The Mazda RX-8 is celebrating the 40th birthday of the RX model line.  Officially designated as a "2+2 coupe" the RX-8 places performance ahead of utility in regards to rear seating space. The RX-8 has a pair of "free style" rear doors to ease entry.  These rear doors closely resemble suicide doors made famous by the Lincoln Continental circa 1961. 

The 1.3 liter RENESIS rotary power plant is good for 212 horsepower with an automatic transmission and 232 with a manual gearbox.  This high powered engine coupled with the RX-8's nearly perfect 50-50 weight distribution make for an impressively powerful sports car.

True to its sports car roots the Mazda RX-8 is most commonly equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox.  In a nod to convenience Mazda is also offering a six-speed automatic transmission equipped with steering wheel paddle shifters on all trim levels.