INTRO: So much more than average, the 2011 Mazda RX-8 carries its innovative 4-seat/4-door sports car design into another year, bringing the sleek and athletic rotary engine-powered vehicle into sedan-buyer territory.
FEATURES: The leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob elevate all trim levels. An innovative door system provides easy access to all four buckets seats by doing away with a center pillar. The R3 package delivers more extreme performance by firming up the suspension and adding a rear wing spoiler.
PERFORMANCE: Powering the RX-8 is a 1.3-liter Renesis rotary engine capable of 232 horsepower when mated to the standard 6-speed manual transmission. Horsepower drops to 212 with the 6-speed automatic available for the base and Grand Touring trims. Rear wheel drive is standard.
FUEL ECONOMY: Here are the highest and lowest EPA estimates for fuel economy:
PRICING/WARRANTY: Base MSRP for the 2011 Mazda RX-8 is $26,795. The up-rated R3 trim starts at $32,290. The RX-8 is backed by a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
CLOSING: A sports car with conviction that offers sedan-like versatility, the performance-oriented 2011 Mazda RX-8 is as uncommon as the roar of its rotary engine.