2011 Mazda RX-8: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2011 Mazda RX-8 was essentially a carryover, with one small equipment change: the Sport trim’s rear spoiler became standard. It was also the RX-8’s final U.S. model year.
About the 2011 Mazda RX-8
1st generation (2004-2011), final U.S. model year; post-2009 exterior, interior, and chassis update.
Mazda positioned the RX-8 as a true sports car that did not give up everyday usefulness. Its compact twin-rotor engine, rear-wheel drive, low weight, balanced chassis, and precise steering centered the experience on handling rather than straight-line power. Rear-hinged rear access doors and seating for four separated it from most sports coupes, making it easier to carry adult passengers or small children without losing the low seating position and driver-focused layout.
The Sport delivered the basic RX-8 formula with rotary power, rear-wheel drive, four seats, and rear-hinged back doors. Grand Touring emphasized comfort with heated leather seats, a moonroof, and Bose audio, while the manual-only R3 focused on sharper handling with Bilstein dampers, a limited-slip differential, and Recaro front seats.
What changed, by category
2011 Mazda RX-8 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Rotary, 1.3 Liter | Rotary, 1.3 Liter | Rotary, 1.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 232 hp | 232 hp | 212 hp |
| Torque | 159 lb-ft | 159 lb-ft | 159 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 7.6 cu-ft | 7.6 cu-ft | 7.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Stability Control | |||
| Traction Control | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed from the 2010 RX-8 to the 2011 RX-8?
The main change was that the Sport trim’s rear spoiler became standard instead of optional. Otherwise, the 2011 RX-8 carried over without significant powertrain, suspension, interior, safety, or technology revisions.
Was 2011 the final year of the Mazda RX-8?
Yes. The 2011 RX-8 was the model’s final U.S. model year and the last year of the updated design introduced for 2009.
Which trims did the 2011 Mazda RX-8 have?
The 2011 RX-8 lineup consisted of Sport, Grand Touring, and R3. Sport was the entry trim, Grand Touring added comfort features, and R3 was the manual-only handling-focused version.
Did the 2011 Mazda RX-8 receive a new engine?
No. The 2011 RX-8 retained its 1.3-liter twin-rotor engine and rear-wheel-drive layout, with no confirmed powertrain revision for the year.
What made the 2011 RX-8 R3 different from the other trims?
The 2011 R3 was the most handling-focused RX-8. It paired a 232-hp rotary engine and six-speed manual transmission with Bilstein dampers, a limited-slip differential, a reinforced front suspension crossmember, and Recaro front sport seats.