Just a comment on your future purchase. If you think that an RX-8 will have more potential, I would caution you to read through their forums thoroughly. I think your current car has more potential despite its FWD handicap. Its doubtful that any forced induction will ever come out for the RX-8 that is reliable or remotely affordable ($9k+).
I would suggest looking into the G35, 350z, GTO, 03-04 Cobra if I were you. IMHO of course...