I just got my C&D in the mail.

they had a shootout between the new Audi TT, 350Z, Mustang Shelby, and the RX8.

Mustang came in LAST.
350Z was Third.
Audi TT was Second.
RX8 WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!

they basically said the shelby was fast but a big fat unrefined POS.
the 350z was the quickest on the track but it was "japanese corvette". lots of bang for the buck but no refinement.

the RX8 was underpowered and gulped fuel....like we don't now that... but they said it carried the most speed through turns and was the easiest one to drive fast. they said despit being an older design and underpowered, it was the most fun.

I don't even own one..and now I want an RX8 even more.

 

Wow... thats pretty sweet news... too bad it won't convince many to buy the Rx-8. People keep finding flaws with the car and only the devout (like me :-D) will make the move.

 

Look forward to reading it. C&D did dump the 8 from their Top 10 list for this year. Too soon it would seem! No S2K though.

 

kool.

 

Older design? Isn't the 350Z even older as it came out in MY2003?

 

Z car in 3rd is a surprize. I'm not much of an Audi fan, seem like overpriced VWs to me. Maybe the newer models are different. I do agree that the Z is pretty unrefined; rides like a go cart on stone wheels.

 

"Japanese Corvette?" Is that a compliment or insult? It reads like a compliment, but is posted by the OP as if it should've been an insult...

I'm glad the 8 won, but dang.

 

And here I thoughtI got mt latest C&D about 2 weeks ago, I must be at teh tail end of teh subscription list. I figured the Z would have scored higher. Not the easiest car to drive but just alot more Go.

The 08 TT is a good car from all reports. Pricey though.

 

I agree, the TT does cost grip! And this is what, nearly, $40k gets you:
--Engine-type: Aluminum V6 spark-ignition engine with gasoline direct injection, DOHC, 2-stage variable intake manifold w/2 charge movement flaps, demand-controlled high-pressure and low-pressure fuel system
Arrangement: Front mounted, transverse.


* Bore: 3.31 in.; 84.5 mm
* Stroke: 3.78 in.; 92.8 mm
* Compression ratio: 11.3 : 1

Displacement 195 L
Max Output 250 @6,300 hp
Torque 236 @2,500-3,000 lb

 

which is a good thing they dont need to be the next mustang although the jump in sales would be nice because aftermarket would drop considerably

 

Darn, I didn't receive this issue yet. I did get the one where the MS3 beat out a bunch of other cars though. I've got something to look forward to.

 

nice!

 

mmm... drop in aftermarket prices... mmm....

 

Can you post scans?

 

i don't have time to post scans...but next time you're at the grocery store, just check the magazine rack.

the Z is also an older design, but they commented that the motor had been redesigned... not a ton more hp, but they said most of the internals were all new, the motor had more midrange, and 500 more rpm on the top end.

the RX8 they said was essentially unchanged since it's release..hence the reference that it is an "older" design. I believ they joked that it was getting "grey" on the forehead area... ha ha.

they said the RX8 needed another 100hp... which would be nice.

despite the lack of power and gas guzzling, it still won out - which is quite a lot for a car that really hasn't changed in the last 4 years.

they commented that it won best sports coupe from 2004-2006. i don't know which car beat it out for 07.... which car won for 07?

for the money - the RX is hard to beat.

 

Hmmm... Guess the typical C&D corvette bias doesn't shine through on the "Japanese corvette." Nice to see the RX-8 win this. I remember after I bought the car I had to wait a week to pick it up and the one thing that had me wicked excited was the Top Gear review. They mentioned the same thing about how easy it was to drive fast. That is still my favorite thing about the car, it is the only car I've ever had that I don't feel bad about driving hard... in fact... it likes it.

 

which is also why it didn't retain its C&D Ten Best spot, it is EXTREMELY difficult for ANY CAR to be basically not even updated for 4 years and not get passed over by the 'latest and greatest'

now we begin chants for 2nd gen RX-8....

 

Generation - II :-D I hope to see that come true...

 

I'll have to buy that C&D issue for the Mustang lovers at work,,,BWAHAHAHAHA!!

RX-8 pwns Mustang

 

"ONLY 100 more hp needed"

This is why so many 8 owners want FI . We know its a great car that just needs more more power to be - the greatest !

 

dude, I'm thinking car and driver is either SUPER OBSSESED with the rx-8 or they have been bribed, or possibly financed by mazda.........

 

Super!

 

or they actually like it for what it is... a rotary powered vixen that would take all your overrevving abuses and great in the twisties.

 

+1! For the money, you CAN'T beat the RX8!

 

Why would you say that? I haven't driven the Shelby but I have driven a new Stang GT (virtually the same), and I've driven the Z and I'd take an RX-8 over either of them. I think it's safe to say I'm not biased for the RX-8...