Every one I knew said getting the 6speed for the city was insane, but after my first night of spirited driving up the avenues of Manhattan at 1am, both myself and my friend were in 'awe'.

I barely ever shifted- out of 2nd - 2nd being great for 10mph up to almost 60- we couldn't believe what a great city driver this was - a practical stick shift. ANd Keeping the revs up high in 1st up to 30mph- amazing control because of 50/50 balance, precise slalom like cornering (and my Probe GT 94 was no slouch) and more than enough juice on tap to place myself anywhere I wanted in traffic at a moment's notice.

And since pedestrians (notorious here for stepping in traffic) sense danger mostly through sound, the gorgeous whine of the Renesis echoing off the city canyon walls sounded uniquely sporty and warned people I was approaching. The suspension dealth with rough roads and light potholes so well, and the leather two tone black and brown interior was so comfortable and well layed out, we felt like were cruising in a luxury vehicle, but when commanded, the agile sports nature of the car comes to fruition.

I would be afraid to have any more HP right now after such an exhilarating romp. (Luckily I had the weekend at the Jersey Shore to get accustomed to it in a quieter setting)

But it's seems likely a chip mod a few months down the road could give us back some or even lots of HP (and if not, I am more than satisfied with my purchase since I test drove a car first, knew exactly how much power I was getting, and paid 1G under MSRP)

Thanks top this forum I rushed to get the car asap, because I knew a buyback/offer was possible, and getting the car this past Friday has payed off. I'll gladly take the $500 and service.

There is simply no way in hell I would trade this car back in. It is simply too exciting and distinctive a ride, with great styling combined with functionality, to pass up.

Mazda's engineering team should be proud of their creation, in spite of the marketing department's questionable handling of HP figures. But as well I applaud their speedy reaction to the forums findings, and am satisfied with the buyback/cash+Service options they have presented.

 

Next time you go, try taking some pics... they sound like they would be awesome. Figuratively.

 

Wow! What a refreshing post, after all the whining of the HP issue on almost every other post.

I'm honestly hoping that that alot of people don't read this forum, now, because all the whining might put some off from buying what is a great car. I can't believe I'm saying this, but, based on the posts on this forum after the HP issue, I actually feel almost sorry for manufacturers putting out a new product these days because the immediacy of the internet allows so many whiners that have questionable experience & knowledge an outlet to rag on issues they may or may not know as much about as they claim.

I, for one, have not experienced any of the "almost ran over in the passing lane", or "only as fast as a Honda Accord", or any one of the number of other posts (trolls?) indicating that the 8 is down on power in any significant way.

In fact, it's been totally the opposite. I have to be very careful to keep from running over other cars once the 8 hits it's power band.

This car is a blast to drive! I hope anyone that was thinking of buying this car goes and takes a test drive in it before you base not buying it on the BS horsepower issues others have posted here. I've not come across any other car on the road in my first 1500 miles that I've not been able to keep pace with, if not down right blow by them. On standing starts, sure, this is definitely not a stop light racer. But this is a sports car, and once the revs get up, this car flies. The handling, epecially diving into corners, hitting the revs and powering out, is awesome! The 8 more than makes up for not being a "quarter miler" in many ways.

Just yesterday, I down shifted into 2nd for a left hander, behind a modded Camaro in the adjacent inside lane, and easily caught up to him, hit the power band and powered out of the corner, and could have easily blasted by him if it wasn't for the car ahead of me. And the Camaro definitely saw me coming and was putting the power down (or attempting to anyway).

This car is a rush every time I get into it. There's no way I'm giving mine back. The engine revs like there's no tommorow. The handling & brakes are spectacular. It feels like I'm strapping into a rocket every time I get in it. And on top of that, it's looks are spectacular, too.

There will always be faster cars with more horsepower somewhere, no matter what you drive (unless you can afford an Enzo Ferrari or are an F1 driver). If you've ever thought about buying an RX-8, do yourself a favor and go test drive it before you dismiss it based on the posts from people whining about the HP issue on this forum. You'll be glad you did.

And with that, I'm ending my one and only post on this insanely blown out of proportion horsepower issue, and going back to the immense enjoyment of my new RX-8 rotary rocket. Happy revving, everyone!:D :D

 

emailists,

My MT6 GT is on order. How difficult has the manual trans. been in a traffic jam or stop and go traffic?

Claude H.

 

emailists, glad you like your car.


Claude, while I'm not driving in Manhatten, I drive in stop and go traffic every day in a city known for being built on 7 hills. Not a single problem.

 

Claude,

I haven't yet been in real stop and go, but have paid tolls, etc where there is some jockying. The trans seems great- though from time to time have to pull the shift into 2nd a bit hard. May need an adjustment, but that is not typical of other Rx-8's.

I am just about to get 3M material for the bumpers,- to city proof it even more.

 

emaillists,

I was thinking of doing the 3M as well. Where are you getting it done? How much is it going to cost? Are you doing just tye bumpers fore and aft or the hood as well?

Also, I was asking about stop and go traffice out of curiosity on whether or not one has to ride the clutch at low speeds as the gears seem to be set pretty tall, if you know what I mean.

Thanks,

Claude H.

 

XPel is the company I am dealing with that has the template for the RX8. This is the installer- he has a shop in Queens as well as NJ. The cost of total front nose and rear bumper will be around $500. Doesn't include hood I think. Much better price than another LI installer, who didn't have the template.

I may go with a heavier plastic than the 3M for the rear bumper, as Laslo suggested. Please tell him Richard from the RX8 forum suggested you call. He suggests getting the headlights done- not sure I'f I'm going to for the extra cost.


Monster Coatings, Inc.
Laszlo R Keszthelyi
13 Barthold Place
Garfield, NJ 07026
973-983-7662

 

Thanks emailists,

U R Da Man!

I expect delivery in Oct/Nov. and do often day trip into the city. I will give them a call and see what the deal is.

I am a Long Islander, Port Washington area, You?

Claude H.

 

Claude- I am in the city- Upper east side

I will have the 3M material put on the car on Friday and will report back

 

I hold you to it.

Lived at Ruppert Towers till recently (90th & 3rd).

Good luck,

Claude H.

 

I love doing this! Occasionally I've been passed by some darty, farty-sounding ricer doing 10 or 15mph above the speed limit. Then if there's a good turn ahead I zip through it and get right on him again. This car goes where it's pointed and it feels so incredibly solid on the road.

 

emailists,

So.... How did it go? Are you happy with the job? Did you go for the heavier grade 3M material?

and in the end, what did you end up doing and what were the costs?

BTW: Was the other, more expensive place, you checked out called Secondary Exposure in Elmhurst?

I e-mailed them for pricing and it was more expnesive for less area coverage.

Your input will help me B4 I call the place you went to.

Thanks,


Claude H.

 

Claude

I just got the 3m on yesterday, and took a ton of pictures

I will be posting them and info soon.