Its "reasonably-polished-for-a-sports-car-ride" conceals the tremendous ability of the RX8 to hustle through corners without engaging in undesirable body lean or plow. Competent cornering instills driver confidence, and in the RX8 the confidence level is both arousing and reassuring. This is a well-balanced vehicle that feeds-back much predictability to the driver through the steering wheel and the seat of his or her pants. The RX8 has a way of connecting the driver to the vehicle in an integral way - more so than by just the driver's seat. Once the seatbelt is clicked and the clutch released, mind and car are fused together.
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| The RX8 has a way of connecting the driver to the vehicle in an integral way. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Engaging a set of corkscrew bends is almost cerebral. The RX8 will follow driver inputs with precision, transitioning from one direction to the next without panicking or becoming unsettled. If the driver's connection to the vehicle short-circuits and a loss of control or excessive yaw is detected, the available Dynamic Stability Control system will step in like an over-protective parent. I tested the system's ability on a slippery rain-soaked road and was impressed by how authoritatively it returned the RX8 to the straight and narrow. Buttressing the DSC technology is a Traction Control System. Folks residing in locales with inclement weather, or those whose driving habits are on the enthusiastic side would be well-served to make sure the RX8 in their driveway is equipped with such electronic systems of driver oversight.
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| The Mazda RX8 delivers tremendous value and versatility alongside exhilarating performance. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Although the stability and traction control systems are not standard equipment in all RX8's, Mazda has packed in a lot of safety equipment off the shelf, including advanced dual front airbags, dual front side-impact airbags and dual front and rear side-curtain airbags. Greatly reducing the possible need to deploy these systems is the car's outstanding braking ability. Its power-assisted 4-wheel ventilated disc brake setup is aided by antilock and electronic brake force distribution systems. Collectively this technology imbues the RX8 with braking that is near startling in its force and efficiency. Solid brake pedal actuation transmits braking force in a very linear and predictable fashion, enabling the driver to apply the perfect degree of braking effort prior to encountering unintended antilock interference. Emergency stops in the RX8 are consistently short, solid and easily managed regardless of road surface conditions.
