Kart-like handling
The true character of a car is revealed behind the wheel. And from that standpoint, the RX-8 is a pretty solid performer despite some obvious shortcomings, including less-than-stellar fuel economy.

Regardless of road conditions, this machine literally rides like a car on rails. The same holds true on the track where it surgically dissects corners one by one and handles so predictably that even less experienced drivers can get the most out of it.

The easygoing handling capability is largely the result of the rotary engine that sits under the long hood and lowers the car’s center of gravity. And it works, although not as much in successions of tight turns. Here, the RX-8 is made a little clumsy by the same long wheelbase that provides wonderful stability in long corners.

With regard to power, 232 ponies could very well be enough given the car’s limited weight.

How could it be any other way? After all, as some people often joke, the nose of the car is already attacking the next turn while the rear end barely exits the last. However, this odd behavior is only felt in extreme situations like very tight slaloms.

Of course, the rotary engine does not come without flaws. With regard to power, 232 ponies could very well be enough given the car’s limited weight, but the thing is that the engine fails to deliver the right amount of low-end torque. In fact, it’s virtually inexistent.

One lap around the track with other, more aggressive sports coupes becomes a real control exercise since the RX-8 usually gets the holeshot and beautifully maintains the apex but gets overtaken every single time while trying to reaccelerate in the ensuing straightaway.

Fortunately, the firmer suspension available with the R3 further increases cornering precision by minimizing body roll and then making it a little easier to regain forward momentum. Of course, the extra firmness affects ride quality on regular roads.

All the while, the RX-8 burns a ton of fuel, as evidenced by the average of 17.3 L/100 km recorded during our comparison test -- barely less than a duo of big American V8s but way more than Asian rivals.

Still, what a car!
You may think that I was a bit harsh on the Mazda RX-8 over the last few paragraphs and, to some extent, the pricey R3 model proves me right. But let’s be honest: despite an aging personality and a few technical flaws, this Japanese remains one of the most exciting cars in its class and definitely the one offering the sharpest handling. Admittedly, if I were in the market for a sports coupe, I would easily be won over by the RX-8.



Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux, Matthieu Lambert