A nearby dealership got in the new 2009 RX-8s yesterday, including an R3 in Aurora Blue. Curious as I am, I went and took the R3 for a test drive! The 09s look a lot better in person than in pictures in my opinion, I really like the 19" wheels. On the inside the steering wheel is... ugly. BUT, the seats are very nice. They fit my body very well, very snug and supportive. I might have to snag some sometime for my 8.
I didnt really notice the transmission gear ratio changes changes thoguh reverse is now where 1st is instead of 6th, but overall it does feel a bit stiffer and more composed. One really nice change is the dipstick, dont laugh, but you can now reach it from on top of the engine. In other words, you can check the oil in the dark or low light settings and not burn yourself!!!
If I didnt already have an 8 I might have left there with it, doesnt cost much more than a GT trim 8, it was only $300 more than an 09 GT they had on site.