2009 Mazda RX-8 R3 Review (video)

The RX-8 didn't need to be any more agile or sporty, but Mazda's dialed it up a notch anyways with their new-for-2009 R3 package. Building on the machine's recent makeover, the R3 kit adds a few goodies to get the tuner and performance buffs talking around the water cooler.

The Mazda RX-8 R3 has an incredible level of stare-attracting power for the price.

A blue track suit
Sunroof? Gone. Power seats? Gone. Lip-kit? Very much. The R3 add-ons give RX-8 a strictly race-track appearance. The front bumper incorporates some enormous scoops with integrated signal lights while a lower lip in grey plastic stands out against the electric blue paint. Xenon lights are bolted on as well.

Lower sills are installed, and carry the front lip along the sides. In back, the LED-ringed taillamps mirror the dual outlet exhausts, and a raised spoiler helps complete the showy look.

Younger folks especially love it, and you'll see thumbs up and hear words like 'sick' and 'wicked' at every traffic light.

The entire package rolls on a set of great looking 19-inch gunmetal colored alloy wheels. Conveniently, they're the same color as the brake dust created behind them- so they always look clean. Cheating yes, but a clever idea nonetheless.

A track-ready coupe for the family?
Inside, there's some red stitching, a six-speed stick and an amazingly grippy set of front Recaro seats that hold occupants very firmly in place. The buckets lack much adjustability, and they're built for occupants of average size or smaller. They do to your backside what the rest of the car does to the road- squeezes the living heck out of it.

Some folks gripe about the addition of the RX-8's extra rear suicide doors, but if you have kids, or friends who may wish for an occasional ride, you'll be thankful for them. Rear quarters are snug but comfortable once occupants settle, and the car never feels penalized for their existence. Trunk space is slightly limited, though the RX-8 still makes more sense than just about anything in its class for the buyer that has a family.

Inside, there's some red stitching, a six-speed stick and an amazingly grippy set of front Recaro seats.