Mazda is treating its RX-8 four-door sports car to a midlife freshening for 2009, updating its appearance and extending the powertrain warranty.

The exterior is features restyle front fascia, headlamps, rear bumper, and exhaust outlets. A new five-spoke wheel features a symbolic design reminiscent of the rotary engine.

Inside, the center instrument panel design is update, and the tachometer has a variable red zone to indicate engine operating temperature. The cabin is further transformed with a new steering wheel and redesigned front and rear seats.

On the performance front, a new R3 sport package delivers enhanced handling reminiscent of the R1 and R2 packages offered on the third-generation RX-7. Key to the performance gains is a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and front suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam. (Filling the crossmembers makes for a smoother ride, reduced NVH, and greater suspension control.)

The R3 package declares its potent ability with a unique front bumper, fog lamps, side sills, rear bumper, and 19-inch wheels. It also includes a 300-watt Bose audio system with surround sound and noise compensation technology, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, front Recaro sport seats with leather side bolsters, leather-wrapped parking brake handle, and Mazda keyless entry and start system.

All 2009 Mazda RX-8s have eight years/100,000 miles warranty protection on the Renesis rotary engine, with the balance of the powertrain warranty remains at five years/60,000 miles. Additionally, Mazda will apply this extended eight year/100,000 mile warranty retroactively to all existing 2004-2008 model year RX-8s. This coverage helps offset concerns for an engine with a less-than-sterling reliability reputation. The basic bumper-to-bumper warranty remains at three years/36,000 miles.