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Scion FR-S pitted against oldtimers RX-8 and S2000

There are very few vehicles available today that compare directly with the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ twins. A case could be made for the Mazda MX-5 Miata, and possibly even six-cylinder versions of American coupes like the Ford Mustang. Pretty much everything else is either too expensive or is powered by the wrong set of wheels.
The boys from EverydayDriver on YouTube decided the only fair way to judge the inherent qualities of the Toyobaru twins was to pit them against two standard-bearers of years past: The Honda S2000 and Mazda RX-8. Neither of these cars is an exact matchup, with the Honda boasting a convertible top and the RX-8 offering more practicality via a rear seat and two reverse-opening doors for easier access. What they do offer, however, are similar performance stats and proven reputations for excellent handling.
None of this talk answers the real question, though: Which one wins the comparison test? Scroll down to watch the video, and be prepared for something of a surprise conclusion.

2018 Mazda CX-5 is the only IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus compact crossover

We've highlighted a number of vehicles tested by the IIHS, and specifically ones that come up just a little short of being lauded with the organization's highest safety rating of Top Safety Pick+. The reason most of these vehicles fall short is sub-par headlights. But this time we have a different story. The 2018 Mazda CX-5 actually snagged the coveted award, and impressively, it's the only small crossover SUV the organization has tested to earn it. The reason of course hinges on headlight performance. In order for a vehicle to get the award, it has to have headlights available that score a "Good" rating, in addition to having stellar crash tests. The award for good lighting and the Top Safety Pick+ only goes to the CX-5 with the optional adaptive lighting system available on all trims (optional on the base Sport). The standard headlights on the Sport model earned the second-highest rating of "Acceptable." The CX-5 also earned a "Good" rating in every crash test, including both small-overlap tests. It earned 5 out of 6 points in forward collision prevention, netting a "Superior" rating. There are many safe options in the small SUV category besides the CX-5, though. The Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda's own CX-3, and Mitsubishi Outlander match the CX-5's straight-"Good" crash test ratings. They all also pick up an additional forward collision point in the collision warning category. The best headlights any of them can offer, though, are just "Acceptable," and the standard headlights can be even worse with "Marginal" or "Poor" ratings. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Mazda CX-5: First Drive View 25 Photos News Source: IIHS, MazdaImage Credit: Mazda Mazda Safety Crossover SUV consumer mazda cx-5

Mazda engineer wants new rotary to be turbocharged

Hope springs eternal for Mazda to revive the high-revving Wankel engine for a new sports car, and the company keeps feeding that thirst with hints that it could happen. To make the possibility even more tantalizing, Mazda drivetrain and powertrain assistant manager Tetsushi Marutani tells Motoring that he wants the updated mill to pack a turbocharger. "Personally, I think that a rotary with some turbo or compressor would be good," Marutani said to Motoring. "Because a rotary, in my opinion, they require more [torque at] low speed, low down torque. So if we have some small compressor or turbo it would help." Mazda hasn't sold a rotary-powered model since the RX-8 and hasn't had a turbocharged one since the third-generation RX-7. However, the recent RX-Vision concept (above) at least hinted at a possible Wankel revival, and Mazda officials confirmed that its engineers continued to develop the engine since the RX-8's demise. The RX-Vision used a next-gen rotary called the Skyactiv-R, but Mazda didn't officially confirm any details about it. Rumors suggested the engine had a two-rotor layout with a total displacement of 1.6 liters. A two-stage electric turbo and hybrid powertrain would allegedly boost the total output of around 450 horsepower. The electric assistance could also counter the Wankel's lack of torque at low revs and poor fuel economy. Those rumored specs sound fantastic, but we still take the rotary's return with a grain of salt. Mazda CEO Masamichi Kogai is adamant that it's not worth the company's limited resources to develop a niche sports coupe instead of better selling vehicles. Related Video: