Mazda RX-8

The 2009 Mazda RX-8 is the perfect compromise between a pure sports car and a sports sedan. The high-revving rotary engine sounds like nothing else, and the free-flow door system allows four adults easy access to the front and rear seats.
The rear seat features a handy fold-down center section that allows long items like skis to extend from the trunk into the cabin.
All RX-8 trim levels--Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and the sporty new R3--are powered by a 1.3-liter Wankel rotary engine. The R3 comes only with a 6-speed manual, while all other RX-8s come equipped with either the 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The manual-equipped car produces 232 hp with a 9,000 rpm redline, while the automatic cars put out 212 hp at 7,500 rpm. The manual version achieves 22 mpg and the automatic, 23 mpg on the highway. Standard convenience and safety equipment across the model range includes keyless entry, air conditioning, alarm, cruise control, power windows, tire pressure monitor, anti-lock brakes and front, side and curtain airbags. Touring and Grand Touring models add Xenon headlights and 6-disc CD changer, plus optional power moonroof and Sirius satellite radio. Unique to the Grand Touring car are heated leather seats with power adjustment and automatic climate control. DVD navigation is optional on the Grand Touring.