Let’s face it: unlike the motorcycle world, there isn’t really a huge variation in engine types among new autos for sale in the US. You have your Inline Fours, Inline Fives, V6s, V8s, and the odd V12. Oh, and then there’s the Flat Fours and Flat Sixes, so OK there is a bit of variety (and there are diesels in addition to gas models out there). But by far the most unique engine among the lot is the 1.3-liter RENESIS Rotary found in the Mazda RX-8. With 232 horsepower (with the 6-speed manual transmission) in a truly compact package, nothing in the world of internal combustion feels like this slick, unique mill. This engine design has undergone constant tweaking over many decades, and is now a seriously fun way to haul around this equally unique rear-drive platform. It’s silky smooth, hums in an intoxicating way and redlines at 9,000 RPM. Unlike earlier versions this latest permutation seems to have more low-end torque than before (although you still have to rev it a bit to get to the meat of the powerband). The car also has those funky rear-hinged rear doorettes that help access to the rear seats (and reminds me of the same rear door design of many, but thankfully not all, extended cab pickups).
All in all, this is a sports car that is truly unusual and (for me at least) a real ball to drive. Solid handling, great brakes and a very well-tuned suspension round out a grand touring kind of sports machine, and while it’s not a true hard-core sportster it does hustle along quite confidently. The purr of the rotary’s twin rotors seals the deal, and this is one Hummer I’m glad didn’t go the way of the Dodo.