8 Sport automatic comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control, a CD player and full power features. The Sport with the six-speed manual transmission, as well as all the other trims, gains more performance via a limited-slip differential, a sport-tuned suspension, larger front brakes and 18-inch alloy wheels. The midlevel Touring adds a sunroof, foglamps, a Bose audio system with six-CD changer, HomeLink, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and xenon headlights. The Grand Touring provides luxuries such as a power driver seat, heated seats, leather upholstery and heated side mirrors. A performance package is available on the Sport that includes xenon headlights and foglamps for the six-speed manual, while the automatic also gets the limited-slip differential, a sport-tuned suspension, larger front brakes and 18-inch wheels and tires. Stand-alone options include a navigation system (Grand Touring only) and an in-dash six-CD changer (Sport).