Does anyone have any pics of where the cigarette lighter is? I am trying to see if some of my electronic accessories in my current car will be able to fit into the RX-8.

 

the is the only one I've seen

 

There is one in the center storage. Look at the pic second row from the bottom. In the middle

http://community.webshots.com/album/67232077GtjNlr

 

wow, thats a weird place for it in the console. thanks for the pics!

 

It is exactly the same thing as the Mazda6, one with the cig Lighter in the front beside the ashtray and another in the console for for Cell phone charger, Air pump, etc, etc.

 

Please tell me there is access to the fuse-box from inside the car. I would hate to have that door thing open all the time just to run my radar detector and police scanner. In my A4 there is a panel on the driver's side of the console and it is easy to conceal wire by running it up the A-pillar and across the top of the windshield. I hope I can accomplish something similar in the RX-8.

 

I think the stigma against smoking has made the cigaratte lighter a less important item and its placement gets lower and lower priority.

 

Good thing too IMHO (The , "stigma against smoking" that is) anyone who even thinks of smoking in my car will be left at the side of the road!!!..

That said, we ALL need to power toys/gadgets/tools inside a car, and so they remain important, HOWEVER.

1. A cigarette lighter is probably the most clumsy and unreliable connector ever devised..

2. Can anyone tell me if the car has anything like an aux power connector of some time in the boot (trunk)... some cars I have had did, there is even a standard connector supposedly.. it's for powering things like those powered coolboxes etc...

3. I wonder if that flap is replaceable... if so I might be tempted to get a replacement one and put some more useful, reliable discrete power connectors in it... A friend of mine has mounted banana plug sockets inside the rear ashtray in his car, the mod is completely invisible until you open the flap, and then it's the most useful thing you could imagine.

 

In the Features & Specs printout, page 7, at Mazda RX-8 (and I believe on the faux window sticker that is no longer available on the order configuration page) a 12 volt power outlet is listed followed by the cigarette/cigar lighter. So you have two power options for 12v devices.

As for the one in the console compartment, it will probably close over most 12v cables you are likely to use without any ill side effects. For the aesthetically paranoid, remove the console, drill a small hole in bottom below the outlet for the cable. You can run power cord under carpet to desired destination. Be sure to leave enough cable slack in the cosole bay to remove the plug when you need to.:D

 

all i wanted to know is where to plug in my iPod

 

RX8Lover-

Did you get the cassette to run your ipod through? or are you going to use an FM Modulator? (sorry about the thread hijack)

 

And if you do use an FM modulator, let us know how it works! I'm planning on getting one (and in iPod) so I don't have to buy the MP3 player. The iPod is more useful anyway.

 

i am going to use an FM modulator - i just bought an iTrip, which is supposed to be the best FM modulator for the iPod, and is supposed to kick *** (not like others on the market)...I can let you know for sure soon!

 

I just sat in an 8 today and specifically checked for the lighter - there isn't one in the centre console...just the one in front of the gear stick that the first picture shows. I know there is photographic evidence (!) but it must have been pre-production.

 

That pic is of a left hander. Maybe they left it off Japanese version.

As for leaving the lid/door open. My car has the same outlet location (01 Eclipse). There is a slot cut to allow the cable to be routed through with the lid closed.