Mazda website's "Features and Specs" section is finally showing the official curb weight:

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Curb Weight lb. (minimum w\ popular options) = 3029 lbs
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I think "minimum w\ popular options' includes everything in the GT package...and I think 3029 lbs is not bad for that...what do you think? There were many other "TBD" values before which are showing proper numbers now.

Cheers,
Maximus.

 

At 3029 lbs with popular options I am very happy, I have ordered a fully loaded GT with moonroof and NAV so I knew mine would not be less than 3,000 lbs. How many other cars loaded similarly will weigh less than the RX-8?

 

Seriously, WTF does "popular options" mean? If that's the loaded GT model, that's good, if that's the base model, then that's bad. I think we need to email our Mazda reps about this one.

 

Here are some other particulars for the manual tranny version that have been placed on the MazdaUSA.com site:

Recommended Fuel: Unleaded 95 RON
Oil Capacity: 7.1 Quarts
EPA Mileage: 20.4 mpg City / 30.2 mpg Highway

 

Hot damn! :D

Of course, with my lead foot, I'll never see those numbers.

 

Edmunds lists:
Mitsu EVO at 3087 lbs.
Subaru WRX at 3085 lbs.

And both of those cars come with all wheel drive. I'm a little disappointed I was really hoping that it would go on a diet before reaching the shores and show up at 2800-2900.

 

Now THAT's the fuel efficiency we were looking for!

I was having a hard time to believe 20mpg on highway, with premium fuel almost $1 a litre here in Canada that would have been INSANE! At 30mpg that's much better.

 

I agree. It's worded very curiously. My bet is that it is NOT the Grand Touring package, or they would have been proud to say "3029 fully optioned". This is disappointing.

 

do either of those cars offer the level of interior finish, interior noise suppression, and other general amentities the RX-8 does?? i'd certainly be surprised if this was the case.
the RX-8 has to be about a lot more than speed, and even handling. it really does need to appeal to a wider audience than that, although yeah, portliness isn't usually a good thing.

but a "GTUs" type of trim (base model with high-power motor and 6spd) would probably weigh less than 3000lbs.

 

The WRX actually has a pretty decent ride quality....in fact its too soft for my taste!

 

Is anyone seriously complaining about 29 lbs in a 3000 lb car? That's 1 percent! Heck, more than a third of all Americans are overweight by more than that amount.

 

In the April 2003 Automobile magazine mentioned the the RX-8 weight 3020 pounds with a full tank of gas. Check it out here:

http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2987

 

Also if you look closely at the site it says that the "Production Timing" is March 14, 2003.............. THEIR FINALLY MAKING OUR RX-8'S!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Yeah, that's an extra 29lbs I'm going to have to lose.

Thanks alot Mazda!

-Mr. Wigggles

 

BTW, Mazda Canada is claiming 1394 4AT/1384 6MT which is 3050lb or thereabouts. Full specs here:

http://www.mazda.ca/eng/down_the_roa...RX-8_Specs.pdf

 

note: we in Canada can't not get a whole lot of things, there are only two models, and on the upper model only two options: the sunroof, and the NAV...

 

Do you think the "April" dealers may be right and those in "the know" may not be?

 

No, Mazda needs to make enough vehicles to fill at least one shipment first and do whatever else there is to do to them before shipment now. Then we're waiting for them to get shipped accross the ocean. Then wait and get inspected at the port. Also my guess would be that MNAO would add or check stuff there too. Then we have to wait for the rail (train) to take them to the local area. Then get loaded on a semi to be delivered to the dealership. Late may if we're lucky..... June would still sound right. Also depends on how far up the list you/me/we are in the production line. I think the dealers are confusing the "build dates" with delivery dates.

 

i think you got it on the nose. i went to my dealer today and he printed his orders of the website for me to see and mine says delivery june week 1. there are no delivery dates in april.

 

It list the fuel requirements as

Recommended Fuel: Unleaded 95 RON

That's a Euro spec right? RON, that's the R part of R+M/2 right?
What't the equivalent US Octane? 91? 92? 93!!??

 

7L of oil! That ain't gonna be cheap to change IF synthetic oil is approved.. but on the plus side the more oil you have the longer it can last.

 

Holy $$$hit 30MPG highway

 

I wasn't complaining about 29 pounds. I was complaining about an all-wheel drive car that weighs 29 pounds more, has 4 doors and is about the same size. I'll agree that the Mazda interior is very nice and the RX-8 looks way better but still...an AWD system has got to be heavy plus the engine in the WRX is heavier than the RENESIS. Where did the RX-8 pick up the weight?

If the RX-8's drivetrain is lighter and the engine is lighter then all the weight is in the frame and interior. It seems funny that the interior would add that much weight to a car.

 

I think safety features have something to do with that.. lots of reinforcements in the car.

 

Oh yea... the WRX has cloth recaro seats.. very lightweight.

if you start looking at the option list I'm sure you can add up a bunch of pounds.. the bose stereo amp weighs some... etc....

Either way it's two different (albeit fun) cars for two different types of people.

I prefer the RX-8 because it's RWD, and has a nice intrior/amenities... the WRX is AWD (which can be fun but in my case not), and less livable interior.

Just a matter of preference... weight is probably in the interior features as you mentioned though.