2004 Mazda RX-8 Concept

Will the Japanese Brand Build a MazdaSpeed Version of the RX-8?

In recent years the mid-level sports car scene has exploded with the availability of new models surpassing numbers last

Leaner, meaner and so much faster, the RX-8 Motorsport Concept gains what the RX-8 has been lacking, a turbo. (Photo: Mazda Canada)

seen in the '90s during the sports car boom initially spurred on by the success of Mazda's MX-5 Miata. Mazda is once again at the forefront of the most recent upsurge in automaker activity, joined by manufacturers from around the world.

Despite an overall soft sports car market, longstanding entries such as Audi's TT and Honda's S2000 have recently been updated, the former receiving a new 3.2-liter V6 shifted via a sequential manual DSG transmission, and the latter upgraded by 200 cubic centimeters to a 2.2-liter

Warp speed might actually be attainable in this red and white rocket thanks to 362 horsepower (278 horsepower per liter). (Photo: Mazda Canada)

4-cylinder engine. New entries include Chrysler's unorthodox Crossfire coupe and roadster in 215 horsepower and 330 horsepower iterations, while old models are coming back to the scene like Nissan's 350Z coupe and roadster. The list goes on, with updates recently given to BMW's roadster, and Mercedes-Benz' completely revamped SLK and a reworked Porsche Boxster. It's an exciting time to be a sports car fan.

The mid-priced coupe market is also filled to capacity, with BMW's 3-Series about to make way for a totally new 4-Series, Infiniti G35 Coupe selling well and looking gorgeous, and Ford's new Mustang looking ready to approach sales levels the car hasn't seen since its inception in the mid-'60s.