US RX-8 sales (not good)
#201
I'm sure the RX8 will be around a few more years......but it will look like the Senku. Mazda is not going to have both available in the market....so if you wanna see what the next 8 will look like, take a gander at the Senku.
#202
i pwn therefore i am
Originally Posted by bascho
I agree 100% with everything you listed. I know some here have disagreed with offering this content on a $30K sports car......but it doesn't have to be standard equipment.....just optional. Those who want to pay the premium can and those who do not don't have to. If you don't intend on paying for the added content....why are some of you so against offering it at all. And by the way, plenty of $30K cars offer 1-touch controls for windows, blue tooth wireless capabilites, iPod connectivity, etc.
I don't think the point was to never offer these. But he said that if Mazda did that it would change sales dramatically. I mean, these are such arbitrary options. Why not have electrochromatic glass in the rear view mirror. Or maybe climate controlled glove compartments. Sure, it's all nice. But it's not going to solve the problems because no one is complaining about the lack of options on this car.
#203
Originally Posted by saturn
Could you inform me of one sports car that does offer these things? I'm not saying there aren't -- I just want to know. I don't know of any car that offers iPod connectivity other than like the crap BMW gives which isn't good (it's the same thing as the iceLink). Even the aftermarket products (Alpine, Pioneer, Clarion) are all terrible because they are so slow. I've never heard of a sports car with blue tooth wireless -- only Mercedes and maybe Acura.
I don't think the point was to never offer these. But he said that if Mazda did that it would change sales dramatically. I mean, these are such arbitrary options. Why not have electrochromatic glass in the rear view mirror. Or maybe climate controlled glove compartments. Sure, it's all nice. But it's not going to solve the problems because no one is complaining about the lack of options on this car.
I don't think the point was to never offer these. But he said that if Mazda did that it would change sales dramatically. I mean, these are such arbitrary options. Why not have electrochromatic glass in the rear view mirror. Or maybe climate controlled glove compartments. Sure, it's all nice. But it's not going to solve the problems because no one is complaining about the lack of options on this car.
BTW, the RX8 already has electrochromatic glass in the rear view mirror. I was not stating that people are complaining about contect either.....I am merely pointing out that other companies are offering a lot more tech savvy content for their 2007's which happen to be competing against Mazda's 2006.
And the RX8 is not Mazda's sports car in my mind, the MX5 is. I would classify the RX8 as a entry-level Grand Touring car. I would never advise Mazda to add a bunch of content to the MX5......because that is a 'sports car'. When Mazda added those rear doors they made this car something more.......and thus it should be trying to match 'optional' content to the likes of Acura and Infinity.
#204
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Originally Posted by Spin9k
Sheeeze TALAN7! Get your story straight.... 1st it has NO torque, then just a little.... make up you mind!
I think you should settle on "hardly any torque", otherwise it wouldn't even be a car, but more like an "Automotive Statue" lol, cause it would just sit there
!
I think you should settle on "hardly any torque", otherwise it wouldn't even be a car, but more like an "Automotive Statue" lol, cause it would just sit there
![Roll Eyes (Sarcastic)](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
Things are different in the US, but people really need to stop using absolutes.
#205
i pwn therefore i am
Originally Posted by bascho
And the RX8 is not Mazda's sports car in my mind, the MX5 is. I would classify the RX8 as a entry-level Grand Touring car. I would never advise Mazda to add a bunch of content to the MX5......because that is a 'sports car'. When Mazda added those rear doors they made this car something more.......and thus it should be trying to match 'optional' content to the likes of Acura and Infinity.
I definitely think the iPod thing is going to become big soon, but all these car brands you are talking about aren't getting this awesome new interface. They're basically getting a factory built iceLink so that people can control it through their steering wheel control. Some Mazda dealers actually offer the iceLink as an option you can buy and have installed.
I just don't see the major criticism of the 8 being appointment options. Not even close.
#206
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Originally Posted by bascho
BTW, the RX8 already has electrochromatic glass in the rear view mirror.
![Wink](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/wink.gif)
#207
Originally Posted by saturn
I just don't see the major criticism of the 8 being appointment options. Not even close.
I agree with that. Mostly because the gas mileage, hp rating and flooding issues are very BIG problems and that is what gets attention.
Listen, if you are happy with your 8 and think that it never has to change....that's great. I'm sure you'll be happy to be one of the 10,000 people in the US that will buy a 2006 RX8. Lots of optional content is not for everybody......my grand mother doesn't need blue tooth either. I guess Mazda can market the car to you and my grand ma
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#208
Originally Posted by RichardK
Mine doesn't. It's got a flicky 'dip' lever like my old Chevette had ![Wink](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/wink.gif)
![Wink](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Oh, I thought the electrochromatic was standard. No biggie, it was still an option for the RX8.
#209
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Originally Posted by bascho
Oh, I thought the electrochromatic was standard. No biggie, it was still an option for the RX8.
#211
Originally Posted by Ericok
Why is mileage such an issue? The following is a list of EPA numbers: RX8 18/24 (238 hp), EVO 20/31 (300hp), Mustang V8 17/25 (300hp), Mustang V6 19/28 (210 hp), 350Z 19/25 (300hp), Porsche Boxster Stick 20/29 (217hp), Porsche Boxster Auto 18/26 (217hp). So the RX8 numbers are in the ballpark with the others. Even the HP numbers beat out the Porsche (MSRP $45,000) and Mustang V6.
#212
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It's possible sales are down and might continue that way because the RX-8 has reached a saturation point. We who bought one are a different breed of car owner. We don't mind checking the oil fairly regularly, or starting the car up to move it and taking it for a spin, or sit there till it warms up. Believe it or not, the majority of people find those things to be a hassle, and alot of those people are looking for more bells and whistles than we are content to live with.
The RX-8 needs to appeal to a broader base and in some respects it already does. The S2000 does not come with and automatic transmission or a navigation system. That car is designed for a SELECT group of people. The RX-8 has amenities that appeal to a wider mass than the S2000, but I think with a few more OPTIONS, it could appeal to an even greater audience, and improve its sales.
The RX-8 needs to appeal to a broader base and in some respects it already does. The S2000 does not come with and automatic transmission or a navigation system. That car is designed for a SELECT group of people. The RX-8 has amenities that appeal to a wider mass than the S2000, but I think with a few more OPTIONS, it could appeal to an even greater audience, and improve its sales.
#214
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I'd have to tottaly disagree, in 91 Mazda proved a rotary is far superior to a piston engine. And then they were banned from the lemans. I do agree that if it dies so be it, I now have a nice car that will hold it's value. But I also agree that most everyone I talk to would love to own an rx-8 but can afford it. I think they should start putting the rotary in other vehicles and improve the performance of the rx series. Something is coming for the rotary, Mazda dumped alot of money into the hydrogen rx8. I think we have way more coming but it's not time yet.
#215
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Originally Posted by Raptor75
The difference is the level that the RX misses the EPA estimates far worse then the other cars you mentioned.
#216
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Originally Posted by IndeRotor
I'd have to tottaly disagree, in 91 Mazda proved a rotary is far superior to a piston engine. And then they were banned from the lemans. I do agree that if it dies so be it, I now have a nice car that will hold it's value. But I also agree that most everyone I talk to would love to own an rx-8 but can afford it. I think they should start putting the rotary in other vehicles and improve the performance of the rx series. Something is coming for the rotary, Mazda dumped alot of money into the hydrogen rx8. I think we have way more coming but it's not time yet.
#217
i pwn therefore i am
Originally Posted by bascho
I agree with that. Mostly because the gas mileage, hp rating and flooding issues are very BIG problems and that is what gets attention.
Listen, if you are happy with your 8 and think that it never has to change....that's great. I'm sure you'll be happy to be one of the 10,000 people in the US that will buy a 2006 RX8. Lots of optional content is not for everybody......my grand mother doesn't need blue tooth either. I guess Mazda can market the car to you and my grand ma![Big Grin](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Listen, if you are happy with your 8 and think that it never has to change....that's great. I'm sure you'll be happy to be one of the 10,000 people in the US that will buy a 2006 RX8. Lots of optional content is not for everybody......my grand mother doesn't need blue tooth either. I guess Mazda can market the car to you and my grand ma
![Big Grin](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
I would LOVE to see bluetooth capability. You could have your iPod using this (with an adapter) and your cell phone. I also love the new keyless entry and start system on the 2006's (very few cars have these right now). I'm not opposed to options. I would just like to see Mazda continue to concentrate on the more important issues.
BTW, you think you can hook me up with your grandma?
#218
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I don't think it misses the mileage so much like people claim (don't get me started on mileage calculations again), especially since my paper on my 2006 says my fuel economy rated by Mazda is 18-24 which means there is an EPA-rated range of 15-28. Technically anything 15 and higher is meeting fuel economy.
#219
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Originally Posted by Roaddemon
That's so right, They also have a electric hybrid solar rotary that will rival the hybrid accord in HP and fuel economy. It will be comming in upscale sport models. I hope it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to buy.
#220
i pwn therefore i am
Originally Posted by BunnyGirl
don't get me started on mileage calculations again
#222
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Talking about mileage, I noticed my 8 takes 2-3 times longer to warm up than my Mazda 626 in winter. I drive the 8 short distances so it never warms up. Now that's gotta hurt gas mileage. It's not the best car for cold climates but works for me. The upside is I get 2-3 weeks/tank because I drive it much less in the winter. I keep it in winter semi- storage with snow tires on just in case.
#225
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I have and early model o4. All the issues were taken care of at the dealer by recalls or TSBs. I now have a 2004 that is as complete as a 2005. It was all covered under warranty. I'm happy.