First Drive 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3 - Best Performing RX-8 Yet

With a nearly 50:50 weight distribution and almost all of that weight being located between the four tires, the RX-8 dances through transitions like no other. Its all-aluminum, double-wishbone front suspension keeps the front tires planted. Lifting off the gas quickly points the entire car toward wherever your hands are aimed at. There's just enough power to let you work the car through the corners. This is a momentum car, no mistake about it. But once you get a rhythm going, driving an RX-8 fast is an incredibly rewarding experience. And the extras that the R3 version includes make it even better.

If you're into uniqueness, those bumpers, side skirts, rear spoiler and 19-inch forged wheels that you're staring at are all R3 offerings that you haven't seen before. For the techno geeks, it has structurally stiffening urethane foam injected into its front crossmembers and noise-canceling technology programmed into its Bose audio system. And for those who just want to go fast, the sport-tuned Bilstein dampers, stiffer springs and supportive Recaro seats all make this exhilarating ride even better. The sissies who complained about the stiff R1 and R2 versions of the third-generation RX-7 may not like the R3 RX-8. But for anyone who's comfortable daily driving a lowered car, I'd highly recommend the experience of pedaling an R3. Even if you don't buy one, at least snag one for an extended test drive.