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Just to prove that cars aren't all the same these days, you can point to the new Mazda RX-8. It not only boasts unique styling, but it is the only car on the planet powered by a rotary engine.

The rotary engine was developed in the 1950s by Felix Wankel. According to the late Michael Sedgwick, "it consisted of a triangular piston with rotational and orbital movements within a figure eight casing, pursuing an epitrochoid path"—thus explaining not only the Wankel engine but why laymen grow glassy-eyed whenever auto writers go on about engineering. All you really need to know is that, unlike a normal engine where the pistons go up and down, the rotary engine has a single piston that spins.

By the end of the 1960s, a lot of people in the auto industry believed the Wankel rotary engine was THE coming thing because it delivered amazing power for its size. A rotary engine with a displacement comparable to a typical four-cylinder engine produced horsepower comparable to a V8.

Then it happened: The Arab Oil Embargo of 1973-74. At first blush, you would have thought the rotary would have been perfect for the times: a small engine that produced the power of a big engine. Unfortunately, the rotary engine also sucked gas like a big engine. Its one drawback—it wasn't very fuel efficient—became a killer. Suddenly, every manufacturer in the world who had plans for rotary engines abandoned them. Except Mazda. Mazda had launched its RX-7 sports car with a rotary engine and refused to give it up. Now, thirty years later, the RX-8 continues the tradition.

In the six-speed manual version we tested, the latest generation rotary engine delivers 238 horsepower from a mere 1.3-liters. This new engine also delivers greater fuel economy than any previous rotary. And emissions—which had been another problem—have been so greatly reduced that the RX-8 meets the strict Tier 2 emissions classifications now in force in the U.S.

What you'll notice first about the RX-8 is the styling, including the half doors that dramatically ease problems of entry and exit from the rear seats. And darned if there isn't room for two full grown adults back there. Room is one of the RX-8's strongest points. It is one of the only sporty coupes we've driven in ages that offered real comfort for full-grown adults.

The base price is $25,180, but this is a case where the typical RX-8 will go for much more—probably well over $30,000. There are just so many options, and it all adds up. This is one car you can really tailor to meet your special needs.

In sum, we loved the looks of the RX-8, the performance and taut roadability are great, and it has plenty of room for real people. Hooray for Mazda! R&D