No, I'm just not assuming as pessimistically as you are. Unless you've driven the car, the most either of us can do is to make assumptions; neither of us is any more likely to assume correctly, but hopefully the automotive press can help shed some light:

[QUOTE]It's easy to say four-seat sports car, but what does it mean?

 

I have one on order as a rain car. In many respects, it exceeds the S2000. For a track car, it may be better because the rear brakes are vented and the fronts are so big that 17" wheels are the smallest size that will fit.

 

First of all, I never "agreed that the WRX is a kick-ass car." Granted, it's fun, but it's not that badass. (Sorry Angel. )

Second of all, I never said the Miata is not a sports car. In fact, I even said it was a grassroots sports car. (Compliment, is it not?)

And yes, you're right: All we can do is make assumptions, until we actually drive the car. I've driven a Miata ('94) several times, and it was FUN. The car is so tossable while still under complete control. I've been in faster cars, but not many that are so quick to turn, brake, etc. It's like the car does what you want before you can even think it.

Anyway, about the RX8, I just feel it is a car for the consumer market - it is a car to make money, pure and simple. I'm sure it'll be a sellout, and that's great; but if it's reviving the RX name, it damn well better be a hardcore sports car. But from what I've read, and from what I've heard (all hearsay, mind you), the RX8 does not fulfill the tradition of its RX namesake.

 

What do you mean by "RX tradition"? The RX-2, 3, 4,5 all came in sedan and/or coupe forms. But the real "hardcore" sports cars started with rx-7's. Hence all the the hardcore sports cars were also called RX-7's (1st gen, 2nd...etc).

So what you should say is that the RX-8 doesn't fullfill the RX-7 tradition, but wait a minute....it called the RX-8. Its a new line, just as the RX-2 was different from the RX-7. When mazda brings out their "hardcore" car it will be called RX-7.

 

What about TVR Cerbera 4.5?? It is a 4 seat car. It has 420hp naturally aspirated engine, 50/50 distribution and weights 2200 pounds (!!!) And I wouldn't say it's a race car. It doesn't look like a race car. It looks like a retro car. In fact the first word that comes to my mind is it's a LUXURY car. But it will outperform most other "pure racebred" cars anytime of day on any track.

 

I don't like the whole deal with half-doors behind the real doors - it says that the car is trying to be both a sedan and a sports car at the same time. I own a 944 and half the fun is watching people try to squeeze in behind the driver's seat . But I do like the styling and the engine.