MRocks

Thats a cool prog. Is it freeware?

Calibus

Nice Program how acurate is it have u checked it against other cars that actually have hard performance numbers for them already. how close does this program come to what the magazines publish.
If the Auto is 7.3 thats fine with me i will be happy i know its not a stick but i need the car for everyday use

wakeech

i think that 7.0-7.5s to 60, for me personally, would be more than adequate out of a 4AT... i mean, for everyday driving, that means you have plenty of merge power...

...but 9.5 seconds?? jesus christ... that IS unacceptable, if it's slower than my freakin' Echo.

Calibus

Dude i just downloaded the program online and put in all specs from Mazda website and the only way i can come close to ur numbers is with a 4900 rpm launch in the Auto what numbers did u input to get those 0-60 times
PS cool program by the way i used a 3300 lb weight with driver and fuel

Haris

I also forgot to say why would anybody buy 6 speed RX8 when they could get G35 sedan (real 4 seats) with automatic transmission and still going 0-60 in 6.1 seconds which beats 6.6 seconds of RX8. I hope SA22C is right. 7.3 is alot better than freaking 9.5 seconds which is like most people said toyota echo.

Calibus

Lets see i think that the G35 is not that good looking the RX-8 interior blows it away. I like the Z350 styling but no rear seats and the car only looks good on the outside once u sit inside u will want to gag. yah i can live with a 7.3 sec 60 time with an auto i will use this car everyday and as long as it is faster then my GTI Auto 1.8T i will be happy reliability on VW sucks the big one my car has been in the shop 18 times in 3 years

BillK

Do you find this shocking? Last time I was at my Porsche/Audi dealer there was an absolutely beautiful Seal Grey 911 Turbo in the service bay... and it was equipped with the Tiptronic automatic tranny (though if I recall correctly the automatic tranny is actually faster on 0-60 and 0-100 runs than the manual...)

There are also rumors that the next generation of BMW "M" cars will only come with the SMG manual; there will be no option to get a six speed for those who like to clutch themselves.

To bring it back to Mazda, my local dealer said that despite the advertising, every 6 they get in will come with an auto tranny if they don't specify it's a customer order; if they just try and order a manual for inventory Mazda will actually change the tranny on them to automatic; go figure...

DonG35Miata

Even if it was, I'd rather have the manual. It's all about control of what gear you are in. I'd never buy a Ferrari with the F1- give me a clutch any day! I like the involvement.

Quick_lude

Well on the high end sport cars the auto trannies are not "regular" type.. but SMG and such.. Those trannies are actually quicker at switching gears than a human and allow you to match revs..
But I also question the choice of buying a very high revving, small displacement engine vehicle with an auto transmission.. The two just don't mix for very good performance.

Calibus

"But I also question the choice of buying a very high revving, small displacement engine vehicle with an auto transmission.. The two just don't mix for very good performance. "

You have obviously not commuted to work in NYC i would get the 6 speed if i lived in a rural area but its not my idea of fun to sit in traffic for sometimes 2 hrs to go somewhere and kill my clutch and my left leg :-D

Skyline Maniac

Which brings out the next logical contender: Infiniti G35 Coupe. :p

Here is the Nissan performance spectrum:

1) 350Z Roadster: Open air + Style
2) 350Z: Performance + Style
3) G35 Coupe: Performance + Style + some Luxury + some practicality
4) G35 Sedan: Practicality + Performance + some luxury + Some Style
5) FX35 AWD: Practicality + some performance + luxury + some style.

Price: $28000-$37000 loaded

I would agree with others though, if the auto is slower than 7.5 or 8 secs, you might as well go with an Accord, Altima, TSX, G35, Mazda 6, 325ci, or Corolla.


Manufacturers usually underestimate 0-60 time in publications to be on the conservative side. However, base on what I have seen, the auto RX-8 is far less than impressive, the tranny is ancient and 210hp with miniscule improvement in torque. Like we have been saying all along, high-revving rotary and automatic do not go well together. Damn, I know plenty of SUV's that can get to 60 in less time.

norats

Ok,
Beef up the tranny, performance torq converter, get the carbon fiber driveshaft. Not sure about how to add the third intake port yet, have to wait for the service manual on that one. Outside of that, you'll have to tweak the computer to shift differently & remove rev limiting feature.
I feel your pain, but just because you have an auto doesn't mean you have to be slow. There's an old guy with a 99 corvette & a modified auto tranny that takes home a trophy every month at our local drag strip amateur comp. A lot of the street comp guys are switching to autos to take out the human factor in shift times. All you have to worry about is the redlight, flooring it, and keeping it straight, computer does the rest. Not purist, not Don Franks old-english glory hour, just modern technology.
norats

jdj1971

I don't think you'll be able to just 'add' the 3rd port. It'll be add the other engine. If you've gotten 'The Book' yet check in there. It has an internal diagram of the 2 engines.

97gpGT

On the Porsche and Corvette, it's still the same old torque convertered auto tranny style that's been around for years. The 9.5 0-60 is much, much slower than I would have expected. Maybe it was just a misprint? I know all of the people who ordered autos are probably hoping so....

GodWhomIsMike

Calibus, cool your from Staten Island - what part? Also if you have a VW GTi, and you want awesome style and awesome interior and better preformance - check out an Audi TT. It uses the same 1.8T engine for the most part and has 4 seats loads of cargo room, awd if you opt for the manual and fwd if you opt for the auto. Plus if you can snag a '03 or '02 that is a left over on a dealer lot it may qualify as a "audi certified" car and whatever warranty it has left of the 4 year 60,000 mile new car warranty you get to tag on an additional 2 years or up to 100,000 mile warranty. It's definitely something to look into since you sound like you want more style and decent preformance. Even if the TT preformance isn't exactly what your looking for just think of this - it makes for a really stylish winter car too. Just a thought. Oh btw I am from Great Kills.

blizz81

Why would that be a reason to get an auto? You shouldn't really be shifting on a long, highway drive...

Auto transmissions on the dragstrip on large-displacement domestic strip monsters are nothing new. If you're vaulting down the 1/4 at below 12 seconds, then you're putting so much power down that you should probably try to control the direction of the car with both hands and all your attention

New technology such as SMG and CVT, etc, are making it so you get more control, providing a blend of performance and daily-driving comfort not seen in typical upgraded torque-converter A/Ts. But I still prefer an element of human involvement/skill, and in a car like the 8, I think its necessary to have a manual. That said, I think those who still must get an auto 8 should probably wait for the 5AT and/or SMGs. (But of course, test drive it and see for yourself)

If I had a project torque-monster dragmobile, it'd be an auto. If I lived in NYC and had to commute in rush-hour...I probably wouldn't get a sports car regardless, at least as a daily-driver.