For about five years in the middle of the 1970s,
Mazda's rotary engine seemed poised to conquer the automotive world. Small, smooth and powerful, it promised a new generation of faster, cleaner and more efficient cars. Funny how things turned out: Today's cars are indeed faster, cleaner and more efficient than anyone then could even imagine. But they are all still motivated by the same reciprocating-piston principle that served the automotive pioneers of the 1880s.
All but one, that is. The rotary engine did find its purpose, powering a delightful series of light, nimble, high-revving Mazda sports-touring cars. That may seem like an awfully small kingdom for an iron warrior that once looked like a world conqueror. But it's still a wonderful place to be.
The latest model in this series, the ingeniously engineered 2007 Mazda RX-8, drives like a sports car, with a high-revving engine and perfect 50-50 weight distribution for balanced handling.