New for 2007, the four-door Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring sport coupe was the new high-end model for the RX-8 line. It was equipped with such features as leather seats that were heated in the front, eight-way adjustable front seats, an advanced keyless entry system, heated exterior mirrors, a power sliding moonroof, and a nine-speaker Bose premium audio system.
Other features of the RX-8 Grand Touring included front fog lamps, Xenon headlights, free-style doors for easy passenger access, air conditioning, cruise control with steering-wheel-mounted controls, power windows, a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, and front, side, and curtain air bags for the driver and passenger. In addition, the car was equipped with Dynamic Stability Control with traction control.
Power was provided by a 232-horsepower, 1.3-liter Renesis rotary engine. A six-speed manual transmission was standard, while a six-speed Sport AT automatic transmission was available as an option. (Horsepower with the automatic transmission dropped to 212.)
It all made for powerful, agile, well-balanced, and stylish four-seater sport coupe, with a responsive rotary engine that gave off a distinctive hum. The RX-8 received high praise from both drivers and reviewers, many of whom classified the car as among the best on the road today.