But realize they don't use a true AT like the RX8. Its a sequential manual gearbox (SMG) like the F1 cars and is actually faster than an MT in many cases because it can shift faster than a human can.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Whether a manual tranny becomes an annoyance in heavy stop and go traffic sometimes depends on the car and not on the laziness of the driver. I've driven a stick since I was 15 and prefer them. However, I bought a 03 Aerio SX a couple of years ago and its long travel semi heavy clutch pedal actually started making my ankle sore. By the time I got home or to work, my ankle was hurting a little and felt tight (it also starting making a lot of cracking noises). This was one of the reasons I traded it in on a 03 Tiburon GT with my first automatic. I considered the 6 speed version but it had a heavy clutch too and I could see it becoming an annoyance. After buying the auto, I can now see why some people just have to have them. It's positively wonderful in the pure city traffic I drive through. No more sore ankle and I don't get quite as aggravated since I don't have the jerky back and forth motions a stick tends to do. I will say the automatic does annoy sometimes because it shifts to 2nd when I would prefer to keep it in first and it shifts to first when 2nd is fine to pull off in. But that annoyance is minor compared to the comfort it provides.
That being said, my 84 VW GTI and 90 RX7 don't cause sore ankles in the same driving situation. So I think some cars just don't have a clutch that is comfortable to use in stop and go situations and thus drives people to go for an automatic.
Cheeze...I wish I could have the picture of the blonde posing on the hood since that's what her boyfriend (I'll assume that's who he was) was doing when I came out to the car.
Everyone's imagination is much more entertaining than the actual scene. So, I'll let all of you "carry on" and I'll never tell what exactly was going on at the time ;-)
blondie...your MPG is just about right. You can drive the car like a granny going to church and get mid-20s MPG, but where's the fun in that? I'm getting 18-19 MPG "toodling" around town. I can affect that lower if I do a bunch of redlines on a tankful and get stuck in traffic. I've also got 25 MPG on an all highway trip with cruise control on. That said, I'm more on the lower end of MPG since I'm given to wind it out more than I "toodle".
Even though I live in the boonies and have my office in my house (those few times I'm in the office and not stuck in an airport), if I had to drive every day in stop & go traffic, I can see the desireability of an auto tranny.
My 2nd car (5 year old Civic) has an automatic. If I know in advance I'm going to be driving in mostly congested areas, for the most part, that's the car I drive for conveniences sake. Plus, it gets 38 MPG on regular fuel (gotta do my little part to lessen demand when gas prices are abnormally inflated like they are now).
Anyone care to bet that the oil companies record "record profits" at the end of the year? Around my area, Costco is $.45/gal cheaper than any of the other gas stations around me. What's that tell you?
I have asked this before, but am not convinced that the ans. I got were correct. What is the "clunk" I get when I start off? If it is the antilock brakes, why did I not hear on my several previous cars, including severl Mazdas, one of which was a 2000 Millinia.
qbrozen - yeah I agree that's it different....but that whole "computer is faster/better than a human" thing can't be a selling point for a $200K+ car. Can it?.....I don't have a spare $200K to spend so I guess I am not the target market!..LOL!!....someday, I'll get to drive one, then I will know...how do I get a job at Autoweek?..heehee :-)
lngtonge18 - that's the beauty, I think, of the paddle shift on the RX8 - I get to pick the gear and it stays there, for the most part. Like I mentioned, at high RPMs it will shift for you, but I mostly have control from 500 to 8000!...that's good enough for me!!..wheee!! and nice! a 90 RX7!!!..what color?...I see you are in FL, so maybe I should be on the lookout!.... :-)
gguy - not gonna bet on that one at all!!.... and then right before the election, the prices will come down, Osama will be found, and it will be party time! That's when I drive like crazy on cheaper gas!!...because after the election, you can bet that the price will soar ( or could it be 'sore'?) back up!!....I have no idea how all those huge SUV's and Hummers down here do it?!?....must have stock in Mobil I guess!.....and if you don't tell us details about the blonde teenager, well, then...ah..you MUST have something to hide!!..LOL!!..... ;-)
carliker....don't get me started on the "blame OPEC" excuse for rising gas prices. OPEC's not to blame for the oil refineries purposely letting their stocks run low (and then lying about it) so they could inflate their prices. Different topic for a different time, though.
Cheeze...you may very well be correct about the election happenings. I'm not going to tell you anything more about the blonde on the hood. What you "think" was happening is much more interesting ;-)
canuette....the "clink" sound you're hearing is the ABS recalibrating. The fact you've never heard it on any other Mazda product stems from the fact that the RX8 is a "clean sheet" design. While I'm sure there are some components shared with the other Mazda models, the vast majority of it is brand new and shares very little with the other cars in the Mazda line-up. Nothing to worry about.
I currently live way up in Tallahassee but I'm originally from Jupiter and I come home every now and then. So I know exactly what you are talking about concerning I95 traffic. It's just horrible from Palm Beach Gardens south to Miami. I plan on driving my blaze red RX7 convertible (similar to your red but no metallic flakes; its a bright red clearcoat and looks stunning) the next time I go home so I can show it off to my family. I want to make my dad and brother envious, maybe my mom too.
On a sidenote, how is the job market down south? I'm considering moving south in a year or so but I'm scared by the sudden increase in house prices. I can't afford no 300k average house with 60k combined income! Unless the income is really that much higher down there then it is up here.
OK, OK, I'm getting tired of hearing you folks complain ;-). Lets see, 3.5 L per US gallon, at $0.90 per litre Canadian, times .73 to convert to US $ = $2.30 US per US gallon. And I'm in Alberta where the gas is cheapest in Canada!
And it's a lot more in Europe!
I think if you do the math it's costing you $20 or so more a month. Not really a big deal, though everyone notices the increase. Gas has remained almost steady for quite a few years (I saw $1.60/gal during the gas crisis when I was in the states in the 70s).
Those of us with rotaries get a little sensitive to fuel costs ;-) .
pathstar - Complaining about gas prices is similar to complaining about traffic and taxes. It's a way to vent. However, I pay a lot more than $20.00 per month for gas. It's $20.00 for just one tank of gas and it's a small sedan. I only put a premium tank for my S2000 on Sundays when I can get it at a special price.
As for rationalizing that the actual price of gas hasn't really gone up that much in 30 years is being shortsighted. All the oil companies give that excuse. I don't think people have a problem just with higher gas prices. They are more irritated that everything else in the world is going up in price, salaries are not, cars are more expensive (even though better made)and gas is something you need and have no choice but to get. Lot of people are also on tight budgets, and higher gas prices make it difficult to get those extra things they need which they previously took for granted. I, however, just like to complain about it, so let me!
OK...it's off topic, but you guys have hit a tender spot with me.
Pathstar....the way things are looking, we aren't too far away from that $2.30/gal price. Around my area, it's already $2.09/gal for premium at the BP, Shell, Sunoco, Conoco, etc stations. It was $2.19/gal last week.
I shop at COSTCO for my gas as it's always 10-20+ cents/gal cheaper. Same gas, from the same refineries.
The issue is, even though this is mostly plain price gouging from the company owned gas stations, OPEC promised 6 mos ago to keep the price/bbl around $26-$28. Obviously, they lied. Clearly they forgot how the U.S. pulled their butts out of the fire 10 years ago regarding Sadam's expansionism.
More disturbing is the fact that any news regarding an OPEC nation who might sneeze, is met with a round of large price hikes...sometimes as much as a 40 cent swing in one day. Add to that, the price fixing...when's the last time you saw a good, old fashioned "price war" between stations? No need since they all agree on a set price. The most recent turn of events has Shell mistakenly under-estimating their own oil reserves so they can justify more price increases. You really don't think that wasn't a purposeful mistake, do you?
All of this is happening while the U.S. gov't turns its head instead of fostering free market competition like they're supposed to. No pressure is being exerted on oil producing nations to stick to their promises (How about cutting off the Saudi's supply of American made weapons arsenals...it certainly isn't helping us.
I can see this becoming an issue in an election year...you can bet on it.
RX8 related content on it's way....we love our cars. No, they aren't particularly great on the MPG side of things, but they are, hands down, the best sporting machines at their given price point (and higher) that you're likely to find. As one reviewer said, the RX8 has the characteristics of much more expensive exotic cars.
all I have to say to all you RX-8 owners: YOU LUCKY BASTARDS
this is one AMAZING car, the handling, oh my god, it's SICK. The cones they set up on the test drive course, it's like they don't exist because i get around them in the RX-8 so easily it's like they aren't even there.
and the RENESIS, oh my, THE SWEETEST sounding thing I have ever heard coming out of an engine *drool*
I actually prefer the RX-8 over the even tighter-handling Mazdaspeed Miata that I test drove. The MS Miata was like a go kart and it drove great, but inherent turbo lag (however small) that comes with any turbo car really bugged me. The complete linearity of power from the RENESIS just FEELS RIGHT.
Maybe it's because I've seen you post from the time that I started posting here, but I thought you had an RX-8 or were close to getting one. Will you be able to get one soon? I bet graphic doesn't make it any easier. Just kidding, graphic!
big_h.....gald you could actually put one through its paces. I, too, thought you already had one. RX7s are "prized possessions", too. I was curious to hear someone's impressions regarding the MazdaSpeed Miata. I have yet to drive a turbo car that I didn't feel the inherent lag, regardless of how much manufacturers try to "dial" it out. And, yes, all of us owners do feel lucky. It's hard to understand what the RX8 is all about until you drive one and exploit some of it's potential.
Yes, the sound of the RENESIS is intoxicating. Strong rumors abound that they will add "white" to the stable of colors for '05 since it's already being produced in Japan. Don't know if that's of interest...what color are you looking for?
carliker...you have to have some of that same feeling with the S2000. Two different cars (vs the RX8), but loads of fun, too.
Just one data point I'd like to add. The 3rd gen RX-7 pretty much eliminated turbo lag. I get boost from 2000 RPM and up. Good and bad. Good, no really noticeable lag. Bad, unintentionally spins the tires across intersections when starting out from a stop ;-). My car is "slightly" modified.
Comparison with the RX-8: Handling - about the same. Power - much greater push with the 3rd gen. Shifting - have to shift much more with the 3rd gen due to reaching speed more quickly and only 7500 RPM redline. At 7500 the RX-8 is just getting "fun". Interior - 3rd gen is much less roomy - very tight even for driver and one passenger. I can move my legs side to side about 4 cm. More than one pass. - FORGET IT!!! RX-8 is a luxury car in comparison. Ride - stiffer suspension in my 3rd gen (H&R Sport springs). RX-8 beats the 3rd gen in comfort! OMG, it even has (gasp), cupholders! Looks - I guess they are about equal, based on the attention we both get when at car meets.
-My- conclusion - the RX-8 is a "practical" sports car, and didn't loose anything getting that way.
I have the black, and it is just plain sexy! I do worry a bit. I have come out countless times to my car from shopping or eating out and find people hanging out at my car. (I always try to park "out" away from other cars). One time I was sitting in my car and finishing a phone call when a man knocked on my window....(scared the sh*t out of me). He wanted me to rev the engine so he could hear what rotary sounded like! Geez!
graphic - Yes, I do feel that way about my car. I think white would look great on the RX-8. For some reason, I thought the sunlight silver metallic looked white on the Mazda website. That's why I chose that one. After seeing that Mazdaspeed version, I agree with big_h about how attractive that color looks. Just like the BMW M3 has different colors for it's upgraded version, it would be cool if Mazda did the same.
supposedly that's a currently available color in the Japanese market, so if they can just import the white and that dark blue here, it'll be a good differentiation between '04 and '05
my two cents - not a darn bad color in the whole lot!!......the car just "looks' goooood!......
maybe it's just me...
A friend at the beach here ordered a 2004 Prius in silver, I believe. He has waited 7 months now for his car, he has agreed to wait more because, according to him, "It just doesn't look good in any other color".....I told him to go test drive an RX8! He said he would but he can't get into it! (He's 70ish!)......just seems sad if a car doesn't look good based on a color.....
question, don't most new model cars has a certain "Model Color" that the designers pick as their show color?....Like Ferrari Red or the like?...
The Japaneze brochure for "all the stuff they removed to get the price down and are now selling as optional parts" also uses a red car.
Oh, and before you ask: "mud flaps" - plastic side moldings for behind front and rear wheels ebony trim (interior door release, armrests, etc. etc.) Same trim in two other finishes! magnesium wheels - sit down before you ask the price! LED lit shift knob Paded console lid Paded armrests other body kit parts lots of electronic gizmos such as no less than 6 GPS systems Colour co-ordinated leather finished interior parts (armrest covers, console lid, shift boot, e-brake boot, etc.) etc. etc. etc. Some of it will only work on right hand drive, but much is usable on both.
I have to use so many etcs. because there is so much stuff in there! Only 20% or so is offered in North America. An amazing brochure!
Do yourself a favor and go look at the Nordic Green. If you like the JP MazdaSpeed color, you may very well like the Nordic Green as it looks "black, green or blue" depending on the light.
Cheeze and blondie...see' I'm not the only person who has "strange encounters of the RX8 kind"........
there IS a naturally aspirated version of it in the Japan market, it's not available in any other market. here is the official JDM Mazdaspeed RX-8 web page:
as for turbo kit, SSR Engineering has built a full turbo system for the US RX-8. I have yet read the test results, but have heard of significant torque and HP gains.
Does anyone know if Mazda plans on releasing any Mazdaspeed versions of the RX-8 like they have for the Miata and other vehicles in their line up? I am debating whether to get an RX-8 or G35 (like everyone else) and I am leaning towards the G35 becuase of the torque but I really like the look the of the RX-8. If anyone has any news I would greatly appreciate it.
pathstar - what can YOU get from that catalog?...and then how much Canadian $'s do I have to send you to get some of those parts?.....!!!...LED shift knob!!...padded armrest!!...whooboy...hold back my credit card!!... :-)
gguy - yet another weird meeting today with some punk in a jacked up Explorer....wanted to race....I about plowed into him when he tried to take a corner higher than 10 mph....I just laughed....man, I love this car....
I havent driven the car yet but I got a promotion at work and wouldn't mind waiting a little longer if indeed Mazda decides to do something to the RX8. The car is pretty sweet as is but I guess it's kind of like the computer syndrome, I want to wait it out a little longer to see if any news pops up. Does anyone know of any performance upgrades for the RX8 that are currently available?
How are people mileage with this car? I heard it gets better and better as you break the engine in.
autoweek just had a writeup on the mazdaspeed rx8. First off, something I didn't realize, they only built 400 of them for Japan. But what may be news for some of the U.S. owners is that all the pieces that went into the JDM mazdaspeed version can be bought through several dealers here in the states. It'll cost a small fortune, but if its really what you want ....
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Of course, the BEST way to dertermine if the RX8 is right for you is to drive one.
While the G35c is a fine car, just about every trade rag I've read (MT,C&D,etc), picked the RX8 over the G35c/350z/Cobra. Even Edmunds' own "Sports Car Shootout" picked the RX8 over the others. "Top Gear" in the U.K. called it the best sports car they had driven in the last year.
MPG is going to be similar as to what you'd expect with the G35c...that is mid-high teens in all city driving and low-mid 20s in all city.
Personally, I'm getting around 17-18 MPG in all city and mid 20's (23-24) MPG in all highway. Yes, MPG does get better as you break it in.
According to Edmunds, their long term 350z got 19 MPG during the test period. I would expect the G35c would get a little less given it's a heavier than the 350z.
Whatever you give up in torque with the RX8, you more than make up in how startingly quick the RX8 spins the RPMs to the 9K RPM redline (too sweet).
If 0-60 is "your thing", both the RX8 and the G35c are just about identical (depending on who's doing the testing, most either have the RX8 a few tenths quicker or even...nothing that would cause anyone to use that as a guage).
After extensively test driving the G35c and the RX8 before purchase (and after), here were my impressions of the RX8's advantages over the G35c....
That was a very comprehensive breakdown and very informative.
As far as the Maxdaspeed version goes, it looks to me that most of the enhancements are cosmetic and very little is done to the engine. Quite honestly, I just really like the aggressive look of the Mazdaspeed version and from what I've gathered, you can assemble the parts at your Mazda dealer here in the US.
is listed on http://www.canzoomer.com/. There is a link at the top to the Japaneze brochure. I think Trusville Mazda sell at least some of it as well at good prices. There are others, Mazdatrix, Rotary Performance, Mazdaformance, and Rotaryextreme. I'm sure I'm missing some. All above can be found by searching on the web. If you want to buy some of this stuff I recommend you do your homework. It's not inexpensive, even from the lowest cost site. Get the prices, compare. Remember to add shipping (which on large items can cost as much as the item - e.g. the Mazdaspeed front is so large the shipping costs from Japan almost equal the item cost). Just ask each source what shipping would cost on what you want. If they will not tell you go elsewhere. Large things may be less expensive from US sources, such as a local dealer! Mazda NA import it by the container load, so individual costs are better controlled. Hard to believe a dealer can be less expensive but we've seen it.
To be honest, If I could buy any new vehicle out there in my budget it would be the RX-8. But my wife gives the veto, even though she agrees that it is the best looking sports car out there, not to mention handling etc.
We had an RX8 show up at our BMW club driving school Saturday. I wanted a shot at instructing in it, but every session there was already another guy firmly ensconced in the passenger seat.
I did get e-mail from two of the instructors who did ride in it, and their comments are below.
One instructor has owned a string of heavily modified Audis, and currently has a BMW 318 prepped for racing. I've ridden with him in the past, and he's a very good driver. Here's what he said: "I was not impressed with the motor at all - didn't pull as strong as an e-36 M3. It could be though that the reason for this was that the guy kept shifting the thing at around 6000 rpm instead of wringing it out a bit. mebbe it was not broken yet??? Chassis balance was real nice - liked that a lot. Good to v-good brakes. What's the HP claim on these???" He went on to say he was more impressed with the Neon SRT4, even though the wrong wheels were putting power down.
The other guy owns a 5 series BMW and a 350 Z. I've never ridden with him. His impressions: "I instructed in it because I was curious to see how it matched up to my 350Z. The car mags say it is better finished and has a better ride and generally rate it above the Z. I was unimpressed, especially when it came to power and didn't feel it had much in the way of handling." He thought the WRX was more of a thrill ride.
Bear in mind that the except for some relatively slow laps early in the day used to show students the line, instructors *don't* drive, so these are mostly, if not entirely, passenger seat impressions. I think the guy who owned the car wasn't real experienced, and so may not have been demonstrating the full capabilities (the 6k RPM comment is a hint).
Absolutely. The one time I drove one, it was pretty clear the 6k is where the fun begins. It was on the street, so I couldn't really wring out the chassis. Even so, I was a little surprised at the second guys comments, 'cause I thought it handled real well, and I've been a bit underwhelmed by the Z's when I've ridden in 'em at an autocross.
You guys didn't think I was going to sit back and take this, did you? First, I've had driver's seat time in all of the cars that they mentioned (including a brief drive in the Neon SRT).
These guys were sitting in the passenger's seat and are offering their driving impressions? THEY WEREN'T EVEN DRIVING...... Is this some kind of a joke?
PUHHHLEEEEZEE!
-first, how can this be a real driving school if they don't even let the drivers get into the RX8's power band. What kind of school is this, again? BMW? That certainly would be totally different than any BMW driving event I ever attended (and I've attended lots of them). I've owned BMWs in the past and the 318 is probably the worst example. I'm an autox guy, and in the past, have done bracket racing locally. Even the modded 318s are dogs.
One guy preferred the Neon SRT? How old is this guy? 15? Maybe he needed a bigger spoiler on the back or a bunch of neon for him to really "get into it".
Generally, I like WRX's, but to compare build and fit/finish of the RX8 to the WRX or 350z is like comparing the RX8's creme brule to the "Tootsie Pop" flavor of the others.
ajvdh..not a slight to you, but really, you need to find another driving school to attend. I wouldn't take any of those "instructors" opinions with any more than a grain of salt based on their comments. What qualified these guys as instructors? Did they watch both "Fast and Furious" movies? Is that their sum total of "experience"?
Where is this BMW "driving school"? Carliker and I would like to "run what we brung" if we'd come out to one of those. We'd run "bone stock", too. We'd be considered Andrettis among those guys. When I owned both of my BMWs and went to any sort of similar events, the attendees would have run these guys off the track and then laughed at them.
You might work on re-reading what I wrote. But since you appear to need some help, let me re-iterate: Firstly, I was instructing, not attending. Second the RX8 student was not experienced and he was deciding not to take it over 6k. Odd as it may seem, some people are intimidated their first few times on the track, and may want to leave a big margin for error. One way of doing that is to not use all the available power.
You may think a 318 a dog, but compared to the owners other ride (a 95 S6 running 25 psi of boost), an RX8 is fairly canine in nature. The owner, BTW, has been instructing and racing for 10 years. His 318 is competitive in its club racing class, and since he is racing wheel-to-wheel, he wants to race something he can afford to wreck. And what of his comments would you disagree with? He liked the chassis and brakes, and knew the guy wasn't using all the power.
I make no excuses for the Z-car guys comments. I don't agree with them. I think the_big_h nailed it in post 2020.
Also where was fit/finish mentioned in my post? These were strictly on-track impressions. Like it or not, from a performance standpoint the WRX is at least the RX8's equal, and the SRT has a signficant advantage in power-to-weight.
I shouldn't respond to your pointless insults, as it's obvious that they stem from a combination of a surfeit of ego and a deficiency in reading comprehension, but I will say this: Most of our instructors race, and we have some with multiple national SCCA championships in solo and wheel-to-wheel racing. Not to mention a guy who actually has raced open-wheel cars professionally. I suspect you wouldn't look like Andretti to very many. Oh yeah, we also have one of the best safety records of any BMW CCA schools, 'cause we don't let people "run each other off the track". We'd like to keep it that way.
"You all know the rules of the Edmunds Boxing Commission. In the event of an insult, go to your respective corners and await the stinging rebuke of the Host.
Comments
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
That being said, my 84 VW GTI and 90 RX7 don't cause sore ankles in the same driving situation. So I think some cars just don't have a clutch that is comfortable to use in stop and go situations and thus drives people to go for an automatic.
Everyone's imagination is much more entertaining than the actual scene. So, I'll let all of you "carry on" and I'll never tell what exactly was going on at the time ;-)
blondie...your MPG is just about right. You can drive the car like a granny going to church and get mid-20s MPG, but where's the fun in that? I'm getting 18-19 MPG "toodling" around town. I can affect that lower if I do a bunch of redlines on a tankful and get stuck in traffic. I've also got 25 MPG on an all highway trip with cruise control on. That said, I'm more on the lower end of MPG since I'm given to wind it out more than I "toodle".
Even though I live in the boonies and have my office in my house (those few times I'm in the office and not stuck in an airport), if I had to drive every day in stop & go traffic, I can see the desireability of an auto tranny.
My 2nd car (5 year old Civic) has an automatic. If I know in advance I'm going to be driving in mostly congested areas, for the most part, that's the car I drive for conveniences sake. Plus, it gets 38 MPG on regular fuel (gotta do my little part to lessen demand when gas prices are abnormally inflated like they are now).
Anyone care to bet that the oil companies record "record profits" at the end of the year? Around my area, Costco is $.45/gal cheaper than any of the other gas stations around me. What's that tell you?
lngtonge18 - that's the beauty, I think, of the paddle shift on the RX8 - I get to pick the gear and it stays there, for the most part. Like I mentioned, at high RPMs it will shift for you, but I mostly have control from 500 to 8000!...that's good enough for me!!..wheee!! and nice! a 90 RX7!!!..what color?...I see you are in FL, so maybe I should be on the lookout!.... :-)
gguy - not gonna bet on that one at all!!.... and then right before the election, the prices will come down, Osama will be found, and it will be party time! That's when I drive like crazy on cheaper gas!!...because after the election, you can bet that the price will soar ( or could it be 'sore'?) back up!!....I have no idea how all those huge SUV's and Hummers down here do it?!?....must have stock in Mobil I guess!.....and if you don't tell us details about the blonde teenager, well, then...ah..you MUST have something to hide!!..LOL!!..... ;-)
Cheeze...you may very well be correct about the election happenings. I'm not going to tell you anything more about the blonde on the hood. What you "think" was happening is much more interesting ;-)
canuette....the "clink" sound you're hearing is the ABS recalibrating. The fact you've never heard it on any other Mazda product stems from the fact that the RX8 is a "clean sheet" design. While I'm sure there are some components shared with the other Mazda models, the vast majority of it is brand new and shares very little with the other cars in the Mazda line-up. Nothing to worry about.
On a sidenote, how is the job market down south? I'm considering moving south in a year or so but I'm scared by the sudden increase in house prices. I can't afford no 300k average house with 60k combined income! Unless the income is really that much higher down there then it is up here.
And it's a lot more in Europe!
I think if you do the math it's costing you $20 or so more a month. Not really a big deal, though everyone notices the increase. Gas has remained almost steady for quite a few years (I saw $1.60/gal during the gas crisis when I was in the states in the 70s).
Those of us with rotaries get a little sensitive to fuel costs ;-) .
As for rationalizing that the actual price of gas hasn't really gone up that much in 30 years is being shortsighted. All the oil companies give that excuse. I don't think people have a problem just with higher gas prices. They are more irritated that everything else in the world is going up in price, salaries are not, cars are more expensive (even though better made)and gas is something you need and have no choice but to get. Lot of people are also on tight budgets, and higher gas prices make it difficult to get those extra things they need which they previously took for granted. I, however, just like to complain about it, so let me!
Pathstar....the way things are looking, we aren't too far away from that $2.30/gal price. Around my area, it's already $2.09/gal for premium at the BP, Shell, Sunoco, Conoco, etc stations. It was $2.19/gal last week.
I shop at COSTCO for my gas as it's always 10-20+ cents/gal cheaper. Same gas, from the same refineries.
The issue is, even though this is mostly plain price gouging from the company owned gas stations, OPEC promised 6 mos ago to keep the price/bbl around $26-$28. Obviously, they lied. Clearly they forgot how the U.S. pulled their butts out of the fire 10 years ago regarding Sadam's expansionism.
More disturbing is the fact that any news regarding an OPEC nation who might sneeze, is met with a round of large price hikes...sometimes as much as a 40 cent swing in one day. Add to that, the price fixing...when's the last time you saw a good, old fashioned "price war" between stations? No need since they all agree on a set price. The most recent turn of events has Shell mistakenly under-estimating their own oil reserves so they can justify more price increases. You really don't think that wasn't a purposeful mistake, do you?
All of this is happening while the U.S. gov't turns its head instead of fostering free market competition like they're supposed to. No pressure is being exerted on oil producing nations to stick to their promises (How about cutting off the Saudi's supply of American made weapons arsenals...it certainly isn't helping us.
I can see this becoming an issue in an election year...you can bet on it.
RX8 related content on it's way....we love our cars. No, they aren't particularly great on the MPG side of things, but they are, hands down, the best sporting machines at their given price point (and higher) that you're likely to find. As one reviewer said, the RX8 has the characteristics of much more expensive exotic cars.
all I have to say to all you RX-8 owners: YOU LUCKY BASTARDS
this is one AMAZING car, the handling, oh my god, it's SICK. The cones they set up on the test drive course, it's like they don't exist because i get around them in the RX-8 so easily it's like they aren't even there.
and the RENESIS, oh my, THE SWEETEST sounding thing I have ever heard coming out of an engine *drool*
I actually prefer the RX-8 over the even tighter-handling Mazdaspeed Miata that I test drove. The MS Miata was like a go kart and it drove great, but inherent turbo lag (however small) that comes with any turbo car really bugged me. The complete linearity of power from the RENESIS just FEELS RIGHT.
you lucky, lucky RX-8 owners
but i am a big fan of the car though. no RX-8 because they don't have the exact color i want, yet
*holding out for possible new color for '05*
Yes, the sound of the RENESIS is intoxicating. Strong rumors abound that they will add "white" to the stable of colors for '05 since it's already being produced in Japan. Don't know if that's of interest...what color are you looking for?
carliker...you have to have some of that same feeling with the S2000. Two different cars (vs the RX8), but loads of fun, too.
Comparison with the RX-8:
Handling - about the same.
Power - much greater push with the 3rd gen.
Shifting - have to shift much more with the 3rd gen due to reaching speed more quickly and only 7500 RPM redline. At 7500 the RX-8 is just getting "fun".
Interior - 3rd gen is much less roomy - very tight even for driver and one passenger. I can move my legs side to side about 4 cm. More than one pass. - FORGET IT!!! RX-8 is a luxury car in comparison.
Ride - stiffer suspension in my 3rd gen (H&R Sport springs). RX-8 beats the 3rd gen in comfort! OMG, it even has (gasp), cupholders!
Looks - I guess they are about equal, based on the attention we both get when at car meets.
-My- conclusion - the RX-8 is a "practical" sports car, and didn't loose anything getting that way.
http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat- _code=carnews&loc_code=index&content_code=09734493
I do worry a bit. I have come out countless times to my car from shopping or eating out and find people hanging out at my car. (I always try to park "out" away from other cars). One time I was sitting in my car and finishing a phone call when a man knocked on my window....(scared the sh*t out of me). He wanted me to rev the engine so he could hear what rotary sounded like! Geez!
the Mazdaspeed RX-8 reminds me more of the Strato Blue Mica found currently on Mazda3's. It has more of a purple-ish hue than Montego Blue
maybe it's just me...
A friend at the beach here ordered a 2004 Prius in silver, I believe. He has waited 7 months now for his car, he has agreed to wait more because, according to him, "It just doesn't look good in any other color".....I told him to go test drive an RX8! He said he would but he can't get into it! (He's 70ish!)......just seems sad if a car doesn't look good based on a color.....
question, don't most new model cars has a certain "Model Color" that the designers pick as their show color?....Like Ferrari Red or the like?...
plus the RX-8 looks downright sexy in red too ;-)
Oh, and before you ask:
"mud flaps" - plastic side moldings for behind front and rear wheels
ebony trim (interior door release, armrests, etc. etc.)
Same trim in two other finishes!
magnesium wheels - sit down before you ask the price!
LED lit shift knob
Paded console lid
Paded armrests
other body kit parts
lots of electronic gizmos such as no less than 6 GPS systems
Colour co-ordinated leather finished interior parts (armrest covers, console lid, shift boot, e-brake boot, etc.)
etc. etc. etc.
Some of it will only work on right hand drive, but much is usable on both.
I have to use so many etcs. because there is so much stuff in there! Only 20% or so is offered in North America.
An amazing brochure!
Cheeze and blondie...see' I'm not the only person who has "strange encounters of the RX8 kind"........
http://www.mazda.co.jp/customize/rx-8msv/
as for turbo kit, SSR Engineering has built a full turbo system for the US RX-8. I have yet read the test results, but have heard of significant torque and HP gains.
do a search on SSR Engineering RX-8 turbo
good luck.
Mazda has only given hints about the next MazdaSpeed....it will be an even number car. So it's a 50/50 chance.
gguy - yet another weird meeting today with some punk in a jacked up Explorer....wanted to race....I about plowed into him when he tried to take a corner higher than 10 mph....I just laughed....man, I love this car....
How are people mileage with this car? I heard it gets better and better as you break the engine in.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
While the G35c is a fine car, just about every trade rag I've read (MT,C&D,etc), picked the RX8 over the G35c/350z/Cobra. Even Edmunds' own "Sports Car Shootout" picked the RX8 over the others. "Top Gear" in the U.K. called it the best sports car they had driven in the last year.
MPG is going to be similar as to what you'd expect with the G35c...that is mid-high teens in all city driving and low-mid 20s in all city.
Personally, I'm getting around 17-18 MPG in all city and mid 20's (23-24) MPG in all highway. Yes, MPG does get better as you break it in.
According to Edmunds, their long term 350z got 19 MPG during the test period. I would expect the G35c would get a little less given it's a heavier than the 350z.
Whatever you give up in torque with the RX8, you more than make up in how startingly quick the RX8 spins the RPMs to the 9K RPM redline (too sweet).
If 0-60 is "your thing", both the RX8 and the G35c are just about identical (depending on who's doing the testing, most either have the RX8 a few tenths quicker or even...nothing that would cause anyone to use that as a guage).
After extensively test driving the G35c and the RX8 before purchase (and after), here were my impressions of the RX8's advantages over the G35c....
--better handling
--better ride
--better interior (both build quality and materials)
--better exterior paint
--better shifter/clutch
--better ergonomics
My RX8, with NAV, similarly equipped as the G35c, also cost less.
Of course, your mileage may vary (YMMV);-)
As far as the Maxdaspeed version goes, it looks to me that most of the enhancements are cosmetic and very little is done to the engine. Quite honestly, I just really like the aggressive look of the Mazdaspeed version and from what I've gathered, you can assemble the parts at your Mazda dealer here in the US.
Thanks again for all the help fellas.
I did get e-mail from two of the instructors who did ride in it, and their comments are below.
One instructor has owned a string of heavily modified Audis, and currently has a BMW 318 prepped for racing. I've ridden with him in the past, and he's a very good driver. Here's what he said: "I was not impressed with the motor at all - didn't pull as strong as an e-36 M3. It could be though that the reason for this was that the guy kept shifting the thing at around 6000 rpm instead of wringing it out a bit. mebbe it was not broken yet??? Chassis balance was real nice - liked that a lot. Good to v-good brakes. What's the HP claim on these???" He went on to say he was more impressed with the Neon SRT4, even though the wrong wheels were putting power down.
The other guy owns a 5 series BMW and a 350 Z. I've never ridden with him. His impressions: "I instructed in it because I was curious to see how it matched up to my 350Z. The car mags say it is better finished and has a better ride and generally rate it above the Z. I was unimpressed, especially when it came to power and didn't feel it had much in the way of handling." He thought the WRX was more of a thrill ride.
Bear in mind that the except for some relatively slow laps early in the day used to show students the line, instructors *don't* drive, so these are mostly, if not entirely, passenger seat impressions. I think the guy who owned the car wasn't real experienced, and so may not have been demonstrating the full capabilities (the 6k RPM comment is a hint).
These guys were sitting in the passenger's seat and are offering their driving impressions? THEY WEREN'T EVEN DRIVING...... Is this some kind of a joke?
PUHHHLEEEEZEE!
-first, how can this be a real driving school if they don't even let the drivers get into the RX8's power band. What kind of school is this, again? BMW? That certainly would be totally different than any BMW driving event I ever attended (and I've attended lots of them). I've owned BMWs in the past and the 318 is probably the worst example. I'm an autox guy, and in the past, have done bracket racing locally. Even the modded 318s are dogs.
One guy preferred the Neon SRT? How old is this guy? 15? Maybe he needed a bigger spoiler on the back or a bunch of neon for him to really "get into it".
Generally, I like WRX's, but to compare build and fit/finish of the RX8 to the WRX or 350z is like comparing the RX8's creme brule to the "Tootsie Pop" flavor of the others.
ajvdh..not a slight to you, but really, you need to find another driving school to attend. I wouldn't take any of those "instructors" opinions with any more than a grain of salt based on their comments. What qualified these guys as instructors? Did they watch both "Fast and Furious" movies? Is that their sum total of "experience"?
Where is this BMW "driving school"? Carliker and I would like to "run what we brung" if we'd come out to one of those. We'd run "bone stock", too. We'd be considered Andrettis among those guys. When I owned both of my BMWs and went to any sort of similar events, the attendees would have run these guys off the track and then laughed at them.
big_h...me thinks you are correct.
You may think a 318 a dog, but compared to the owners other ride (a 95 S6 running 25 psi of boost), an RX8 is fairly canine in nature. The owner, BTW, has been instructing and racing for 10 years. His 318 is competitive in its club racing class, and since he is racing wheel-to-wheel, he wants to race something he can afford to wreck. And what of his comments would you disagree with? He liked the chassis and brakes, and knew the guy wasn't using all the power.
I make no excuses for the Z-car guys comments. I don't agree with them. I think the_big_h nailed it in post 2020.
Also where was fit/finish mentioned in my post? These were strictly on-track impressions. Like it or not, from a performance standpoint the WRX is at least the RX8's equal, and the SRT has a signficant advantage in power-to-weight.
I shouldn't respond to your pointless insults, as it's obvious that they stem from a combination of a surfeit of ego and a deficiency in reading comprehension, but I will say this: Most of our instructors race, and we have some with multiple national SCCA championships in solo and wheel-to-wheel racing. Not to mention a guy who actually has raced open-wheel cars professionally. I suspect you wouldn't look like Andretti to very many. Oh yeah, we also have one of the best safety records of any BMW CCA schools, 'cause we don't let people "run each other off the track". We'd like to keep it that way.
I think I will go hide and wash my velocity red 'dog' and call it a day.....
I feel a heat wave comming.........oh boy..
Ride what you must, Mines going back to the service department again, shucks HEHEHE...
I stick by my post.
Okay, touch gloves and come out smiling
(this is supposed to be FUN. Enjoy yourselves!)