RX-8 GT Driven
07-14-2008 | 01:48 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 575
Likes: 0
RX-8 GT Driven
Hi guys those of you on the forum for the last 5 years know me as Lock & Load etc etc changed names a few times
Anyhow i just finished driving the NEW RX-8 GT here in Australia ( R3 in your part of the world )
The car had only done 21 km so a brand new , overall the car feels smoother than my 03 RX8 slightly more composed with the Bilstein shocks and front and rear suspension settings more of a 3D type go kart feel .
The gear box felt tight with much shorter throws than the original RX8 BUT NOT AS GOOD AS MY CURRENT RP short shifter .
The need to shift 3 times instead of 2 before hitting the 100km mark makes the 0 - 100 km time a bit slower .
Power felt about the same but the delivery was smoother
The biggest difference to me was under the car , yes i got the dealer to put the car on a hoist so i could have a peak .
Mazda has made quite a few changes in the gearbox that may be that of a MX5 (MIATA ) but with a totally different housing
Theres a lot of heat shielding around the fuel tank , gearbox and catalyctic converter area , the cat seems smaller thinner type with the 02 sensors altered to a higher position .
Overall the underneath of the car looks much more proffesionally finished the heat shield under the engine is no longer made from plastic but metal .
Those of you who initially complained about the Beep at redline being to soft will be happy to know its now louder
The car has definetely matured smoothed out and possibly is a better finished more complete car but you would expect that after 5 years .
It will be a great buy second hand , but in my mind not enough has been done for me to really want to go out and purchase a new one at this point in time .
As far as the front and rear end looks go , beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Forgot to add , we finally get the second oil cooler in the GT VERSION neither oil coolers or the condenser are properly protected against rocks etc , so a Hymee type grill protecter is in order
Cheers
Michael
Anyhow i just finished driving the NEW RX-8 GT here in Australia ( R3 in your part of the world )
The car had only done 21 km so a brand new , overall the car feels smoother than my 03 RX8 slightly more composed with the Bilstein shocks and front and rear suspension settings more of a 3D type go kart feel .
The gear box felt tight with much shorter throws than the original RX8 BUT NOT AS GOOD AS MY CURRENT RP short shifter .
The need to shift 3 times instead of 2 before hitting the 100km mark makes the 0 - 100 km time a bit slower .
Power felt about the same but the delivery was smoother
The biggest difference to me was under the car , yes i got the dealer to put the car on a hoist so i could have a peak .
Mazda has made quite a few changes in the gearbox that may be that of a MX5 (MIATA ) but with a totally different housing
Theres a lot of heat shielding around the fuel tank , gearbox and catalyctic converter area , the cat seems smaller thinner type with the 02 sensors altered to a higher position .
Overall the underneath of the car looks much more proffesionally finished the heat shield under the engine is no longer made from plastic but metal .
Those of you who initially complained about the Beep at redline being to soft will be happy to know its now louder
The car has definetely matured smoothed out and possibly is a better finished more complete car but you would expect that after 5 years .
It will be a great buy second hand , but in my mind not enough has been done for me to really want to go out and purchase a new one at this point in time .
As far as the front and rear end looks go , beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Forgot to add , we finally get the second oil cooler in the GT VERSION neither oil coolers or the condenser are properly protected against rocks etc , so a Hymee type grill protecter is in order
Cheers
Michael
Last edited by erx8s; 07-14-2008 at 04:21 AM.
07-14-2008 | 06:46 AM
#2
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 782
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
As far as the front and rear end looks go , beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Forgot to add , we finally get the second oil cooler in the GT VERSION neither oil coolers or the condenser are properly protected against rocks etc , so a Hymee type grill protecter is in order
Cheers
Michael
Forgot to add , we finally get the second oil cooler in the GT VERSION neither oil coolers or the condenser are properly protected against rocks etc , so a Hymee type grill protecter is in order
Cheers
Michael
Seat material is better quality than the 06 seats but should wear like the 03 seats so thats a good thing. The door trims are broken up a little with a "spotted" look in the centre part (matching the seat trim) rather than the plain black as before. Even the regular Series-II appears more "Racey" than the Series-I & like all things Japanese, the build quality has improved over time.
Unfortunately, the sales guy was your typical arrogant Mazda type so as soon as the words "Auto" where uttered (they only had a manual) the attitude changed from helpful to contemptuous. Thankfully a phone call later sourced a Series-II "Auto" at McGraths in Liverpool so thats the plan for next weekend. With driving report to follow.
REgards
Last edited by DMRH; 07-14-2008 at 06:48 AM.
07-14-2008 | 08:25 AM
#3
Culpam Poena Premit Comes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
still lacking a bit in the power department though
its a pity that mazda didnt address the biggest gripe that previous rx8 owners had with the car in order to make them consider upgrading
its a pity that mazda didnt address the biggest gripe that previous rx8 owners had with the car in order to make them consider upgrading
07-14-2008 | 06:35 PM
#4
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 575
Likes: 0
I certainly felt it to be smoother in its execution of the power but not any faster especially with the 3rd gear change required to get to 100km
Drew on a positive note , the new cars will be easier to catch and book .
Cheers
Michael
07-14-2008 | 06:59 PM
#5
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 575
Likes: 0
David
Mazda is keen to try and create exclusivity for the new models especially with the RX-8 GT most dealers will only get 1 car per month , making it hard for people to test drive certainly wont help sales .
One of the papers stated that Mazda will keep the RX-8 range going for another 4-5 years ? in 5 years time petrol should be at $ 3.75 + per litre
its a long time to keep a captive audience .
On a power to cost of fuel bases the......... RX-8 misses out
Cheers
Michael
Mazda is keen to try and create exclusivity for the new models especially with the RX-8 GT most dealers will only get 1 car per month , making it hard for people to test drive certainly wont help sales .
One of the papers stated that Mazda will keep the RX-8 range going for another 4-5 years ? in 5 years time petrol should be at $ 3.75 + per litre
its a long time to keep a captive audience .On a power to cost of fuel bases the......... RX-8 misses out
Cheers
Michael
07-14-2008 | 08:21 PM
#6
Culpam Poena Premit Comes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
Yep certainly a lost opportunity to keep this car going for another 3-4 years and sales interest moving wont be easy .
I certainly felt it to be smoother in its execution of the power but not any faster especially with the 3rd gear change required to get to 100km
Drew on a positive note , the new cars will be easier to catch and book .
Cheers
Michael
I certainly felt it to be smoother in its execution of the power but not any faster especially with the 3rd gear change required to get to 100km
Drew on a positive note , the new cars will be easier to catch and book .
Cheers
Michael
THATS A BAD THING!!!
07-15-2008 | 03:22 AM
#7
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 0
From: Brisbane
Getting bogged down with paperwork eh Drew? Join the club...
Michael, do ever wonder what the boys in blue are doing when your heart is pounding and they are sitting right up your backside? Yep...researching your registration number on their Mobile Integrated Netword Data access unit, (MINDA/laptop), and finding out a surprisingly large amount of information about you.
No matter how fast the car is, its not as fast as the click of a button....
Michael, do ever wonder what the boys in blue are doing when your heart is pounding and they are sitting right up your backside? Yep...researching your registration number on their Mobile Integrated Netword Data access unit, (MINDA/laptop), and finding out a surprisingly large amount of information about you.
No matter how fast the car is, its not as fast as the click of a button....
07-15-2008 | 03:33 AM
#8
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 575
Likes: 0
Getting bogged down with paperwork eh Drew? Join the club...
Michael, do ever wonder what the boys in blue are doing when your heart is pounding and they are sitting right up your backside? Yep...researching your registration number on their Mobile Integrated Netword Data access unit, (MINDA/laptop), and finding out a surprisingly large amount of information about you.
No matter how fast the car is, its not as fast as the click of a button....
Michael, do ever wonder what the boys in blue are doing when your heart is pounding and they are sitting right up your backside? Yep...researching your registration number on their Mobile Integrated Netword Data access unit, (MINDA/laptop), and finding out a surprisingly large amount of information about you.
No matter how fast the car is, its not as fast as the click of a button....
and a sabre phone Being a law abiding citizen i never worry
but your right the heart beat does tend to increase But of course i never broke any speeding laws during my test drive
Cheers
Michael
Last edited by erx8s; 07-15-2008 at 03:36 AM.
07-15-2008 | 04:32 AM
#9
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 0
From: Brisbane
Mobile Integrated Netword Data access unit / Love to get access to one of those and a sabre phone
Being a law abiding citizen i never worry but your right the heart beat does tend to increase
But of course i never broke any speeding laws during my test drive
Cheers
Michael
and a sabre phone Being a law abiding citizen i never worry
but your right the heart beat does tend to increase But of course i never broke any speeding laws during my test drive
Cheers
Michael
is a costly mistake...
07-18-2008 | 02:56 AM
#10
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,869
Likes: 327
From: Australia
Michael,
You can see the extra shielding around the fuel tanks/exhaust.
Also the sump guard (under engine) looks metal.
I think those plastic floor pan wind covers under the front seats are also new or modified.
From this pic, it certainly looks very neat, you cal also see why Mazda run their rear muffler and exhaust the way they do as
it also balanced the cars weight evenly rather than just having the muffler long ways which adds the weight unevenly on one side.
A non Mazda member (Evo Driver) laughed at my suggestion of weight balance.
Clearly you can see Mazda's design and layout is well thought out and a piece of art!...WELL!
You can see the extra shielding around the fuel tanks/exhaust.
Also the sump guard (under engine) looks metal.
I think those plastic floor pan wind covers under the front seats are also new or modified.
From this pic, it certainly looks very neat, you cal also see why Mazda run their rear muffler and exhaust the way they do as
it also balanced the cars weight evenly rather than just having the muffler long ways which adds the weight unevenly on one side.
A non Mazda member (Evo Driver) laughed at my suggestion of weight balance.
Clearly you can see Mazda's design and layout is well thought out and a piece of art!...WELL!
Last edited by ASH8; 07-18-2008 at 03:05 AM.
07-18-2008 | 03:52 AM
#11
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 575
Likes: 0
Neat pics ASH
Certainly a tidy up from previous RX8:S
Upgraded MX5 GEARBOX
New electronic metering pump
New starter motor
2 Oil coolers
2 knock sensors
Suspension upgrades
2 Injectors per rotor
etc etc
Its a pity that even with all the changes the car is Heavier Slower and consumes more Fuel than the previous models loosing 7 kw of power
Cheers
Michael
Certainly a tidy up from previous RX8:S
Upgraded MX5 GEARBOX
New electronic metering pump
New starter motor
2 Oil coolers
2 knock sensors
Suspension upgrades
2 Injectors per rotor
etc etc
Its a pity that even with all the changes the car is Heavier Slower and consumes more Fuel than the previous models loosing 7 kw of power
Cheers
Michael
Last edited by erx8s; 07-18-2008 at 06:16 AM.
07-20-2008 | 05:05 AM
#12
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 782
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
Well, I took a Series-II 6AT for a test drive today (see pic) & have to say that it felt impressive. Whilst the manual guys have lost 7kw. The Auto guys have gained 15+kw, 2-extra gears & the better diff ratio.
Was not willing to give this any stick as the engine had just 40km on the clock. However, it felt much more "zippy" than the regular 4AT thanks to the better gearing even whilst I was changing at 4000 each time.
Worth noting is the suspension felt softer than my Series-I which may be an "Automatic" thing or a "Luxury" model thing, either way it was notably softer. Whilst warming the engine (sales guy had no idea) it was cool watching the variable red line change.
I noticed the boot button is angled to follow the trim where on our Series-I the boot button is square & as we all know, frustrating to find as your hand follows the trim down to the button for pressing.
On road costs are $61500 but they are prepared to haggle. Shall see what happens................
REgards
Was not willing to give this any stick as the engine had just 40km on the clock. However, it felt much more "zippy" than the regular 4AT thanks to the better gearing even whilst I was changing at 4000 each time.
Worth noting is the suspension felt softer than my Series-I which may be an "Automatic" thing or a "Luxury" model thing, either way it was notably softer. Whilst warming the engine (sales guy had no idea) it was cool watching the variable red line change.
I noticed the boot button is angled to follow the trim where on our Series-I the boot button is square & as we all know, frustrating to find as your hand follows the trim down to the button for pressing.
On road costs are $61500 but they are prepared to haggle. Shall see what happens................
REgards
Last edited by DMRH; 07-20-2008 at 05:08 AM.
07-20-2008 | 05:56 AM
#13
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 635
Likes: 0
As far as I know the power is the same but the 7kw loss on paper is due to a different measuring system that they started using that changed the figure to 170kw .So if they remeasured the series 1 again now with the current method it too would be 170kw..
07-20-2008 | 06:58 AM
#14
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 0
From: Brisbane
For anyone wanting to enter the Rotary market, they would get far better bang for their buck with the Series 1.
07-20-2008 | 08:52 PM
#15
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 778
Likes: 0
From: Brisbane Australia
I drove home the other night alongside a Seies II, and had the opportunity to view it from the sides, front and rear. My opinion of the styling is that it looks "pre-riced". I guess it will save some people from having to rush out and buy plastic bits to glue on.
The car was in white, which didn't help. The rear of the car doesn't have the grey under-bumper and with the spoiler, the view from the back makes it look too thick and hunched. Overall, the car has a heavier look, and now tends to a more generic Japanese style, say as exemplified by the 350Z.
It's clear that I don't belong to the typical RX-8 demographic (I guess people in my age bracket account for about 0.001% of RX-8 sales). Mazda are obviously reacting to what they see as core market for their car. This fits in with the lame advertising campaign.
It's a shame really. From a styling point of view, I see it as a step backward. This is in contrast to the new MX-5, which looks really good, a significant improvement over the previous model.
The car was in white, which didn't help. The rear of the car doesn't have the grey under-bumper and with the spoiler, the view from the back makes it look too thick and hunched. Overall, the car has a heavier look, and now tends to a more generic Japanese style, say as exemplified by the 350Z.
It's clear that I don't belong to the typical RX-8 demographic (I guess people in my age bracket account for about 0.001% of RX-8 sales). Mazda are obviously reacting to what they see as core market for their car. This fits in with the lame advertising campaign.
It's a shame really. From a styling point of view, I see it as a step backward. This is in contrast to the new MX-5, which looks really good, a significant improvement over the previous model.
07-23-2008 | 01:41 AM
#16
Shootin' from the hip
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,584
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
I tend to agree with Labby. Haven't had a chance to get back to my dealer for a drive yet. Will do this Sat I hope.
btw, new Wheels has a short writeup on p126 by MicMac. Pretty positive review.
btw, new Wheels has a short writeup on p126 by MicMac. Pretty positive review.
07-25-2008 | 09:24 PM
#17
Registered
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
from the photo, it sorta looks like the stock car`s lost some character, softer lines,... i was hoping for more extreme, but its a compromise thing i guess, start going too far in one direction with the looks and you`d risk loosing customers
i really hoped they would keep the front guards the same and "aggressive up" the front.
headlights are a step backwards in my most humble opinion.
Lots of room for aftermarket styling is what i think i`m trying to say !
i really hoped they would keep the front guards the same and "aggressive up" the front.
headlights are a step backwards in my most humble opinion.
Lots of room for aftermarket styling is what i think i`m trying to say !
07-26-2008 | 12:35 AM
#20
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,869
Likes: 327
From: Australia
Inside the Tacho there are 3 RED Bands of lighting that starts at around 5000 RPM, as the engine warms up from cold the first band of red light goes off, then as the engine gets warmer the second red band of lights turn off and so on until fully warmed.
The RPM is also limited at these stages so you can not over rev the cold motor.
For those here on these forums who say that warming up a rotary is "rubbish" then what is the purpose of these lights and RPM control.
In my 34 years of being a "Mazda' enthusiats, owner and Mazda employee, warming up a rotary is a requirement for long term engine life and not "rubbish", beyond just 2 years of ownership.
Again if this technical procedure of RPM warm up control is not necessary then why has Mazda incorporated this device in the series 2 RX-8??
Can be seen in this screen shot..
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-media-news-11/new-rx-8-09-video-up-australian-site-147925/
The RPM is also limited at these stages so you can not over rev the cold motor.
For those here on these forums who say that warming up a rotary is "rubbish" then what is the purpose of these lights and RPM control.
In my 34 years of being a "Mazda' enthusiats, owner and Mazda employee, warming up a rotary is a requirement for long term engine life and not "rubbish", beyond just 2 years of ownership.
Again if this technical procedure of RPM warm up control is not necessary then why has Mazda incorporated this device in the series 2 RX-8??
Can be seen in this screen shot..
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-media-news-11/new-rx-8-09-video-up-australian-site-147925/
Last edited by ASH8; 07-26-2008 at 12:39 AM.
07-28-2008 | 02:30 AM
#22
Inside the Tacho there are 3 RED Bands of lighting that starts at around 5000 RPM, as the engine warms up from cold the first band of red light goes off, then as the engine gets warmer the second red band of lights turn off and so on until fully warmed.
The RPM is also limited at these stages so you can not over rev the cold motor.
Can be seen in this screen shot..
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=147925
The RPM is also limited at these stages so you can not over rev the cold motor.
Can be seen in this screen shot..
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=147925
07-28-2008 | 06:37 AM
#23
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 782
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
Chances are you will see this whitre GT in a magazine feature or two. Zoom + Fast Fours + Hot-4s + HPI are all based in Silverwater & perhaps this car was on-loan to a journo from Express Publications.
REgards
07-28-2008 | 06:44 AM
#24
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 782
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
On the other hand, the Japs where quite attached to their red interiors & many a JDM RX-7 has come into Oz with the red seating & trim..... YUK. Why..?? The red is too red but the Japs love it.
The RX-8 red is quite pale by comparison so is doesn't raise the "vomit" flag from my perspective.
REgards
07-28-2008 | 07:23 AM
#25
Registered
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
[QUOTE=enforcer;2551809
Michael, do ever wonder what the boys in blue are doing when your heart is pounding and they are sitting right up your backside? Yep...researching your registration number on their Mobile Integrated Netword Data access unit, (MINDA/laptop), and finding out a surprisingly large amount of information about you.[/QUOTE]
Not that I am a big fan of mobile phone use while driving , but if we regular people even look at picking up a mobile phone then we get the book thrown at us.
Funny isn't it.
Matt
Michael, do ever wonder what the boys in blue are doing when your heart is pounding and they are sitting right up your backside? Yep...researching your registration number on their Mobile Integrated Netword Data access unit, (MINDA/laptop), and finding out a surprisingly large amount of information about you.[/QUOTE]
Not that I am a big fan of mobile phone use while driving , but if we regular people even look at picking up a mobile phone then we get the book thrown at us.
Funny isn't it.
Matt