There has been a lot of talk about the Rx-8's styling cues, some taken from prior Mazda vehicles, including the Miata and the first generation RX-7.

But there are subtle cues that may go un-noticed unless staring at the "8" for long periods of time.

It took a while for me to put it together, but there is another similarity that seems to have been overlooked. Staring at the "8" as I have been doing, I noticed that the shifter **** of the RX-8 is similar to that of the first generation RX-7. Somewhat elongated in design, unlike the usual shifter ***** that abound.

I'm sure there are other similarities that have gone unnoticed, only to be "revealed" at a later date.

 

I too noticed a few similarities, for example the Rx-8 has a rotary just like the Rx-7......weird huh?

 

The front grille is a dead ringer for that of the 74-78 Mazda RX-3. When I first saw the yellow RX-8 concept I thought "RX-3!" immediately.

 

Johnny don't be a smartass, LMAO!
Yes look closely and you'll the easter eggs planted.

 

Yes, I have noticed may styling cues from earlier RX models. I think that in fact the RX-8 resembles the RX-7 the least of any of the previous RX cars. The strongest styling cues come from the RX-2 and RX-3 in my opinion. The shape of the front grill is 100% RX-3. The Hood and rear end are 100% RX-2. The earlier versions of the RX-8 had an even stronger resemblance to the RX-2 than the final version. This is especially true of the Hood. Remember the hood that had the triangle shaped raised part and the vents on both sides of it? This was an EXACT copy of the early RX-2 (1971 I think) hood. The RX-2 hood had the same triangle raised part, which made it to productoion on the 8, and the vents on both sides, which did not make it to production on the 8 (VERY unfortunate). Also, remember the 2 round tail lights on each side of the earlier RX-8 version? This was also an EXACT copy from the RX-2 (and R100). I think it is unfortunate that Mazda modified this on the final RX-8. I thought the 2 round lights on each side were true RX cues and much cleaner than the final production tail lights. I also believe that the overall shape, proportions and layout most closely follow the RX-2 of any previous RX.

 

They are not 'easter eggs' it's called Brand Identity.