RPM, the RX-8 is a car that needs to be driven to appreciate IMO. I've owned the 1st, and 2nd. generation RX-7's and loved the way they drove. Mazda use to have an ad that said "It just feels right", and every Mazda that I've owned lived up to that statement. Even though I haven't driven an RX-8, I'm sure it's probably the same.
I think the 3rd. generation was by far the best looking, but it was way over priced, and too cramped for me to fit. The latest design is unique, but from the B pillar back just looks like another design studio took over and ruined it. The fact that it's a "4 door" Sports car totally turns me off also.
As always, I'm sure the power delivery is smoother than any piston engine, and if you stay on top of those gears, you can probably keep up with most any other sports car on a twisty road. But I don't believe it "out shines" a Limited Crossfire in any category, and that was the point of my post.
If the 5 year old designed RX-8, can win a comparison test over 3 other cars that have been upgraded, then as far as I'm concerned the Crossfire would have had a very good chance at winning also.
Being as subjective as possible, I rated the Crossfire in all the categories they listed, using what knowledge I had of the other cars from what I've read and personally experienced. My final score for the Crossfire was 200, and the Mazda won with a 198.
To those of you who haven't seen the article, go out and buy the magazine. Look at the categories and how the other car's scored, and do your own scoring of the Crossfire and see what you come up with.