2008 Mazda RX-8 sporty but practical

With so many great cars on the increasingly competitive market, claims to uniqueness are rare.

But Mazda can rightfully call its RX-8 sports coupe the only rotary-powered mass production vehicle in the world. And despite its comparatively tame styling, the RX-8 remains an iconic sports car on par with the Chevy Corvette and Nissan 350Z.

That rotary engine is a real marvel, even if you'll never open it up to see how it works.

The power plant's diminutive 1.3-liter capacity is part of its genius. The Mazda rotary is 60 percent smaller and lighter than a comparable V-6 and 40 percent smaller and lighter than a 4-cylinder engine.

Reducing the size of an engine while increasing its power has been the challenge of engineers for decades. Last year, Mazda celebrated the 40th year of its rotary engine.

Like other internal combustion engines, the rotary produces power through a four-step process of air and fuel intake, compression of the mixture, ignition and exhaust. But the Mazda engine performs this process through rotation of a triangular rotor in a cocoon-shaped combustion chamber rather than cycling individual pistons in cylindrical chambers. It's mind-boggling to imagine this process running smoothly up to 9,000 revolutions per minute.

I didn't take the engine anywhere near redline, but I can vouch for its remarkable smoothness and power. With a six-speed stick, the engine is rated at 232-horsepower. Output drops to 212 horses with a six-speed automatic that includes paddle shifters for Formula 1-style shifting.

The position of the engine's center of gravity behind the front axle in the rear-drive layout balances the weight distribution front-to-rear for better handling. As expected, the RX-8 felt quite nimble and responsive.

The RX-8 can't really keep up with the 306-hp 350Z in performance or styling, but enthusiasts will hardly lack excitement. With a base price of $26,435 for the Sport trim and six-speed stick, the RX-8 is nearly $2,000 cheaper than the base 350Z.

Prices escalate to $30,335 with the Touring package and $31,770 with the Grand Touring and automatic transmission.

Unfortunately, fuel economy in the RX is not exceptional. Expect to travel only 16 miles per gallon in the city and 22 on the highway for a combined average of 18 mpg. That compares with 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway in the 350Z.

The coupe's creators did not limit their cleverness to the engine. To provide easier access to the tiny back seats, they added concealed mini-doors that open toward the back. This allows you to toss your jacket or groceries in the back seat without a lot of fuss. The concealed doors obviate the center roof pillars.

Beginning with the 2007 model year, the Grand Touring trim added optional sand leather-trimmed seats, while the Touring and the Grand Touring models gained a standard 6-disc CD changer. Two new exterior colors, Crystal White Pearl and Stormy Blue Mica, were also added.

With a two-tone leather interior trim, the RX-8 has a very upscale ambience, somewhat reminiscent of classics such as the Jaguar XK.

Standard features on all trim levels include power windows, mirrors and door locks, cruise control and an AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers.

Interior designers applied the "rotary" theme to the center console, shift knob and emergency brake. The seats are well designed to reduce driver fatigue. My chief ergonomic complaint is the small, oddly shaped side mirrors that provide only a limited peripheral view.

Mazda won a top, five-star safety rating for the RX-8 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Active safety features include large disc brakes with anti-lock system, while passive safety comes from front, side and head-curtain air bags. All four seating positions are fitted with three-point seatbelts.

The 2008 model will be the last year for the current generation that was introduced in the U.S. in 2004. The RX-8 succeeded the RX-7 in 2001.

For 2009, Mazda will freshen the exterior and interior, enhance performance and offer a new R3 sport package.