Crossfire is just an uglified SLK, drives like a boat by comparison. Certainly not a rival in the balance and handling stakes.

 

The RX8 engine is entirely behind the front axles; also considerably lower in the bay reducing the CG.

Combine this with the heat of a rotary and you get one warm cabin.

 

I love how they say "behind the front axles"....but i have still yet to see a front axle on my car

 

Yeah it's kind of hard to have front engine and front axles on a RWD car. I think you mean the engine entirely behind the shock towers.

 

1. Mazda RX8 - $26K
2. Honda S2000 - $35K
3. Porsche Boxster - $46K
4. Chevrolet Corvette - $47K
5. Lotus Elise - $47
6. Porsche Cayman - $50K

Balance-wise, the almost 10-year old S is still a real good value. (Considering that it is a lot easier to achieve balance with a small rotary engine)

 

caterham, or any lotus replica for that matter ? should be possible to build one for less than $30K.

 

If mid-engine is your only criteria the Infiniti G35 is a "front mid-ship" design according to Infiniti with the engine located fully behind the front axle. Of course it's a 3,700 lb sedan but in the price range of an S2K. I own both (08's) and the G35 is a very nice sedan but it's nothing like the S2K. Two completely different driving experiences but both great.

 

doh. this is a very good point.

 

no ones mentioned the 350z?

 

350z engine doesn't appear to be behind the front struts...