Does anyone know, are the backs of the front seats hard plastic?

Also, what's the deal with the huge-@$$ emergency brake handle? It won't go down flat when released. Seems awkward.

 

I agree about the odd-looking hand-brake. Why so huge and handle shaped? Looks silly and won't fold flat to the surface.

 

it's an extra "oh sh@t" handle for the passenger to grab during those low polar inertia moments in the twisties!!:D :D :D

 

Grabbing it and pulling on it may not be a good thing for the passenger to do in the twisties. It looks too inviting at the wrong time...

 

from pictures i've seen, it appears that the seat backs are hard plastic. however, i remember reading something that mentioned that the front passengers could get knee-ed in the back by the rear passengers.
sorry. i guess this isn't too conclusive/helpful. i'm just hoping it's hard plastic. perhaps someone who's seen it firsthand can help out here.

 

I believe that the "see o' plastic" is only on the back of the leather seats. The cloth seats are all cloth except for the plastic side air bag? cover.

You can kind of see it in the thread just posted about cloth intrior pics: http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2710

-Stephen

 

come to think of it, i can actually think of one benefit of having the brake handle that rises higher than the top of the console...

in my current car, if there's a passenger, often times their left knee would rest on part of the console (when they cross their legs). when that happens, i would hit their knee whenever i shifted to a gear that shifts forward. now with the brake handle there, i won't have to worry about hitting a knee as i shift!!!:D

 

If you really hate it, just buy a new one.