Picking up the hitchhikers also served another purpose, to experience how the RX-8 handles a winding highway at high speed with additional weight, most of which was noticeably shifted to the passenger side. While a little unsettling at first - a left hand rear passenger would have helped balance things out - I quickly learned that smooth input and braking results in rapid velocity.
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| When pushed to eight or nine tenths of its capabilities the RX maintained composure if treated with respect, rewarding a competent driver with entertaining oversteering characteristics. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
The car was somewhat easier to handle when only I was aboard, but still required respect. What do I mean by respect? Well, unlike some cars that work overtime to save your bacon if you step out of line, going too fast into a corner, or worse, braking while going too fast into a corner, the RX-8 gets a little nervous and twitchy when forced into stressful situations. However, if that certain amount of respect is shown, it rewards with entertaining oversteering characteristics, maintaining its composure while maintaining its edgy feel. It should be mentioned that the RX never actually stepped out of line once, and I probably was pushing it to eight or nine tenths of its capabilities. I have been told that its optional dynamic stability control (standard on the GT model) works wonders when taken to its limits, something I'll have to try when not on public roads.
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| The RX-8 is a driver's car first and foremost, with the need to pay close attention to chassis feedback keep it under control when pushing hard. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Personally, though, I like a car that delivers such responsive feedback, keeping me alert but still managing undulating serpentine roadways with a high level of finesse. The RX-8 is a driver's car first and foremost, but that's not to say if driven at more relaxed speeds by non-professionals it isn't wonderfully stable - it is. It's also comfortable, with a fairly composed ride even over rough surfaces. Unlike other sports cars after a few hours behind the wheel I didn't feel beat up. The seats are so well formed and seating position so good that I actually felt better when getting out.
Mazda achieves the RX-8's roadworthiness via a rigid structure joined to a competent chassis. Its sport-tuned suspension is comprised of independent double wishbones up front, a multi-link setup in the rear, gas-filled shocks all-round, a front strut tower bar and stabilizer bars at both ends. The placement of the new Renesis rotary engine also aids overall balance, now placed 40.6 mm (1.6 in) lower and 139.7 mm (5.5 in) further back than the last generation RX-7.
