Speaking of which, the RX-8 continues to be powered by Mazda's legendary Renesis engine, pioneered 40 years ago. But while the technology has evolved, the drawbacks associated with this type of powerplant are still as irritating.

Off-the-line accelerations fail to impress since you have to reach 8,500 rpm to unleash the entire 232 horsepower. There's not a lot of torque available either. The rotary engine loves to rev... and it does so with a reputation for consuming a lot of oil.

A key advantage is the compact size of the Renesis, which allows optimum weight distribution.

On the plus side, a key advantage is the compact size of the Renesis, which allows optimum weight distribution. The 6-speed manual transmission mated to it proves delightfully precise and super fun to manipulate. The throws are very short, making for quick, convincing shifts. Too bad the RX-8 requires as much fuel as engine oil; my tester averaged 13 liters per 100 kilometers.

The suspension is surprisingly comfortable and well-calibrated, improving both the ride and performance over bumpy roads. The RX-8 offers unique balance, especially for a front-engine car. Handling is enhanced by the lightweight construction of the rotary engine. Driving dynamics are predictable in corners and confidence-inspiring at all times. The steering is very precise though heavily assisted. Agility and liveliness are two other attributes of this Japanese athlete.

Competition
Obviously, no other car on the market offers a rotary engine. That said, a number of sports coupes target the same customers as the RX-8. The Nissan 350Z ($49,948) is the top contender, although it's aging fast. The Infiniti G37 ($47,350) means business in every respect. Chrysler still offers the underpowered Crossfire ($48,050), while Hyundai will soon step into the ring with the Genesis Coupe (about $35,000), To a lesser extent, the competition also includes the Ford Mustang GT ($33,999), Dodge Challenger R/T (about $37,000) and Honda Accord EX-L ($35,490).

The bottom line
The 2009 Mazda RX-8 is a uniquely styled and undeniably practical machine. However, with the rise in fuel prices, this thirsty performer may no longer appeal to the same number of buyers. In my opinion, such a beautiful sports car should not rely on a rotary engine, which has more shortcomings than benefits.


Photo Credit : Bertrand Godin