Seems like the British press just can't make up its mind about the RX-8. Top Gear and What Car have been overwhelmingly positive, Car magazine is mildly positive and Evo is consistently negative.
Evo's Sept 2004 issue has a coupe test pitting the new Alfa GT against the RX-8, 330ci, Crossfire, Vauxhall Monaro (= Holden Monaro/Pontiac GTO), 350z and Audi TT. Evo criticises the RX-8 for lack of steering feedback (!), disappointing engine note (!), torque ( which they say is insufficent to exploit the chassis), badly shaped and located gearshift, understeer on the track and lack of driver involvement(!). They then go on to applaud the brakes, ride absorption and responsive handling. In passing they mention it also had the second fastest lap time (a whisker behind the Z and way in front of the 5.7 litre Monaro, 330ci etc).
The 350Z takes out the test with BMW's 330ci a close second.

I've always had quite a lot of respect for Evo, but it seems they are almost determined NOT to enjoy the 8. I can't help thinking they have almost completely missed the point with this latest...er... aberration.

 

I must say I agree about the engine note part. I drove a Boxster & RX-8 back to back and even though I loved the '8 (obviously) it really sounded weak compared to the Boxster.

But that issue is easily fixed with an aftermarket exhaust.

 

I agree the Boxter sounds awesome. One of my close buddies has one and the acoustics blew me away the first time I heard it. I still like the RX-8's soundtrack though - there's nothing quite like that induction wail at 9000rpm, short of a serious hi po motor bike. All it lacks is a little bass which, as you say, is easily fixed with an aftermarket exhaust.

 

I prefer a smoother revving sound rather than american 5-million cubic inch roar.

 

EVO themselves are polarized. If you read their initial review of the RX-8 (the comparison test to the R32), they rave about it non-stop, love absolutely everything about it. It almost depends who writes the article as to how they feel about it.

Regards,
Gordon