For 2008, the Mazda RX-8 comes in three trim levels, plus the Anniversary model. All are powered by a 1.3-liter twin-rotor rotary engine.
The base-level RX-8 Sport comes with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission, both for the same price ($26,435). Standard equipment includes cloth upholstery; air conditioning; AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers and steering-wheel mounted controls; cruise control; power windows, mirrors and locks; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; floor and overhead consoles; rear window defogger; variable-speed intermittent windshield wipers; and an alarm with immobilizer. Automatics roll on 225/55R16 radials on 16-inch alloy rims; manual-shift models get 225/45R18 high-performance tires on 18-inch rims. Manual-shift Sport models also come with a stiffer suspension, bigger brakes, and a limited-slip torque-sensing differential.
The RX-8 Touring also comes with manual ($29,535) or automatic transmission ($30,335), and adds Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with traction control; high-intensity discharge headlamps; fog lamps; power sliding glass sunroof; auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with Homelink; and a 300-watt Bose nine-speaker sound system with AudioPilot noise compensation and an in-dash, six-CD changer. Additionally, automatic Tourings upgrade to the manual model's sport suspension; limited-slip differential; and larger brakes, wheels, and tires.
Grand Touring ($31,070) adds leather seating with matching synthetic leather door panels, heated front seats, eight-way power for the driver's seat, heated outside mirrors, and Mazda's advanced keyless entry and start system. As with the Touring level, the Grand Touring automatic ($31,770) benefits from the same chassis upgrades as the manual version.
The 40th Anniversary model, with manual ($31,370) or automatic ($32,070) transmission, will come fully equipped and enhanced with special Metropolitan Gray paint, Cosmo Red leather interior, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, further suspension upgrades, fog lamps, silver engine cover, and special badging. Anniversary models will be available early in calendar-year 2008.
A Performance Package ($1,300) for manual-transmission Sport models adds Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), HID headlamps, and fog lamps. A similar package ($2,000) for automatic Sports adds those items plus the manual model's handling equipment and brakes. A navigation system ($2,000) is offered for Grand Touring only. Optional on all models is Crystal White Pearl paint ($200).
Options and accessories include an aero body kit ($1,100), Sirius satellite radio ($430), shock-sensor alarm ($60), spare tire kit ($395), and a CD-changer for Sport models ($500); plus an array of cargo organizers, protective trim, and other appearance items.
Safety features that come standard include frontal and side-impact airbags (for torso protection) for the front passengers, and curtain airbags (for head protection) front and rear. A tire pressure monitor is also standard on all models. Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution comes standard; DSC stability control is optional.