First of all, it looks very very cool. Interior and exterior are nicely shaped, and currently owning a Mazda, the interiors are generally nicer than most Japanese counterparts. This would exclude Lexus, but only in their higher end cars. Not in the ES300 and IS300.

Next, I know it will handle well. 50:50 weight distribution, special LSD, 18 inch wheels with Z rated tires, and a company producing them with a history of nimble little vehicles (ie, the Miata, Protege), I have no problem in believing that this car will handle well.

0-60 in 5.9 to 6 seconds. That's fast enough for me. I mean, the 350Z does it in 5.4. But the 350Z has no back seat, and no trunk space. Add to the fact that it is quite the opposite of Dr. Jeckyl and instead the Mr. Hyde of the Audi TT. It has similar lines, and just looks awkward.

Let me add to this, that I've driven the G35 Sedan. I'll say right off the bat, two things I really enjoyed about this puppy... the steering was WONDERFUL, and the raw straight strip power was nice. However, the interior left a LOT to be desired. Let's start with that horrible analog clock in the center of the car. I hate it, and that's a personal pet peeve. Next, the exterior is UGLY. The rear end is also ugly. Infiniti has cheaped out on so many things, including NO HYDRAULICS for the hood! I always notice the little things. The stereo sucks in that car, though I am not saying it's worse or better than what will be in the RX-8. Sometimes Bose sounds good and sometimes they are terrible. Next, the abundance of cheap plastic in that car makes me sick. The entire console is littered with 'Aluminum' plastic. It doesn't even look aluminum.

Lastly, the G35 is going to be VERY popular. And I don't like the same car as everybody else on the road. I feel the RX-8 is a refreshing new car that will make ME happy.

I am not going to try to convert G35 or 350Z fans.. they already have their heart set elsewhere. But the fact is that the RX-8 is great for people who WANT IT, and people who don't will be happy in a Japanese counterpart.

 

Yup, the big reasons for me are:

1) the handling should be superb. The cornering ability of my RX-7 is completely addicting and from what they're saying about the stiffness and balance of the RX-8, it should be even better.

2) power is very sufficient. My RX-7 is almost too much power and I only use 100% of it very very rarely just because it's such huge overkill in a car that light. That said, I do hope they get the torque number up a bit for the RX-8.

3) just enough practicality with the rear seats while not compromising much at all on performance and appearance

4) last but not least, looks. It's kinda strange, but after looking at the RX-8 shots lying on my desk for weeks now, I think I agree with the Road&Track writer that this may be the most beautiful car to come out of Japan. It's an unusual design, but I just keep finding a solidity and harmony of the design that kicks ***. If nobody else thinks so, all the better for me :D

 

Boy, if you think the G35 has a bad stereo, just listen to my 325i! The stock system barely passes as tolerable. I have literally heard better systems in stock econo cars. (The main reason I don't have a G35 is because it's too large, wierd to some people but look--I'm only 5'7")

That said, I expect the RX-8 to have at least a decent 6-8 speaker system. :D

The fact that the RX-8 is a premium semi-luxury small car, with sporty pretentions, room for 4 with 4 doors, and plenty of power, and light in weight seems like an oxymoron, but I just want the best of all worlds, and it looks like the RX-8 will deliver, and at a price point better than its competition. It's all about having everything and sacrificing little to get it.

I just hope I'm not representing too small of a market... but then again how many 3 series do you see out there! I have one of them! :D

 

That’s the beauty of the 8.