The Mazda RX-8 hasn’t seen much in the way of updates over its nearly six-year term. A ‘second-generation’ car was released in Detroit for the 2009 model year, but apart updated electronics and some new bodywork, the car is almost indistinguishable from its forerunner. The only major addition to the range for the new generation is the availability of the factory-tuned RX-8 R3 model, which we received to test recently.

Though the R3 trim doesn’t add any power over the stock RX-8, it does purport to offer something special for the ‘driving-conscious enthusiast’. And it certainly delivers a great deal of fun and capability, provided you know what to expect.

Styling and Exterior
The 2009 RX-8 gets a handful of visual updates that the R3 model shares in or one-ups with its own unique additions, which include new front headlights, redesigned front and rear bumpers, larger exhaust tips, LED rear tail lights, and a rear wing spoiler. Nineteen-inch wheels, a rear-wing spoiler and a front air dam with integrated splitter add aggressiveness to the overall package, and visual appeal bordering on the boyish tuner side of the spectrum.