We’ve already seen some photos of the 2009 RX-8, but Mazda execs have officially released information about the upcoming rotary sports car. From the live images, it’s obvious that the RX-8 has had a slight exterior refresh. A bolder front end and revised rear end lip look like they are just what the doctor ordered for the next-generation RX-8.

Performance figures go unchanged for 2009. The manual-equipped RX-8 still produces 232 horsepower and revs up to 9000 rpm, while the automatic transmission stifles the horsepower quotient to 212 ponies cut off at 7500 rpm. A new R3 sport package adds a sport-tuned suspension with Blistein shock absorbers allowing for minimized NVH. A rear spoiler, fog lights, side sills, and revised front bumper are added as visual cues, as well as forged aluminum-alloy nineteen-inch wheels.

Click through the jump for Mazda’s full press release and click the images below to open a high-resolution gallery.

2009 MAZDA RX-8: FURTHER EVOLUTION FOR THE ROTARY REVOLUTION

Launched in 2003, the Mazda RX-8 hit the global market with a serious bang.  The RX-8 has won more than 50 global awards since its release including 2003 RJC Car of the Year in Japan Australia's Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 2003, 2003 International Engine of the Year, 2004 Singapore Car of the Year, the 2004 U.S. Best Sports Car and UK Car of the Year 2004.  It was also named on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2004, 2005, and 2006.  All together, Mazda has sold nearly 167,000 RX-8s around the world.
For 2009, Mazda will further the evolution of the four-door, four-seater sports coupe, giving RX-8 a refreshed exterior and interior design, enhanced performance and a new R3 sport package for the ultimate driving enthusiast.
Unchanged is the core of the RX-8 – a high-powered, lightweight and perfectly balanced machine powered by the world-renowned twin-rotor RENESIS rotary engine.
“Dating back to the Cosmo Sport released in 1967, every sports car ever developed by Mazda has had the same fundamental mission – to provide car lovers with a vehicle that’s fun-to-drive, exciting to look at and easy to own,