If you just wanted to see the pics go here:
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-multimedia-photo-gallery-6/almost-my-rx-8-pt-2-a-7003/

Well, another three RX-8s arrived at the local dealership. Blue auto, Yellow 6spd GT, and Red 6spd GT. So I came straight from work to look at these lovelies, as I have yet to see these colors.
The red looked great, even in low sun and under overcast sky. The sales lady, Felicia, said it's absolute sparkle under full sun. While I admired the red GT, she went in and got the key. She said that since I preordered, the manager will allow me to go on a short test drive. How short?. Up the road about a mile and then back. Oh well, better than nothing.

Right off, I noticed that the clutch's travel was short. Similarly, the shifter engaged positively and with succinct throws. This quick transmission threw my timing off. The first few shifts were jerky. I didn't pushed the car too hard, just shifting around 4.5k. But at the u-turn Felicia egged me to go for it. I was a bit reluctant, as this might become my car. So I just gave it ¾ throttle and remembered to shift at 7k (from the forum).

The acceleration felt linear; no big push. It's just a constant surge. By then, my shifting has become smoother. <snick> 2nd, <snick> 3rd, <snick> 4th. For a split second, amid the whirling sounds, I had forgotten that the RX-8 has a digital speedometer. When I looked down for it, my eyes instinctively search for a needle. But right in front of me, in glowing white letterings, the numbers changed. 93, <blink>, 95. Oops! My brain finally caught on and I tapped the brake. The car slowed smoothly and without diving. Just for kick, I shifted into 6th. The car cruised happily along around 3.5k. But we were quickly approaching the dealership. I double-clutched into 4th, then 3rd. For the finale, I heel-and-toed to 2nd (who said this was obsolete) and swung it into the parking lot. Woo-hoo!!!

My face lit up like the Chester Cat. Felicia, who's been watching all this, delivered her closer. So, do you want to take this one home? Do I?!? My immediate response would have been, "Hell yeah, where do I sign?" "Yes, that sounds like a good idea." My wait can be over now. But then common sense or insanity, depends on how one look, fought its way back.

· This GT cost $2800 more.
· Don't be a cheapskate.
· It has a sunroof (which I don't like), has less headroom and weights more.
· But this is here now. Take it home. End your wait and misery.
· The leather is not red/black (my preference).
· Power seat kick ***.
· It's only two more weeks for the sport.
· They told you it would here at the beginning of July. But it didn't. How do you know the next promised delivery date will stick? Oh and did I mention, TAKE THIS ONE HOME NOW!!!

This went back and forth in my head for what seems like an eternity. All the while, I'm staring intently at the RX-8 like a man possessed. Felicia must have sensed that I've been caught in an infinite logic loop and was going nowhere, intervened. She casually mentioned that the blue auto in the back was has the sport package. Really?!! I've been dieing to see the cloth seats.

The cloth seats look much better than I hope. The gray/black tone is understated yet still stylish. The gray part is quite soft and has a texture of something like a wetsuit. It seems to be cooler than the leather. While there's part of it that can't be adjusted to the fine degrees as the powered seat, I think it will do. And that sealed my decision right there. I'll wait for my red sport that supposed to come in two weeks.

The yellow was vibrant. Not pale at all. It's a shade darker than say a yellow phone book, but not mustard yellow. It's the only colors where the amber side markers compliment really well. The blue was equally gorgeous. It would have been my second choice but my current car is already blue.

Sorry to be so damn long-winded but I'm excited about the RX-8 and I just wanted to share it with the forum. Anyway, I hope I won't regret my decision to wait. What would Jesus do?

 

remember...that blue was an auto...you don't want that! it's convenient and all and if you didn't lose so much hp it'd be ok but your wait will reward you handsomely...just wait for what you want and you'll be satisfied...

i'm in a similar predicament...a sales guy from another dealer where i ordered mine has been calling me incessantly to come and test drive their new shipment of RX-8's...i refuse to go as i knwo i'll end up purchasing one from them...i made a commitment to buy my black 6-speed GT and i'll keep on waiting until my baby gets here...that't the end of that...

 

Those have got to be the best pics of the different seats I seen yet! I have a yellow on order, myself...waiting, waiting... I'm on the fence about leather v cloth. I've still not experienced either in person, but hope to tomorrow. Great shots like these help a lot, THANKS!

Cheers,
-jd.

 

Nasty flashing text, please edit it.

 

Whatchoo talkin' 'bout Willis?!