That said a stiff structure also produces adept handling when mated to a competent chassis, a virtue the RX-8 will most definitely exude. Still, don't expect RX-7 agility. In an effort to decrease cost the base model's double wishbone setup uses more steel components than aluminum and is said to be dialed in on the soft side. Of course, comparing it to the relentless RX-7 anything would feel softly sprung. The sport suspension, that will be standard with 6-speed manually equipped cars, firms up the spring and shock settings while adding an 18-inch wheel and tire package. Also, a new electronic rack-and-pinion steering system replaces the RX-7's mechanical unit.
The placement of the new 'Renesis' engine helps in handling too. When compared to the last generation RX-7, the new unit is situated 40.6 mm (1.6 in) lower and 139.7 mm (5.5 in) further back toward the car's midsection, improving overall balance.
And balance is really what the new RX-8 is all about. Rather than absolute sport for extreme enthusiasts the new model offers a stasis of sports car speed and handling mixed with sedan roominess. That said in riding the fine line it probably won't excel at either, making the development of anything near the cult-like status of the old RX-7 difficult.
But past RX-7 owners, who will probably make up many of the new RX-8 buyers, aren't as interested in car cults now as they may have been in younger years. The new age sports car will most likely strike a chord with this new family man, his working wife and 2.2 school-age kids. And that's precisely what Mazda is counting on.