OT: Anyone driven the new RX-8

1973911s · 07-28-2003, 03:55 PM

Sorry Jack and Wayne.

Has anyone driven the new RX-8. I stopped by the dealer on Sunday and fell in love with the car.

I almost traded in my 2003 Accord for one.

Was wondering your thoughts.

Michael

jbripps · jbripps's Garage

I have one on order, expected to arrive in 3 weeks. The early models that just came out are not loaded up at all. I'll keep you posted.

regards,

Elombard · 07-28-2003, 06:32 PM

I am rotor head from way back. I like them but the styling is a little funky dont you think? I stopped by and sat in the front and back seats, nice amazing room in the back. I think I prefer the Z. I saw a track edition 350 Z at the autocross with blooddy huge aftermarket wheels and coil overs. It looked fab, I fell in love. Not enough to get rid of the Porsche though :-))

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

I also like the car! I work for Ford and can get "A" plan pricing on it, but I won't be in the market for another car for about a year. The RX8 looks nice (in pictures) but I hope to see one up close and personal very soon!

lateapex911 · 07-29-2003, 08:13 PM

Credit Mazda for having the guts to come up with it...

I like it.

I hope it sells.....

but I'm afraid it won't.

bell · bell's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by lateapex911

but I'm afraid it won't.

i like it but think they should've used longer doors instead of those silly rear ones

GRMPer · GRMPer's Garage

I drove one back in January, it's one of the best car's I've ever driven...track, street, autocross, whatever, as long as I'm sitting behind the wheel. Honest. Get out of car, look at car. shake head.

Per
http://www.grassrootsmotorsports.com

TerryBPP · 07-30-2003, 08:16 AM

Whats with the 3rd door? Is it a crew cab?

GRMPer · GRMPer's Garage

It's actually 4 doors, the rears are rear-hinged...but jeez don't call them "suicide"

Per

ljonespwc · 07-30-2003, 08:30 AM

Yes, just a few days ago. It's a wonderfully balanced car--and considered fairly lightweight in its class at 3000 pounds. The interior and exterior design is really cool, lots of room in the back for adults and kids. The rotary motor is a little too quiet, but it revs so smoothly all the way up to redline (I stopped at 6500-7000 rpms). Power delivery is very linear, exhibiting none of the peaky-ness of the Honda VTEC. There was a little body roll in tight corners, but overall a great package at a fantastic price.

SalazarS2K · 07-30-2003, 08:34 AM

Here is a link to a video with the new RX-8 run against an S2000, G35 Coupe, WRX, RSX-R, and Miata.

http://www.s2kca.com/photopost/data/510/16BM_Video.wmv

I'll be really interested in what class iand how it will be running in SCCA Solo 2 events.

1973911s · 07-30-2003, 03:13 PM

Wow,

I am surprised that it came in after the Acura.

Michael

Reg · 07-30-2003, 03:43 PM

Saw it for the first time today in person. I thought it was a cluttered mess frankly. Not near as nice as the last RX7's. Why did they design this car arouund 4 doors?? It remined me of a Saturn coupe. Neat idea, for a sporty car. Not a sports car.

They had a yellow miata there that had nicer, cleaner lines.

Perhaps I would have liked it better had I driven it.