Genome

These cars could be worth a decent amount someday. I don't expect they'll ever be too common or make it past 1-2 years in production at this rate. I've only seen two on the road here in NJ in 4-5 months, a place where you see about 1-2 Zs a day, one or two S2000s a week, a ton of Corvettes, etc.

Is there any other available engine they could drop in the RX8?? Some V6 or something??

Tough part about it, look at the comp in the price range:

Evo8: 271HP, AWD
S2000: 240HP, 2700 lbs.
350Z: 287HP
WRX STi: 300HP, AWD

Honda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Nissan, everyone is Serious except for Mazda, it seems.

The sad part is I love the RX line, and this car was stillborn. Let's hope and pray this isn't the end of the line for the RX7

CBeyond

Putting a V6 in the RX-8 would be an admission of failure for Mazda. The rest of the car isn't so great that anyone would consider buying after they got rid of the only unique characteristic is has.

Fanman

Tat is my dilemma. I'm thinking about a car in this catagory between the RX8 (4 seats, 4 doors, nicer interior), EVO 8 (monster engine that is easy to upgrade, 4 seats, 4 doors), S2000 (nice looks, Honda reliability), 350 Z (Grand tourer, more spacious interior than S2000). Looking at a lot of different factors.

As for the RX8, I don't think they would ever put a different engine in it other than the rotary in it. Also I have checked around and so far not many after market parts for it. They have exhaust, 1 header brand, no CAI yet, and some companies fiddling with turbos. I'm going to wait a few months and see what happens, but it needs more hp/torque.

ttb

the weight on the rx8 and s2000 are very similiar. i would guess both are about the same in terms on acceleration/speed.

S2020

[QUOTE]Originally posted by M-Type

CBeyond

Eh, I don't think so.

200x RX-8 = 3029 lbs, 238HP
2004 S2000 = 2835 lbs, 240HP

http://forums.mazdaworld.org/index.php?showtopic=830

Almost 200 pounds difference, if those numbers are correct. Also, the RX-8 hp rating is still figured to be overestimated, and the 04 S2000 may very well be underestimated.

ttb

hmm..i swore the rx8 was lighter..i thought it was around high 2800lb, lower 2900 but yea, mazda lists it at 3029 pounds with popular options. not sure how much the popular option weighs.

ttb

i'm still not convinced that it's "underrated"

http://rotarynews.com/view.php?id=212

i think the true test will be once the cars are broken in and we see some times.

either way, i'd wouldn't get the rx8...like somebody said....either i want a 2 seater sports car, a 4 door sedan, or a 2+2 coupe...this 4 door, suicide door thing is a little too gimicky for me.

wing

The suicide doors actually work really well and basically turn the 2+2 into easy entry exit. Also easier to put stuff in the back seat you don't have to walk around the back door.

I'm not sure how many S2k's honda sells a year, but Mazda plans on selling 30,000 RX8's it's marketted at sedan buyers not sports car buyers.

I think the goal is lofty but it won't be exclusive if they come close.

The Captain

I got to take a black base with HID's for the weekend and I am very impressed with it. I had taken a few quick test drives prior to this but getting to have it over the weekend gave me the chance to fully appreciate it.

My girlfriend and I had a wedding to go to in a town about an hour and a half away and it was smooth and quiet on the highway with plenty of passing power in all gears. The last part of the trip was on a twisty and hilly two-lane road and the RX-8 was a blast. It gripped like crazy through the corners and was a thrill on this large hill that is kind of famous for blasting through around here. We went up and down the hill 4 times at very "thrilling speeds".

It rained the next day and the traction control worked really well. I could easily take off quickly from a stop with no wheel spin and the overall control was fantastic.

I know about the "issues" with the RX-8 right now but having owned an RX-7 Turbo, I know that they rotary engine does not get great gas mileage so that does not bother me. The HP issue is not a big deal either as I felt that it had plenty of power when I drove it. Sure, it might be better to wait until the 2005's come out and see if they fix a few little things but overall, I am still impressed with the car.

I am currently on my second Miata and have also had an S2000 as well as some other neat sports cars and I have to say that I would not mind adding the RX-8 to the list. After having my first Miata I did not ever think I would want a car that was not a convertible but the RX-8 could be the car that changes that.

Kirk