Mazda RX-8 GT 2008 Review

Launched: Mazda RX-8 GT

Yes, the new stiffer, stronger RX-8 is 40kg heavier than the previous model. Yes, it's a bit thirstier and costs a little more (the $49,720 base model has risen $730, the $55,520 Luxury by $2620 and the $57,625 GT by $1785 over the 40th Anniversary model). And yes, it's slightly slower to 100km/h than before due to lower ratios that require an extra shift to complete the benchmark sprint.

So far, not so good. However. In Mazda's pre-launch comparative testing, the GT lapped Calder Park Raceway 1.9 seconds quicker than the previous hi-po model. This is largely thanks to stronger mid-range engine response plus superior handling and roadholding. Importantly, nothing is lost in translation when the RX-8 hits the road.

This inspired (and inspiring) powertrain is wedded to a truly magic chassis. The qualities of the driving dynamics are understated here only because of limited wordage and the risk you may think I was wearing rose-tinted driving glasses.

Frankly, it's one of the all-time great chassis. The meaty steering feels properly connected and turns the car into corners with uncorrupted immediacy and accuracy. Although mild understeer occurs during late turn-in (while oversteer can be provoked when exiting tight turns in lower gears), the RX-8's usual attitude is essentially neutral.

Even when braking deep and hard, or carrying a touch too much cornering speed, the Mazda's balance and behaviour are so user-friendly, so predictable and forgivingly controllable that you mentally give it the thumbs-up. And no matter how unexpectedly a curve tightens or the road roughens, the way the RX-8 dismisses mid-corner bumps and ripples without being bullied off line or lapsing into wheelspin is superb.

It's clear the latest improvements in the RX's body rigidity, suspension componentry and set-up, wheels and tyres and aerodynamics have further accentuated its pre-existing attributes.

Of course, Mazda's largely untouched rotary engine (it gets new oil and water pumps) is still like no other. Utterly smooth, with a boundless appetite for revs, the RX-8 is tractable at low to middling revs, then hits its stride from 5500rpm, unleashing sensational thrust.

To complement the newly optional $1645 six-speed auto (Luxury only), the automatic's engine duplicates the six-speed manual's 211Nm (at 5500rpm), but the rev band is capped at 7500rpm and 158kW, as opposed to the manual's 170kW/8200rpm peak power.

No review of this revised model should overlook the visually effective styling tweaks to the unique four-door, four-seat coupe, let alone the further developed safety features and the more generous equipment levels. GT models are particularly well kitted out, with Bilstein shocks, 19-inch forged alloys, aero body kit and Recaro seats.

However, the bottom line is that all that 'other stuff' is peripheral to how this more mature, more capable RX-8 drives.

Yes, 'outstanding' is the word that instantly springs to mind.

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