I'm wondering what the target market for the RX-8 is supposed to be. Men and women? 16-25 or a more seasoned demographic 25-35?

As I was looking at cars, I was initially interested in the RSX Type-S, but I saw way too many 16-25 year old guys zooming around in them. I'm a little past that bracket, that's why my interest slid over to the C230.

But the RX-8 kinda combines the best of both groups. I would describe it as a cross between a sports coupe/mini sedan. A practical good sized 4 seater that can still go like a bat out of hell. If I get one it will stay pristinely stock. I wouldn't make one single mod to it. I think Mazda nailed it in terms of both interior and exterior design. Why mess with perfection.

 

I think it's aimed toward the M3/Audi Euro-sedan market, not Altima, etc. It's a unique niche, and Mazda is truly trail-blazing.

 

They have said they're shooting for those sports car drivers who have a child or two coming, or here, but do not want to give up anything in terms of "sports cars" just because they need an extra couple seats.

A car for the Miata driver who now has a couple kids they need to haul around.

I very well think that Mazda could have a segment buster here. There are 2+2's but those can't carry large people, and there are sport sedans, but nearly all are more focused on sedan than sport. Here we have the first true sports car sedan

My guess is that they're shooting for the late 20's to mid 30's crowd.

 

I can kind of see them taking on kind of a midpoint between the 330ci and Solara and 350Z. Yes it is kind of a weird combo, but why not?

 

I would imagine 30-40 year olds, who want occasional use of back seats (used an anticipated 10% of the time as stated by Mazda), wanting a 'pure' sports car with better practicality than a 2+2 coupe. And yes, I fit that role exactly. Personally, safety and fuel efficiency are also fairly important to me.

I tested the RSX, nice car but $38K Cdn (including taxes) for a FWD car without a limited slip? No thanks. The rear seats were too difficult to access and too small to be comfortable in. I could just see that car loosing *huge* amounts of dollars in depreciation, afterall, it will just be another FWD Honda...

I also tested a MB C230 coupe. Another nice car, but the 3300lbs seemed to put a damper on outright performance. Safety and sunroof and dash layouts were a definite plus. However, the make is a little too flashy for my industry (being in construction). Love/hate appearance, depending on angle viewed at. Powertrain is nothing to brag about engineering wise, I mean 200 HP from a pressurized 2.3 litres of displacement? Ho hum... Although I've read a direct injection powerplant may replace the 2.3 for 2003.

Looked at 2002 Altima. 240 HP engine is impressive, but still no limited slip diff, good price, interior was quite cheap, and 240 HP FWD has torque steer issues.

Evo is of some interest but the fuel efficiency appears to be really crappy, and build quality/reliability could be issues. Don't care for the wing either.

WRX, I can't even past the uglyness long enough to get in and sit in it.

These are obviously IMO, and no offense intended. So were left with the RX-8. As a previous FD owner for many years, I know what to potentially expect in terms of driver interaction with machine. Can't wait!!!

 

Fritzman hit the nail on the head, I think.
A lot of ex-1st and 2nd gen owners who pine for the rotary yet want a little funtionality as well.

 

This car will definitely win plenty of awards this year and next year. As for the target market, I don't really think there is one. This is something pretty much new. I'm sure it'll get both sides though (gender-wise).

 

I also agree with Fritzman. 30 to 40 year old male. A person who is married with a kid or two who needs a functional back seat and wants a fun car to drive.

The fact it also appeals to 20 something year old drivers is icing on the cake for Mazda