I have been searching for this to no avail.
Are there any differences between a 2009 RX8 R3 and a 2011 RX8 R3?

Side note- to search I was using the "site:rx8club.com search:_____" method, with phrases such as '2009 r3 vs 2011 r3', 'rx8 r3 yearly changes', and so on. If there is a different phrase or method I should be using please correct me!

Thank you

 

Its essentially the same car. The 2012 Spirit R had some differences but the 2009-2011 should be all the same.

 

I don't think there were any changes within the S2 series.

 

With exception of the Spirit R this is what I believe to be correct yes.

 

Well, the R3 also didn't have a sunroof, and a few other things. But I'm mostly focused on suspension.

 

In terms of suspension, R3 gets the Bilstein shocks, along with some different suspension components like the rear sway bar(indicated with a dot of a different colour compared to the GT), and the urethane-foam injected front subframe. Years don't make a difference, as long as it's an S2(09~11).

 

I do believe the coolant capacity increased after 2009 model year

 

Mechanical differences:
2010/11 both coolant and oil capacity is larger. (Why I do not know. Maybe a larger radiator and or a larger oil pan.)

cosmetic: (us only)
2010 - dropped the black color option (red and blue available)
2011 - dropped the blue color option. (Only red available)


source: the Mazda spec decks.
2009: https://www.rx8club.com/attachments/..._rx8_specs.pdf
2010: https://news.mazdausa.com/download/2010-RX-8-specs.pdf
2011: https://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/wp-...ifications.pdf



I edited this post 2x’s learning it wasn’t just that oil capacity that was different. Speaking from having both an 09 and a 10 R3... they are identical.. if you’re looking for one.. find the color you want and buy it.

 

The spirit R is an R3 with a badge and different color trim, that is all. The write up on Wikipedia is very misleading. Nothing about the Spirit R is faster or mechanically different than any other R3.

 

Really? Not capable of hitting 170 MPH? That is good to know about it. Makes me wonder, are the Spirit R rx7s about as fast as standard models?

 

It would take an RX-8 at least 350 BHP, probably 400 BHP to hit 170 MPH. Stock RX-8 tops out at around 142 MPH, 145 MPH if you happen to be going downhill. Basically, your 5th gear redline is your top speed, as 6th gear is overdrive designed for cruising.

Either way, I don't really think top speeds matter unless you happen to be living near Autobahn.

As for Spirit R RX-8, I don't think there is enough data on this forum to be certain if they are mechanically or tuned the same. My guess, however, would be that, even if they are a bit different, they are probably not appreciably faster in a straight line, certainly not when they get some mileage on them.

S2 has a thicker radiator, I know that for sure.

 

2009 is a series 2 as well.. we’re trying to identify the differences between the years within the series 2 models. The changes are super minor and I’m sure very few. Mechanically I count 2.

 

R3 suspension is basically copied from PZ - PRODRIVE .
They might have few upgrades on the gearbox may little other things up to the imported market.
For search use keywords in club search box and filter unrelated by searching ( Ctlr+F on windows or Comand+F om mac) other keywords in the search reasults.