1.) Probably not, most guys are having problems breaking into the 14s and, most of the rest are running high 14s. Many many other cars have people that have beaten the mag times and it's not that big a deal, the RX-8 has one slip on the entire forum that corresponds with the mag times, and it's a sticky, that should tell you something. Don't go by times with the RX-8, if you drive it and it feels fast enough and you like it better than other cars you drive then go for it, it's as simple as that.

2.) Probably not, knock a few MPG off each number if you're satisfied with that then don't even take mpg into consideration. If you're really that worried about gas mileage then the RX-8 isn't what you should be driving.

3.) It's too early to tell and no matter what anyone says that's the case. The car really needs another year or two of ownership from the early owners to get a good guage on the reliability.

Velociredbeast, it's a 2.6L if you want to compare it to any other engine in a current production car on the planet :p :D

 

Slow!

The Honda RC211V (V5 engine) puts out a bit more power and frankly just runs faster. That's why Valentino Rossi switched to Yamaha... everyone knows the RC211V is the best MotoGP bike... so he switched to prove he wins so much because he is a damn good racer. And... he has been winning. By a much smaller margin, but still kicking ***. Nicky Hayden in his first year of MotoGP, coming from World Superbike, is doing pretty good. In another two seasons he'll probably kick some ***.

Here's one for you. Bike's with the rider located on top have VERY bad aerodynamics, but the power to weight ratio is so crazy they can run so fast. Hell the 2004 Yamaha R1 puts out almost 180hp...

Back to rotary cars... like the "flat" 4 (horizontally-opposed 4 cylinder engine), the packing of the engine is one of it's strong points. And I happen to like the sound of a Subaru flat 4 (with aftermarket exhaust... oooh!) and espcially an air-cooled Porsche flat 4.

 

If you REALLy want to enjoy hitting an apex just right and have awesome acceleration... especially for a great price... buy a motorcycle. :D Ride through the mountains... on a track... VERY addictive.

 

But, where are the time slips that say it is doing 15's or high 14's? But, like you said this whole site only has one example so it's inconclusive at best.

RX8 guys/gals...go out there and TEST YOUR CARS! For me...doing for me...LOL

Probably, coulda...woulda...shoulda...

Motor Trend observed 17.6-9 in their test and I know they were pushing the car around so I still think it can be done. I might start a new thread about this issue and take a survey. (Don't hate me for it...I know some topics have been an overkill but I'm new...forgive me)

The reason I might start a new thread, is I want to know how many drivers with the M flash and with over 5,000 miles on their cars are getting those crazy 14mpg numbers. I just think it's the drivers more than the car. EPA numbers are not reliable...but not by 4mpg, more like 1 on AVG.

TRUE, like any new car...only time will tell. At least there is ONE bright spot in not getting the car till next year...I'll have time for more research.

 

Well, I think bikes are probably alot of fun...but with all the SUV's out there...I'll stick to a car.