2007 Mazda RX-8 - Review

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The sporty and curvaceous four-passenger RX-8 sports car is designed with dual rear-hinged half doors that permit easy entry into and egress from the backseat, but with the overall look of a coupe. For 2007, the RX-8 is mostly a carryover, with changes confined to newly available Sand-trimmed leather seats for the top-of-the-line Grand Touring version and the adoption of a standard six-disc CD changer for both mid-level Touring and Grand Touring versions. Base and Sport trim lines continue unchanged for '07. There are also two new exterior colors, Crystal White Pearl and Stormy Blue Mica. Cars with the six-speed manual gearbox come with a 232-horsepower version of the 1.3-liter rotary engine unique to the RX lineup. Automatic versions get a slightly detuned, 212 horsepower version of the rotary engine. The automatic now has six forward gears instead of just four, and features F1-style paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Both automatic and manual transmission cars come equipped with power windows, mirrors and door locks, cruise control and an AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers, in addition to  four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes, side impact and curtain airbags. Stability control is optional, as are high-intensity xenon headlamps, a navigation system and a rear wing spoiler.