But wait! Nissan will be rolling out "2" new SE-R's in Sept. The first being 170 bhp & 170 lbft. Then a Spec V version with 180 bhp & 180 lbft with a 6spd tranny, 17'rolling stock. They look good too with room for 4.5. Honda too will roll out a new hatch Civic including an Si version with 160 bhp & near 160 lbft. from a new i-VTEC motor. Japan get's the Type-R with 200 bhp. The Mazda only has 140 bhp in the MP3 & 5. It's neat little car but I'd be calling either my Nissan or Subaru (hint WRX) dealers if it were my decision.

 

More people who will rev us.

 

I can't believe the RX-8 is a 4 seater!!!! I thought they'd keep it a 2 seater and come out with a convertible option later.

Check out that funky 3rd door. Just like in the Saturn.

 

One thing I like about the Mazda's vs. the new Civic HB and the Nissans is the price.

This third car is supposed to just be an everyday car that I won't worry about with Ronica driving....not that I worry about HOW she drives, but for the fact of how others drive. I also worry that the S2K is a bit to "twitchy" for her to drive without some proper school and/or experiences. The last thing I worry about, is that if she was to get into an accident, how will the S2K fair vs. getting hit in a larger car.

I'm not sure at this moment, but I think the Mazda's even come with side impact bags and many other options.....for $15K, that's alot of car I would be getting. The practicality of owning the Protege5 with 3 dogs bumps up the "need" factor vs. the Suburu's and the Nissan's.

Now leaves the Civic HB....much pricier, however it is a Honda and would be a GREAT stablemate to the Lude and the S2K. There are alot of aftermarket manufacturers for the Civic lineup.....hmmmmm, when were they going to release the Civic HB Si? Hell are they thinking about the Civic HB hybrid, which would be a winner hand down (I'd think after a test drive)?

 

ooh ooh ooh

The new Nissan Sentra SE-R Vspec is the one I'm lookin' out for... They look real nice, especially in yellow...

Of course none can compare to the almighty S2K, to me, though.