What do you think?

What does everyone think about the RX-8? I personally think that it's looks aren't nearly as good as the third gen 7, but I like the car. It's got tons of power, and the engine is naturally aspirated. Imagine what it could do with a Turbo, and a little work.

Any ideas?

The front disturbs me; I liked the shape of the RX-Evolv. Indeed the Renesis engine will be great, I can't wait to see what tuners get out of it:D

I had heard long ago that Ford was working with Mazda engineers to design the engine so that it will not require burning oil, which helps with emissions.

I've been reading the reviews of the car, and I really am excited about it. First, I think the car looks really awesome, seriously one of the best-looking new automotive designs I have seen in quite a while. Second, it seems to have power characteristics very much like the Honda S2000, although it is obviously bigger and I think about 700 pounds heavier. But I am an avid fan of the idea of a four-doored sports car (i.e. to differentiate between a sports car and a sports sedan a la BMW and many others), and am glad to see that Chrysler is also eyeing this market segment with their Dodge Charger prototype.

Even though my GS-R sedan is giving me some trouble lately, I will be unwilling to part with it to the very end, simply because this is a vastly unfilled market niche, the four-doored sports car. Of course you can always make your own by taking, let's say a 4th or 5th gen. Civic sedan and dropping a B series engine into it, and plus some other go-fast parts, but there are few cars manufactured to be four-doored sports cars.

There is of course a fine, somewhat subjective line separating the four-doored sports car from the sports sedan, which for example is what I consider for example a 328i to be. But the idea of a car, small (say a small compact or a sub-compact) and light (roughly 3,500 lbs or less.. even though the RX-8 tops this amount slightly) enough to retain a sports car's characteristics, yet also with the practicality of having four doors. For one thing, for those of us that get a sports car in our youths, only to be forced into trading them in for a station wagon once kids are added to the picture (I've heard this sad story far too many times), this may offer a saving grace, permitting us to keep our babies.. and our kids as well.

Hello ppl...RX-8 is definitely a 4-door sports car killer...sporting great looks and awesome power...250hp n/a RENESIS engines coupled with a 6-speed manual...first of its kind from Mazda...the next generation of rotary powered cars...but, what about the specs...0-60mph? 0-100mph? extra features? May rotary live forever...:)

Thumbs up I like it. 50/50 weight displacment and 250 hp Nice!

Any pictures of this car. I don't know what it looks like or the name does not come in mind.

here's one:
http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/01images/rx-8_7-1.jpg


the fact that it has 4 doors is crappy IMO...

its pretty sweet except for the 4 door thing it just makes it more of a family car imo . I'm use to sports car being 2 doors but besides that i like .

It is 4door but it's killing some ppl that this 4door is capable of upsetting some 2door in terms of performance. The 4door thing turns out to be a really good concept for both family and personal use, don't u guys agree?

I certainly do. And I'm frankly baffled as to why more people don't. Seems they refuse to accept the idea of a sports car having four doors and therefore a little practicality.

I think impracticality is essential for true sports cars. I mean, why do you need to go fast, and turn hard in a street car? You don't for normal driving, but you can. Having 4 doors and 4 seats makes it practical, and thus not a true "sports car", IMO. But, that doesn't mean that it doesn't perform like one. Now it's a sports sedan, or sports coupe.

Just my wacky opinion.

No Enzo, that's legit. First, you are entitled to your own wacky opinion. Second, you have a point, much as I hate to admit it. I mean hey, I look at sports cars from a "new" perspective. Most people still consider a front-drive Honda whose first intended use is as an economy car not a legitimate sports car. Practicality also does not figure into the classic equation.

I guess you can call me unconventional, because when it comes to cars, I like new ways of doing things, and yes, I love practicality.

Obviously...i want sportscar to remain as 2doors coz' it shows the sportiness and character of sportscar...IMO, a true sportscar is not even for 4seaters as well as 4doors but the rx-8 4doors concept can be taken as 4doors...2 piece door for easier access to the car...the new door concept reduces additional car length and weight from conventional 4doors styling.

It seems to me that with the current platform Mazda could easily put in a B pillar and make a 2-door variant. Right? Maybe they plan on that for the future.

I see your point too, JD. I'm fairly unconventional too in some ways, but that's just my explanation for it not being a true "sports car", no matter how fast and well-handling it is.

Sports car or not, it's looks fast and fun. I like it.

4 doors: Ahhh, whatever.
2 doors, 2 suicide doors: Totally sweet!

Just my two cents.

I recently saw pictures of the interior, and I think they may have over-done it with the chrome. I hope they seal it with something so it doesn't all flake off and show plastic underneath. Or (mercy me!) let it be chrome over metal, but that would make the car super-hot in the summer.

i really dont mind the 4 door thing, but it'll prolly make it handle a little worse then with 2 doors. what bothers me is the torque, it think it was like 160 something on the rx-evolv. that engine made 276hp. so i dont know if the lower hp on the rx-8 is going to bring up the torque, but that is a low number for the kinda car. the 3rd gen rx-7 made like 216lb/ft of torque. its not going to be the greatest car off the line.

I recently saw pictures of the interior, and I think they may have over-done it with the chrome. I hope they seal it with something so it doesn't all flake off and show plastic underneath. Or (mercy me!) let it be chrome over metal, but that would make the car super-hot in the summer.

--Silver S2000

I hear that it's genuine aluminum. Seems like it's the choice interior adornment for sports cars these days, being especially popular with the germans (3-series, Audi TT, etc.). If this is the case, you wouldn't have to worry about flaking, but you may have to worry about scratches.

Of course 2 door, 2 seater sports cars are 'authentic sports cars' in accordance to automobile heritage. Then there are cars like the M5, and others of its kind. They have full-fledged 4 doors and they dont try to hide it. Even with awe inspiring, waist-high, affordable exotics on the market, consumers seem to be turning to these sedans to get their kicks. Perhaps it's not the car, but the world that is becoming more complex. Practicality, as all of you have been mentioning, is becoming more of an issue. If it became a necessity, I might one day end up with a rocket powered box, but until then, I stick with the coupes. We all love REAL sports cars. BUY THEM. We musn't allow their demise........

By the way, does anyone know of the RX-8's chassis designation?

Just wanted to post a pic of the center panel I was talking about...

About the RX-8's a/c vents:

Have any of you noticed that several japanese automakers are all using rotating circular a/c fan vents in their newer sportier cars? What a weird coincidence. Let's count: 1) Celica 2) Impreza 3) RSX 4) RX-8... any others?

For those of you who've never tried to use these vents be warned: they are a pain in the ass to adjust! In my own Celica, it took some getting used to. When the flaps are open and horizontal, you need to rotate the entire housing 90 degrees clock/counter-clockwise just to point the air to the left or right. If you ever get the chance, try aiming the airflow from the left to the right, back and forth, quickly. Trust me on this one, it's not easy!

The only circular vents that I ever took a real fancy to were the ones on the driver's side of the later model Supras. I'm not certain but I think the Impreza's vents may be more similar to this type of "ball-in-joint" circular vent.

Below is a quickie paint image (please don't laugh) of how the stupid contraption works. As you can see, this is a bad case of function following form.

I don't know... perhaps the designers are giving us these pod vents so that we can stick boost gauges in them instead. I guess it would be OK to sacrifice one for a meter (perhaps the driver's doorside) and just keep the window cracked open all the time. The Celica's interior & vents:

Aren't they identical? Everything down to the indentation on the larger vent lip where you push it in (not really visible in this shot, but it's there on both cars).

Another note: Both the Toyota and Honda have their tachometer and speedometer needles rest at bottom dead-center. Are these clone cars or what? Details, man the details!

RSX's vent:

The Subaru's are only placed on the outer areas and look somewhat different:

I think the latest Eclipse has vents like that, too. I just like how they look flush when closed.

Hey, kind of along these lines, any thoughts on why the three-spoked steering wheels are so damned popular? I actually find them uncomfortable to use. I much prefer the four-spoked Momo wheel shown in the Subura above. I try to follow the ideal of driving with your hands at the 3:00 and 9:00 positions on the wheel, especially in the twisties (provided naturally that you don't have to downshift - when you do, your shifting hand leaves the wheel at this time), and that it is much easier to drive like this with the four-spoked wheels, as your hands settle into the gaps between the upper and lower spokes on each side of the steering wheel. My friend's dad got a Porsche 911 recently, and even ordered a three-spoke wheel as an option. I just don't get it...

Holy cloned similarities Bat "Morph" Man! Never really took too much notice to air vents before but ya come to think of it the Japanese cars do use a lot of the circular vents. I kind of like them over the square ones so no biggie.

Actually the vents I liked the most were in my wifes old 929, they came with the powered vents that were "oscilate" from left to right. The only seem to have them on the new luxury cars now and yet they were the only reliable thing in that car:D

Ya JD, I'm with you on the steering wheel, the 3 spokes just feel odd.

I try to follow the ideal of driving with your hands at the 3:00 and 9:00 positions on the wheel...
--JD

Really? Here in California, the norm is 10:00 and 2:00 (and I do hear that it differs from state to state), and that would mean that your hands should rest right above the upper spokes.

When I want to be mischievous on winding roads, I try to remember the posture and positions of the pros on televised racing events. Here's what I've picked up:

1) Set the seat close enough (or telescope the steering column) so that your arms can remain somewhat bent while holding the wheel, rather than so far back that they are locked straight.

2) Sit upright for the best all around visibility (and it's better on your back). Slouching or leaning back is NOT going to give you better aerodynamics! :D

3) Don't leave the shifting hand on the gearshifter; control is much more important than power. Simply get used to the repetetive motion of alternating from wheel to stick to wheel to stick.

4) Keep the hands at 10:00 and 2:00--the combination of these points plus the bent arms give an equidistant "tripod-like" setup (2 points on the wheel and your elbows) which almost directly superimposes over the steering wheel.

After all, automakers give sportier steering wheels those nice meaty blisters at 10:00 and 2:00. I, for one, used to hate the way 3-spoked wheels looked. Then airbags came around and we started to see more of the 4-spoked variety. Now that engineers can fit airbags just about anywhere, the 3-spokers are making a comeback. I realize that having only 3 points where the column meets the wheel is better for quick turning, because there is one less place where a hand could meet a spoke and be slowed down.

Once again, as in many things in life: looks odd, but probably serves a purpose...

Purpose served = personal preferance. Would be the reason why there is such a huge market for steering wheels, shift knobs, seats, and fuzzy things to hang from your mirror.:flash:

Actually the vents I liked the most were in my wifes old 929, they came with the powered vents that were "oscilate" from left to right.
--R35

YEAH! Those things were REALLY unique! :) I really liked the 929--it's a shame that car never received much attention. I had this 626 rental car for a good 6 months (my Nissan was technically 'totalled' but I made an arrangement to have it fixed anyway) and during that time I really enjoyed those vents. Not only do they seem like an interesting luxo feature, but they also serve a usable purpose. The a/c can dry out your skin and eyes, and keeping the airflow moving is a solution. I just wonder why luxury automakers didn't catch on sooner. After all, oscillating house fans have been around forever.

I personally love the new RX-8, and the thing about the 4 doors doesn't both me a bit, considering the back seats will probably be useless anyways. I mean, c'mon, most other sports cars have the 2+2 configuration, no matter how painful it would actually be to use.

Basically, don't think of the back doors as doors, think of them as easy rear storage access panels. ;) Plus, it's a pillarless design, a first in 4 door sports. :) As for body design, I wish it had been a little more like the 3rd gen. Same design, but a little more curvy, and I'd be set, but then again, this isn't a complaint. :) If I had the money, I'd buy the first one off the boat. :)

-ZenFox

The back doors aren't even really full size doors. They're more like xtra cab doors. They're suicide also. You hardly notice them IMO. My other opinion is it's a sport sedan, because it has 4 seats. True sport cars are two seaters like the RX7. I know cars like Supra's, Porcshe's, and the RX7(japan option) have 2+2 seats, but come on can anyone really fit in those besides you 4 year old. Just my opinion.

Originally posted by ZenFox:
As for body design, I wish it had been a little more like the 3rd gen.

You are referring to the RX-7, but the RX-8 is Mazda's completely new model for their lineup. Supposedly, the FD3S is to continue its life alongside the new addition, since there has been no announcement of replacement. Therefore, it would be beneficial that the two do not share the same appeal, since consumers will have a choice.

Has anyone heard of the end of the Seven? If so, I stand corrected. If not, then imagine what the next generation RX-7 would look like. A chilling thought, no? Two rotary sports cars with different flavors, from one of the greatest and deeply rooted Japanese sports car producers...

They're not replacing the RX7. As a matter of fact, I believe the body style is suppose to change in 2004, and I heard they might be importing to the US again during the release of the new style.

Then again this is just here say.

If your interested in keeping up with the RX7 visit
www.rotarynews.com THey tend to post information about the RX7 and other rotarys.

That's good to hear. I really like the RX-8 for it's "new" and "forward" thinking. At the same time the RX-7 has proved itself to be a great car.

The only question would be can Mazda support having TWO "sports cars" in their line up? Call the RX-8 what you want to, but the general public as well as the sales folks at the dealership are all going to call it a "sports car". So again, can Mazda support two sports cars in their line up?:confused:

From what I understand they are going to have three lines of "sport cars." A low, mid, and high end. The Miata, RX-8, and the RX-7. Prices from the Mid to high 20s for the Miata. Thirties for the RX-8. And from the Mid 40s to the 50s for the RX-7. I hope the RX-7 does start getting rediculous like the NSX in price.

Ah, once again, the problem of having one too many roosters in the hen house. But if Mazda continues to have the RX-7 with 2 doors, 2 seats, light, small, turbocharged, and priced in a different range, it shouldn't affect the RX-8 sales and keep its own place in the market. And the MX-5 Miata is obviously holding its spot in the entry level range.

Originally posted by rtryrktrx7
I hope the RX-7 does start getting rediculous like the NSX in price.
It's still got a ways to go. :rolleyes: Honda justifies (or tries to) that price with the hand-assembly. They also keep production down to like one a day, or less. How do the production numbers of the RX-7 in Japan compare? Are they cranking 'em out?

Oddly why would you want to have the price of the RX-7 get stupid high? So that normal folks can't afford to buy it?! That would only hurt sales no?! Why would Mazda want to do that?
Also the Miata (MX-5) low level, RX-7 high level, and RX-8 mid level?! Something seem a bit odd with that picture?!

The 929 was the flagship sedan here in the states, but got bumped off by the more affordable Millennium model that out sold and therefore made more money.

Is Mazda dumb enough to make the RX-7 a SUPER exotic and sell it at a price where they only sell 1 or 2 a month?!:rolleyes:

Pass attempts at this Supra, 300ZX, Prelude, and what may be the reason the Skyline and WRC style cars have not made it state side. Is there such a market in today's economy?

Just a thought.

I think the RX-8 is great because it will bring back the Rotary back to the US and that can only mean one thing, an open door for the RX-7 to come back to us here in the U.S. so i can buy one..:eek: , also there has been alot of talk at Mazda about offering the Miata in Rotary trim, with a wider body to compete with S2000, Kompressor, Boxster.. That would kick ass, but only time will tell... :bandit:

Actually, the Miata will not have a rotary powerplant. What Mazda plans to do for their next Miata is use their new rotary-platform (which forms the RX-8). However, the engine will retain an inline-4 configuration to keep costs down.

Originally posted by morpheusxiii
Actually, the Miata will not have a rotary powerplant. What Mazda plans to do for their next Miata is use their new rotary-platform (which forms the RX-8). However, the engine will retain an inline-4 configuration to keep costs down.


Actually Mazda has mentioned offering a super Miata with a rotary engine...Not just the platform, Again this is TALK not on paper...

Where could I confirm this "talk"?

I just read (in the last week in... R&T? Automobile? Hell I can't remember there are too many) some news that Mazda will not allow the rotary because it would simply increase the cost of the already pricey (in many people's eyes) Miata. In any case, the upgrade would seem doubtful, not because of incompetent or expense, but simply because a rotary Miata would SERIOUSLY cut into the RX-8's territory. Once again, money dictates.

Of course, this doesn't mean much until the day we see the next generation MX-5. You never know what they are up to...

Originally posted by morpheusxiii
Of course, this doesn't mean much until the day we see the next generation MX-5. You never know what they are up to...
Wouldn't a rotary engine make it an "RX-5?"

Actually the are using the Miata as a test car for the new Renesis engine. Longer wheel base to fit, etc.

But my thought is that this is only for testing the engine.

R35, let's you and me go hunt down that test car and rob it from the Mazda folk. Perhaps this will get their attention and make them think twice about retaining a piston motor for the next Miata. The 13B has been around for some time now; they should at least stick a naturally aspirated version into the next roadster. Oh well, even if it doesn't happen, I'll still be glad to know that Mazda will provide the U.S. with at least one rotary sports car.

Of course, this isn't to impune on the long term development of the Miata's 1.6 & 1.8, aged to perfection like fine wine; they are still well built and well known for stock block forced induction capabilities......but still, a factory Wankel Miata... mighty tasty!

The latest road and track or Automobile i cant remember which one also has a V6 engine in the Miata with a big hood scoop.. I have a feeling the Miata is going to get an engine upgrade soon to something fierce and more competitive than the puny motor in there......For $30,000 i would much rather buy a Porsche or S2000 than a Miata..I know not all miatas cost that much, but the Limited Edition 10th Anniversary or something Miata used to retail for 30k at my local Mazda dealer...:confused:

OUCH! $30K Miata?!:confused:
Can't see shelling out that kind of money to a dealer, that much in mods?! Well maybe, but to buy a brand new miata for $30K? Better off buying a used RX7. I dunno a V6 might be a bit much for the class that the miata is in, but then again Mazda did put the first V6 in a pocket rocket:alien2: Anyone recall the MX3 V6? At least they have a sense of humor:finger:

Wankel sounds so funny.... whenever anybody says wankel engine it sounds like a joke, hehehehe :D

I think the 4 door thing is kinda cool, it still looks like a coupe... but it isn't

and why are they putting clear lens lights on it? It's like they're tryin to follow trends, but looks good

I highly doubt the Miata's pricetag would ever rise beyond the low $20K mark. Think about it, even though Mazda has suffered much economic turmoil, the Miata was one of their few cars that always sold well. If Mazda raised the price, not only would they be messing with a working product, but they would be leaving the budget roadster niche WIDE open. They don't have anything else to fill that hole. People have always purchased the Miata if they couldn't get near the pricier european roadsters, sacrificing some power for affordability. Especially now that the MR2 Spyder is out, there's no way Mazda would retreat, thereby giving up their prized throne that took more than a decade to build.

I also saw that V6 Miata. I'm not at all surprised. There have always been one-off MX-5 creations, including the Monster Miata V8. However, they never seem to find their way to the production office.

I'm too tall for both the Miata and the MR2 Spyder. :(

If it comes with the new Rotary 1.3L powering the RX-8 and RX-7. It will be a lot more expensive than the low 20K's.

The Renesis engine is powering the RX-7? When did this happen?

There is something fishy about RX-8's specs. It is most likely staying as 4 door. The next RX-7 will take over the coupe sales.

Originally posted by morpheusxiii
The Renesis engine is powering the RX-7? When did this happen?

It's a rumored.

does anyone know the base price of it?

yoh with me or I'm all alone here. The RX-8 looks fat, the RX-7 lie much more flat and thus looks more agressive and sporty, where as the RX-8 is going where the new Celica + the MX-5, I mean it's porty, but not that sporty.

The RX-8 is hardly qualify as a repalcement for the RX-7, even though it might be more powerful,

Yeah, I'm with you there. It's a good thing that the RX-8 is neither a replacement for the RX-7, nor is it more powerful (unless it gets turbos). Mazda probably just wanted a new refreshed car in their lineup, and built this so that all their R&D funding for the RX-evolv and RX-01 didn't go to waste. I highly doubt they will trash the Seven. Along with the MX-5 and Le Mans, it's one of the few things they did right.

Originally posted by bassik277
does anyone know the base price of it?

Can't seem to find a definite number, but from what publications are suggesting/estimating, it will be priced to compete with the upcoming new Z. So my guess is upper-mid to high $20K.