The drivetrain also received many enhancements some of which include a third oil injector in the Renesis (rotaries need oil injected into the combustion chamber to keep the apex seals lubricated), larger oil coolers up front, remapped throttle body calibration for quicker response, and shorter gear ratios to improve acceleration. Despite all that, the RX-8 still feels sluggish in the acceleration department and it's the single most disappointing feeling when you drive the car. Everything else is near perfect-your body wraps tightly around the new Recaro seats, the redesigned shift knob and steering wheel visually enhance your driving experience yet when you plant your foot in the throttle you can't help but feel underwhelmed.
I assure you, if there was a turbocharged rotary spewing out the last generation's power figures (255 hp, 217 ft-lbs) stuffed in the R3 then I'd have one parked in my driveway. Unfortunately, I don't think that will become a reality. The rotary engine is a dying breed and the RX-8 is the last production vehicle to have a rotary in it. And with such tough emissions standards, who knows how long it will last.
Let's hope those Mazda engineers have an ace up their sleeve and are able to build the next generation with more power and a greener tailpipe.
Mazda Miata MX-5
Driving with the top down in a Miata with a male counterpart beside you can feel somewhat emasculating and the adage of a Miata being a "chick" car does ring true. However, with the newest version of the MX-5, those stereotypes are all but gone. With a more aggressively styled exterior that is bolder and wider, the Miata is no longer an innocent-looking car driving down the street. Throw up the hardtop and the Miata looks like a true roadster. So forget the clichés and stereotypes because the Miata is a unique and extremely fun car to drive. It's the epitome of a driver's car.
The MX-5 is nimble and precise, it's peppy little 2.0-liter, 167hp, 140-ft-lbs engine gets the job done while the interior has a no-nonsense, skip-the-gimmicky gadgets approach to it. Thanks to a carefully engineered intake which pipes throttle noise to the driver (Mazda has termed it the Induction Sound Enhancer), it produces a throaty growl which is music to the ears. You'll also be able to prolong that sweet intake sound thanks to an upgraded valvetrain which can now spin to 7000 rpm, 500 more than the previous gen. But, wait, there's more-the bottom end now features a new stronger forged crankshaft and rods. The 6-speed transmission gets beefier synchros to handle more abuse while a taller sixth gear makes it more practical on the highway.
It's also remarkably easy to drift, as many of the participants proved, including yours truly, around the autocross. Say what you will about the manliness of the Miata MX-5, but once you have the pleasure of assaulting some canyon roads in the little two-door roadster, I'm willing to bet you'll exit that car with a smile on your face and Mazda will have succeeded in what it set out to do with the Miata-make it a blast to drive.