Now in its sixth year of production, the sporty RX-8 four-door coupe continues to give the Mazda lineup a dash of much-needed excitement, as did its predecessor, the iconic RX-7. For 2009, the RX-8 receives a design refresh as well as a performance update. A new R3 sport trim, designed for driving enthusiasts, also debuts for '09.

The updates start at the RX-8's front end, which sports a more muscular fender and front fascia, a new black grille, and integrated side turn indicators. At the restyled rear end, the RX-8 now comes with twin circular LED taillights and larger exhaust pipes. New five-spoke alloy wheels also give the RX-8 a freshened appearance.

The RX-8's underpinnings have been improved as well, with structural reinforcements that make the body more rigid. In addition, Mazda reconfigured the RX-8's rear suspension geometry, which results in a more rigid driveshaft and improves overall handling, according to the automaker.

Inside, the RX-8 receives a number of new features, including a standard auxiliary audio jack for MP3 players, as well as an optional Bluetooth hands-free phone system, 7-inch touchscreen, and voice-activated DVD navigation system.

The new R3 trim, which joins the existing Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims, features an upgraded sport suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and foam-filled front suspension crossmembers, designed for improved ride comfort. The R3 also comes equipped with a sporty front bumper, unique side sills, a rear spoiler, and 19-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels.

Inside, standard features for the R3 include front Recaro sport seats with leather side bolsters, a leather-wrapped parking brake, an advanced keyless entry and start system, Bluetooth, and a 300-watt Bose audio system with Centerpoint surround sound and AudioPilot noise compensation technology.

A 232-hp, 1.3-liter Renesis two-rotor rotary engine drives all RX-8 trims, including the R3. The rotary engine operates without pistons or valves, and has been a stalwart powerplant of Mazdas for decades. The engine links to a six-speed manual transmission with a short-throw shifter. Drivers can also opt for a six-speed Sport automatic transmission, which includes steering-wheel-mounted paddles so drivers can shift manually. Trims with the automatic transmission are powered by a 212-hp rotary engine. The R3 comes only with the manual transmission and more powerful engine.

Standard features for all trims include air-conditioning, power windows, and power door locks. The Touring, Grand Touring, and R3 trims also come with self-leveling Xenon high-intensity headlights, foglights, a rear-view auto-dimming mirror with Homelink, and an in-dash 6-CD changer. The Grand Touring adds heated exterior mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control, and heated front seats with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat.

As in previous years, all RX-8 trims come with the Freestyle door system, which includes two rear-hinged doors that open toward the front of the car. The front doors open normally, creating a wide opening for loading and unloading the back seat.

Safety features throughout the line include antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, side-impact protection, and an advanced airbag system. In addition, all trims except the entry-level Sport trim come with dynamic stability control with traction control.