I hope Mazda would, and I expect that they will, have quick steering on the RX-8. I also expect that the RX-8 would have 2.5 turns lock to lock, or quicker steering. Better for slaloms and handling.

 

 

Whoohooo, Congratulations Donny Boy!! Anyways wouldn't it be cool since the steering pump is electronically driven you could adjust the amount of assist and quickness, haven't really thought it out whether it would be mechanically feasable but it sounds cool eh?

 

2.5 is pretty damn fast, I don't think that is such a good idea. 2.7 is already twitchy for most people. If you can't keep the car tuning smooth, or countersteer with *just* enough turn in split second panic because the wheel is oversensitive, then there is hardly a reason to have such a low ratio besides low speed manuvers in a parking lot. Driving on the freeway might be nervewrecking after an hour of precision steering inputs, even with the tightening up of the steering wheel.

 

I don’t think 2.5 turns lock to lock is that fast. My Alfa 156 V6 has 2.1. I can only say that I enjoy this quick, fast and accurate steering. It never felt tiring on the highway, even not for very long trips. The new Alfa 156 GTA has even a quicker 1.75! By the way, that 156 GTA will be the real test for the RX-8 in Europe. It has also 250hp (3.2 V6), it has hidden rear doors, it looks gorgeous and it is great to drive.

 

lmao grimace

 

The S2000 has an electrically assisted (to save weight) 2.0 turns lock-to-lock and it suits that car perfectly. I think 2.5 would be fine for the RX-8.

 

My car has a really quick steering ratio (2.3 turns lock to lock). It is exceptional around the twisties.
However, on the highway, until you get used to it (took me a few months) it felt very darty. Now its not so bad... except in the winter. Its nearly impossible to make fine corrections to the path of the car without applying too much steering in the opposite direction (like during the beginning of a fishtail).
I don't see it being a problem as much in the RX-8 though. Exasperating the problem on my car is a short wheelbase, which adds to the agility but also to the dartiness problem. (My car is very small compared to the 8).

Edited for clarity.

 

Didn't realize my posts were so numerous, thanks for the trophy!
Back to steering, I always prefer quicker steering, better for quick changes in direction. But yes, I agree, it requires more precise input and is less forgiving to mistakes.

 

That trophy should say : "The biggest post ***** of the day. " :p