Base price: $27,200
Vehicle type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive; 2+2-door 2+2-passenger coupe
Wheelbase 106.3
Length/width/height 174.2/69.7/52.8 in
Curb weight 2940 lb
EPA city/hwy mpg 18/23
Fuel-tank capacity 15.9
POWERTRAIN
2-rotor Wankel, aluminum rotor housings with iron liners and end plates, Mazda engine-control system with port fuel injection
SUSPENSION
F ind, unequal-length control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
R ind; 2 lateral links, 2 diagonal links, and 1 toe-control link per side; coil springs; anti-roll bar
BRAKES
F/R vented disc/vented disc
ABS standard
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MAZDA RX-8
Die-hard RX-7 fans, conditioned by three generations of extra-virgin sports cars, have been waiting to see if this four-seat model continues its predecessor's sporting tradition. So let's answer that question first: From the driver's seat, the new RX-8 is the best RX ever.
Credit Mazda's clever packaging, which incorporates space for four adults into a body no longer than a Porsche 911. Even more important, the RX-8 weighs a mere 2940 pounds — that's 560 pounds less than a G35 coupe and even 200 less than the aforementioned Porsche.
The RX-8's feathery weight provides the kind of delicate responsiveness that cannot be duplicated by a heavier machine, no matter how wide its tires or stiff its suspension. Much like its smaller sibling, the Miata, the RX-8 almost reads your thoughts and carries out your desires before you even move the controls.
Despite its engine's lack of wide-ranging power, the RX-8 ultimately delivered great driving satisfaction and four-person usability.
Highs: Responsive and capable chassis, excellent package, light weight, great value.
Lows: No midrange grunt, tiny trunk opening, bulbous profile.
The Verdict: A genuine sports car that holds four adults.
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