What do you think?

[enzo@af]

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?

[Bean Bandit]

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

[enzo@af]

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.

[JD@af]

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.

[FC3S]

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...

[SolReaver]

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

[Seb928S@af]

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

[autofan]

here's one:



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

[GOD]

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 .

[FC3S]

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?

[JD@af]

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.

[enzo@af]

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.

[JD@af]

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.

[FC3S]

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.

[enzo@af]

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.