I’m new to the board and to the RX. I loved the last generation RX-7 and have been following the RX-8 for some time now.

The recent R&D article stated that standard wheels on the RX-8 would be of the 16" variety. I'm just curious if, in the past, Mazda has offered larger wheels, etc. as part of a "sport package" type option on the RX-7?

It seems that 17" wheels would make more sense and with wider rubber in the rear - wider than the pics I've been seeing.

Thoughts?

 

it looks as if the auto tranny model will have a 215hp engine with 16" wheels

whereas the 6-sp. tranny will have the 250hp engine with 18" wheels.

 

I can't imagine anyone buying this car or any performance-oriented car with a slushbox - heavy traffic commutes or not.

Also, can you comment on the steering characteristics of previous generation RXs? I've never driven one and am curious how much road feel I might expect and whether or not the steering is tight/beefy or light. It was surprising the article didn't address brakes or steering.

There was recently a huge outcry from BMW enthusiasts when the steering effort on U.S.-model 3 Series was reduced in order to make parking easier. The result was less road feel, nervousness at speed and less connectivity with the car. You probably read about it if you follow the major car mags. Writers bashed the change to what has long been considered to be among the best steering setups out there.

BMW responded with a steering rack retrofit (new rack and assembly), free of charge, for anyone who wanted it - major improvement.

Many thanks, JGard.

 

I think the 18" rims will make to production as part of an option group. I've seen the same type of rims on different prototype models in both standard alloy silver, and polished. Hence they're working with a specific supplier and model.

 

JGard
The previous RX-7 was an absolutely amazing machine. I haven't driven one in about 4 years, so I can't remember every last detail. However, I do remember that steering feel was incredible, and the car when EXACTLY where the wheel pointed it. Very light on its feet and just an amazing handling machine.

I would liken it to driving a bigger Miata.....with a lot more power, a lot more grip, and a lot more speed.

I would expect the RX to drive much the same. The article mentioned similar feel as a Porsche 911, so I would expect Mazda's typical light feet feel, but with a nice direct, feel to the steering. I'm sure the immediacy that the 3rd gen RX-7 showed will not be lost in this car.

Mazda knows how to make cars that add up to more than the sum of their parts. It is relatively easy to make a car look impressive on paper (Corvette), but there are only a few companies who can make a car incredibly fun in the process.....and Mazda is one of those companies.

 

don't address me, I wasn't asking

but I haven't driven a 3rd gen RX-7, so I don't know. I had a 2nd Gen, and I loved it. Kinda heavy, but in a good way... I have a modded 00 Impreza right now, and it's nowhere close to the 88 RX-7.

and yeah, if Miata's are slushboxes, then RX-8's can be, too

 

That's exactly what I was hoping to hear.

Thanks.

 

Where did you guys hear that the automatic RX8 would be downgraded in horsepower?

 

i was wondering the same thing!!, i doubt that will happen

 

I've heard that from many sources. Main problem is that it's tough to get an auto tranny to handle 10K rpm's. It probably will be a sort of Tiptronic type tranny, but still an auto. Not the much sought after sequential tranny.

 

ohh i c, now it all makes sense

 

If that is the case then I think they shouldn't offer the automatic option at all.