Click Here - Orb Audio Speaker SaleReview: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3
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Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)
The Mazda RX-8 has always combined excellent sports car handling with a truly unique look and also has suffered from poor torque, making its off-the-line performance distinctly unimpressive. For 2009 the car gets a new trim level, the R3, which mixes elements of a touring and track car and attempts to solve that torque problem through revised gear ratios.
Although the car loses nothing in handling, Mazda managed to smooth out the ride a little. But the RX-8 R3 loses some tech in translation from Japan to the U.S., giving up a navigation system. But the U.S. version keeps Bluetooth cell phone integration as a standard feature, and adds a 300-watt Bose audio system. It might make a good tech car, but its audio sources remain limited.
Add to that that the engine has some serious problems - engine floods when you try driving less than 40 minutes, dont even think about swapping parking spots. Then the rotor drops ... do a google on "rx8 flood replacement" and see how many hits you get. Mazda support is not what it once was - they will blame the customer for all of this, from fuel octane to service levels.
Yes, owned one for a number of years, but the pain got too much.
Agree that torque is still lacking, btw if you notice this drop you are headed for an engine replacement as the compression levels drop off. Plus it is not being taken up by the rx7 converts, seems to be held by the "old man" segment - nothing against that, but heh does make you feel older (plus the torque leaves you wanting at the lights)