I had been dreaming of owning an rx8 since their debut, and 7 years later I finally got one!!! I was looking for an 05' (6 spd), but found an 08' 40th anniversary edition w/ 22k/mi...(and yes, 6spd). The car is a blast to drive, I LOVE IT!, but since I'm new to the RX8 world I'm wondeng where this specific model ranks amoung the others? (baically, whats the rx8 communities opinion of the 40th anniversary edition??)

 

Welcome!

If you are referring to function, it's basically identical to the 2005 and 2006 Shinka (just different exterior and interior colors).

If you are referring to opinion and "status", it depends on who you talk to. To me, the exterior color is better than galaxy grey, but the interior color is ...distasteful. I'd prefer Copper Red Shinka (2006) or Black Cherry Mica Shinka (2005) over the 40th AE.


Still an 8 though, so still love it

PICS!

 

pics or it does not exist

 

Yes to that...

 

I own a 40th anniversary edition and there are some differences with it that make it unique. first only 1000 were made for the US market, so it will be the most rare and collectible of all RX8s. Second it has a unique color for the interior, the cosmos burnt red from the cosmos sport of 40 years ago, an interior color that is not available on any other RX8, any model, any year.

What most don't realize is that the 40th anniversary edition was the test bed for the suspension in the 2009 R3. It has the newer suspension geometry, the special bilstein shocks ,along with the foam-filled cross members for better vibration isolation and steering feel. It truly feels and handles better than any other 2008 model. And it also introduced the rotary shape wheel design that became standard in 2009 and also was added to the Mazdaspeed3 GT.

The similar suspension in the 40th anniversary edition is ONLY available in the R3 models now. It is NOT available in the other RX8s. It has unique badging also. There will ONLY be one 40th anniversary edition ever made, no matter which RX Mazda comes out with next.

I have owned seven Mazda rotary engine cars since 1973. A RX3, two RX4s (both coupe and sedan), all three generations of RX7; first gen (later modified to race in SCCA), second Gen Turbo II (later modified and raced), third gen FD Twin Turbo (later modified). I loved and enjoyed them all,though the FD was my favorite, next to my race cars. , but was a casualty of divorce costs. No the ex didn't get it, I just couldn't afford to keep it and pay the lawyer's bills. Wish I could have kept it. And now I own a 2008 40th anniversary edition RX8 and also owned a 2008 Mazdaspeed3 GT (just sold). I have easily a million miles driven in these rotary cars alone (on the street and the track). Every other Mazda rotary car I have owned, I ordered in advance and bought as soon as they came out, the first month of their first year. I waited till 2008 to buy the RX8. I waited till the 40th anniversary edition came out. That was always going to be the rarest and much special model of the run. So pat yourself on the back, your car is the most unique and has the most special combo of interior and performance features of all RX8s. Hey I love the Shinkas and the R3s, don't get me wrong, but this one I wouldn't trade for any of them. I will buy the next RX that Mazda brings out, for sure. But I will never sell this 40th anniversary edition, there will only be one, ever.

 

wow, g, you really know you're ****. Not that I don't feel great about the purchase already, i somehow feel even better about it now.. here are some pics of her

 

...you can see I prioritized car, over new shutters

 

Nice. Is this the one Del Toyota had? I have all these 40th AE's I was watching and mulling over before I got mine burned in my mind lol

That's four new 40th AE owners on this board this month

 

I found a few 40th's on my search but was out of my range.. Next one will be ether that or the 06 Shinka (unless i score a 40th if there is any lol)

good pick up!! and a Pa'en to boot??

 

Ha! yeah, it was del toyota! they gave me a great trade in offer, only way I could swing it.. still think I need a raise or 2nd job now, but it's totally worth it, pure joy driving this car.

 

Nice! Good luck with it.

 

They actually used different geometry? I thought it was just the urethane foam and bilstein shocks as far as the suspension changes.

 

Hey batsupsidedown. love the pics. And you even got one of the rarer of the 1000 40th anniversary editions that came equipped with the front air dam. side skirts and rear wing spoiler. They were just a fraction of the 1000 made for the US market. GREAT BUY. I have the same with the aero stuff, and I love the way it looks and drives. And the interior is just so bright and cheery, it makes me smile to sit in it, even on a gloomy cloudy day. I am always getting compliments on its color and look from car buffs and other RX8club members when we hang out at events.

On the suspension geometry question, yes some of the suspension part numbers are different from the other 2008 RX8s. The 40th anniversary edition's suspension geometry was slightly improved to take best advantage of the bilstein setup. The 2009 R3 has a few additional changes to better suit its 19 inch wheel setup. I have driven non 40th anniversary edition RX8s and the 40th Anniversary Edition and the R3. The 40th anniversary edition and R3 drive and handle nearly identically, and are noticeable standouts from the other RX8s. I have driven RXs for nearly 40 years, street and track setups, and I know and readily feel the nuances of different suspension setups, so I talk from direct first hand knowledge. The suspension upgrade was another reason I bought the 40th anniversary edition.

Hey all Rx8s handle great and are unique in their stability and dynamic polar movement .

 

32,000 miles on my Anniversary RX-8 and loving every mile I have put on this car. I had a 2004 RX-8 which handled great but this one goes down the ramp a bit quicker. I still think this model is a bargain the way it handles. Just follow the proper maintenance and tell it you love it now and then.

 

I have 21,000 on my 40th. Love every minute of it. I have owned it a little over a year. I really liked the unique color exterior and especially the interior. I also have the factory aero kit on it.

You won't be dissappointed.

I also own a 1979 Limtied Edition RX7 so now all I have to do is pick up a 10th anniversay FC and I'll have the complete set.

 

your 8 has a milk mustache........

 

ha! yeah i guess it does.. and I like it! Seriously, I LOVE this car, and apparently so does te pres of the company I work for, caught him snapping pics the other day, haha.. might be another new member soon. cant blame him!!!

 

Hey folks my 2008 40th Anniversary edition RX8 took home Second Place Trophy (Mazdas) at this past Saturday's Muscle and Rotary Car Show in Jessup, Maryland.

Muscle cars, American and otherwise were there competing. And many Rotary cars were competing, all three generations of RX7 and RX8s. Some were basically stock, most had wonderful and outrageous mods of engine, body, interior, sound systems etc.

First place among Mazdas was a great white RX7 FD, with outrageous mods ,including chromed engine parts. My 40th anniversary edition took second place trophy (beating out a host of fancier modified RX7 FDs and heavily modified RX8s), and a original first gen RX7 took third place honors. Several posts starting here.

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...93#post3990693

 

Link to their own Maryland BBQCARSHOW Facebook site with 49 additional photos. In one of the RX8 shots showing our cars, I am in the background wiping down mine before the judging


http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=1&theater

 

What a great car, see what 40th Anniversary Edition RX8 drivers get !

 

New member, 40th Anniversary Edition owner... aero package with spoiler and moonroof, 6 spd auto (yeah, I know, but I'm handicapped and use hand controls), 8,700 miles, original owner.

I bought this car as a sport car fan that is handicapped, the RX-8 was rated in the top 10 cars for active adults that use a wheelchair for it's rear door allowing access to the back seat where the chair can be placed in transit.
There are not many cars sold that can offer a two seater sport car thrill and still have room for a chair.

I love the car, it's fast enough for me (sometimes too fast!), but I've learned how to drive it and it rewards with a terrific driving experience for a person that can't use a manual transmission.

I've gotten one ticket (first one Ever in my life!) and it cost me over $300, so now I'm careful not to exceed the limits, but there's no rules that say how fast I get there.

Decided to join here after reading some of the great stuff and the friendly denizens of this forum.

Here's some pics of the car in my garage before the hand control conversion:

 

Show us your hand controls!

I was thinking that the paddle shifters could be converted to throttle on right-brakes on left, and people with weak legs wouldn't get brake and throttle mixed up.

 

Here's a couple of pics showing the attached hand controls. It operates by pushing down on the handle for gas and forward to apply the brakes.
It's a very safe system since you have both gas & brake in one, no losing time to switch pedals.

 

Welcome Bill-J, it's nice to see another member that is handicapped buying an 8.
i bought the 8 for most of the same reasons as you being handicapped myself

I never liked the push/pull controls so I installed the rotary controls (motorcycle concept). I found the ride in much more enjoyable

BTW-- don't let some of the ignorant chimps here give you **** about owning an AT. They will never understand the real reason for owning this car.
Good luck with your ride

 

winner!!!!

Pico, your car is awesome. Lots of great mods - plus I appreciate your optimism and overall positive attitude.