RX8-Rob

the RX8 was definitely the car of the show for me. And that's saying a LOT considering what was on display, like the EVO8, the STI, 350Z, GTO, new Mustang, etc., etc.

In short, I am blown away by what Mazda has done with this car. It's simply amazing.

First off, this car absolutely looks like a sports car. There is no question. It looks far sleeker and more lithe than the rather bulbous 350Z ever could.

Second off, the interior packaging on this car is nothing short of brilliant. My friend and I are both 6' tall, and I have a long torso. I was able to slip into the back seat through the back door with absolutely no problem. Once I was in, I was absolutely blown away by the headroom available to me. Unbelievable. Make no mistake, I could comfortably sit in the back seat for a 3 hour roadtrip no problem. I used to think my old Corrado had a useable back seat (it did) but this car far surpasses it. But it doesn't feel like you are sitting in a sedan. It feels 100% thoroughbred sports car. It's just an amazing packaging feat Mazda has accomplished here. It's absolutely brilliant.

Third off, the details. As you probably know, there were no engine covers on the Detroit cars, and the car is the better for it. Let's hope this makes it into production. The dash layout was great, the shift throws were excellent. The precision and throw length approaches my S2000. I liked the grippy cloth seats.

Fourth off, the problems. As we all know, Mazda worked really hard to bring this car to market at a great price. I personally didn't like the overall design of the front seats. They felt good, but if someone in the back knees the seat, you will feel it. Also the silver plastic only covers the sides, leaving the back open. Let's face it, this is easily remedied - my first mod would be to get a set of Recaro's similar to those in the Mazdaspeed version.

Also, I sat in the black car at Detroit. It was hammered. The silver paint on the center console was scratched up, one of the radio buttons was stripped to the bare white plastic. The silver plastic on the side of the seat was scratched to hell from people getting in and out, and the paint didn't look prestine anymore. Mazda could learn a lot from this show car, hopefully they will try to increase the durability of certain aspects of this car before it goes into full production.

All in all, though, this car is a breakthrough for Mazda. They took a risk in the overall design of the car, and I think it will pay off in sales for them. Everyone I went to the show with said that they would pick the RX8 over the 350Z without thinking twice, and for Mazda that's a good thing.

I can post pics if you'd all like as soon as I get them uploaded.

fritts

The plastic was on the engine at Detroit. I personally popped it off. I would assume by the end of the week they took it off so that someone would not steal it. Cause it was on there last Sunday.

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

that or somebody conveniently took the engine cover home as a souvenir

cueball

Thanks for the great write up.

Quick_lude

I was there with Rob.. and here are my musings..
I'm also six feet tall but a larger body than Rob, about 190lbs, linebacker build. I personally found that the RX-8 WITH the sunroof and the seat in the correct position for racing, ie quite upright there was not a lot of headroom. I don't think I could fit in there with a helmet. So for those 6' and taller that want to track/auto-x bring a helmet for a test drive. Personally I have to get the model without the sunroof.. bummer.
The rear seats were roomy, as far as "coupe" seats go. More headroom than the 330 coupe imo. That said, once again I'm bigger than Rob and found the rear seats just right. Cozy if not a little claustrophobic, probably due to the center tunnel. Depending on the driver's position, I'm not sure if I could fit with my knees against the back of the seat. Good feet room due to the raised seat. I found egress to be a little tricky but only if you don't slide the front seat forward, otherwise it's great.
I hope the interior quality is better than these cars, no radio buttons should strip that quickly.
I think Mazda has a very good car on their hands.. now we need to see how will they market it and how will the quality be.

One question, is there a safety mechanism that will prevent the rear door closing if the front door is not open enough to let the rear door pass? I didn't see one and I'm sure someone will try to close the rear door AFTER the front door is already closed.

Pork Chop

So, how does the headroom compare to your Prelude? I'm also 6'0, maybe 5 lb lighter than you, and with a helmet, it's a very tight fit in the Prelude. I usually slide the moonroof shade open for additional clearance.

BTW, I'd like to see the look on the dealer's face when you show up for a test drive with a helmet!

Quick_lude

I would say that with the sunroof there is less headroom with the seat how I like it. Without the sunroof there is more headroom than the Prelude. Not much be a little more. I myself fit just right with the helmet in my car now, with the seat in total upright position. It would depend on the torso/neck length of each individual too.

I'm definitely brining my helmet for a test drive.. haha.. I wonder if they will even give me the keys.. haha.

Puppy1

At the L.A. autoshow I saw someone do just that. The inside padded part of the rear door hits the outside metal of the front door. NO DAMAGE I'm sure Mazda planned it that way.

RXhusker

Mazda rep said some "idiot" took the engine cover off one of the cars so they removed the other cover.:p

I will add my 2 cents worth from the show:

The car is much smaller in person than it looks in the pictures. I wish they had an FD on display next to it because I would guess they are approx. the same size. That said -- there is much more room inside than you would guess. I am 6'2" 275lbs. and I had no trouble sitting in the car. Don't think I could wear a helmet but don't plan on it anyway. Rear seat space is OK -- plenty for my two small kids to go on some fun rides:D This car definitely looks like a sports car not a sports sedan. Anyone lining this up next to an A4, 330, S60, IS300 would never mistake this for just another sports sedan. I was able to sit in the red display model that was off limits to the public (since I had pre-ordered):D The red car had battery power so I was able to fully adjust the seats (you couldn't do this on the other GT model -- only the black car with manual seats). Adjusting the front seats really made a big difference in comfort and head room! Seeing the interior that was not ripped up by the public as in the other show cars also helped see the quality of the interior fit and finish. Mazda rep said that the show cars' materials was not production and not designed to hold up to the pounding received by the hundred's of thousands of people who had to sit and touch the RX-8 during the show.

I am not sure that the model without a moonroof is going to add any headroom -- didn't look to me like it would make any difference. Trunk space was much larger than I imagined -- put the G35 to shame -- this thing will actually haul groceries. Rep said that it will come with run-flats -- sure hope not!

I spent a lot of time at the Mazda display listening to comments and most were very positive -- many people comparing it to the 350Z and most thought it was better looking. Also apparent that most people had no idea what a rotary engine was and just looking at hp comparison with other cars.

Wish Mazda had cared to provide some marketing materials/brochures -- their display stuff was pathetic!

RX8-Rob

Yeah, I definitely would have had trouble wearing a helmet in the car, which for me, is nothing new.