nycgps

iTrader: (1)

1. Nah, I doubt its going to happen.
2. ok, its ok if its N/A, but very unlikely.
3. Are you smoking ?
4. Maybe, maybe not.

but I just have a feeling that RX8 going to stay for at least another 3 years or so.

robrecht

I don't know if Mazda has a regular pattern, but I keep thinking of the NA Miata being reworked in 1994, including engine displacement.

Of course, the Miata was extremely popular initially. Would Mazda try to respond earlier with poor sales performance of the RX-8? Or is the sales performance not even sufficient to justify moderate intervention?

I'm assuming that increasing displacement in a rotory is probably not nearly as easy as in a piston engine, but can we still realistically hope for direct injection to increase power and improve fuel economy?

Thanks, robrecht

DOMINION

The S2K is dead. The NSX is dead. The MR2 is dead. Just like Elvis and all my heros

robrecht

There was talk of a new 10-cylinder NSX a while back but ...

nucleus

Quote:
Originally Posted by nucleus
Predictions for the 2007 RX-8

Increased Displacement 16B Engine with Direct Injection

More Power (285 HP)

Better Highway Fuel Economy (27 MPG)

Minor trim Changes



but I just have a feeling that RX8 going to stay for at least another 3 years or so.
1) So you think that Mazda will use DI on the 3, the 6, but not the 8? The increased displacement is exactly what Mazda has done in the past just by widening the rotors and rotor housings.

2) Going to 1.6 from 1.3 is a 23% increase. A 23% increase in HP from 240 totals 295 HP. I substracted 10 HP for pumping losses. It may only end up at 275 HP, but there will be a significant increase.

3) A lot of cars gain highway MPG with increased displacement which allows taller gearing, lower RPM and lower friction and pumping losses. The DI will also add economy, and Mazda likely has another trick up their sleeve to increase MPG. I may be optimistic on my numbers, but my lungs are pure as driven snow!

4) Zero doubt there will be minor appearance changes for 2007.

robrecht

Nucleus, you're giving me hope--recall that hope was an evil in Pandora's box. False hope is not a good thing if it leads to greater disappointment. Anyway, at least I've learned that increasing displacement is not so difficult in a rotory. But will Mazda invest in the retooling for the 8? For the 8 and the new 7? Uh-oh, there goes that hope thing again!

Sapphonica

No, there are plenty of cars that have enough HP & torque N/A.

I love the 8's looks & handling, & put a turbo on it to fix the power problem.

dccr

I don't quite get this obsession some have with torque, a proper sports car is all about balance. The 8's acceleration, braking and handling flow together so beautifully when you drive the thing right. I'd hate for Mazda to turn it into some ignorant 'all motor' American hillbilly machine to give a fake sense of speed to jokers who don't know how to drive.

robrecht

But would 50 more hp really do that? Some of us feel that would be a better balance point.

silverx8

Dreamers:

Ok. I will join the dream crowd.

1) Fix the nose, its too pointy.

2) Ground effects, the body needs to curve in less at the waist.

3) Paint the brakes, everybody is doing it, and Mazda has the ugliest brakes that work well.

4) Motor, work magic. Maybe offer the standard engine with a 5 speed manual.

5) Wheels and tires, 18 inch standard.

6) Dump anything that says Bose.

7) Better wing.

8) Stop selling at discount, go single price.

kw1k

Actually, not quite dead for the NSX, Honda is going to bring the nsx back nd this time its going have alot of changes, such as bigger engine, body, the whole 9 yards.

New Yorker

Couldn't have said it better myself. Thank you.

robrecht

Then maybe you could also answer my question: Would 50-60 more hp really turn the RX-8 into a some ignorant 'all motor' American hillbilly machine to give a fake sense of speed to jokers who don't know how to drive? Thanks!

New Yorker

If they could give it 50-60 more hp without upsetting the "feel" and "balance," then, in my opinion, yeah—that would be ok. I know I'm in a minority here, but I really do value balance and the way a car feels more than hp and quarter-mile times.

I believe the 8 has a certain "quality" about it that makes it feel unusually good to drive. My MX-5 had that quality, too. And it's not something you'll find measured in seconds or mph. I'd hate to lose that for more torque or speed. You may find it hard to believe, but I'd take the 8 "as is" over a Viper, despite the huge difference in power.

robrecht

I think we pretty much agree then at least about the 8 (maybe not about the Viper). If slightly larger displacement and/or direct injection give you 50-60 more hp and perhaps even better fuel economy, there's no reason that would upset the balance, which is what I too love most about the 8--that and it's great styling.

When it comes to the Viper, I'd really rather have what's become a rather well balanced C6 or Z06 but I would also love a 60s Cobra. ... But all of those are 2-seaters (quite un)like my Miata so I'd still want/need an RX-8 as a 4-seater family GT car.

JRichter

Sorry for the headache-causing text, was in a hurry...





Back on topic...

maikelnait

What problem?

The fact that the 8 doesn't suit your taste does not necessarily imply a problem

nucleus

I hae to agree on people who say too little power at lower RPM's. I was all set to buy one and after driving it it just was too slow compared to my RX-7. I liked the car overall VERY MUCH, but once you have decent power, it is hard to spend $28,000 and have so much less oomph.

I just read that the Mazdaspeed 3 will have the same 2.3 liter turbo engine that the Mazdaspeed 6 has, only detuned to "only" 250HP. After Mazda bumps up the rotary's displacement, can a Mazdaspeed Forced Induction model be far behind? I can't wait...

robrecht

nucleus is determined to make me hope but hope delays my purchase of an 8 ... see hope is an evil thing!

saturn

I am in the same boat. I really want one of these things. What's making me pause is the possibility of power improvements. If Mazda sold a $5000 supercharger/turbocharger option and would cover it under warranty I would get one immediately.

I can't help but think that with MAZDASPEED 6 last year and 3 this year that the 8 is next in line. I dunno. I know there are a ton of factors that may preclude this from happening, but I just can't help but wonder.

Oh Mazda, quit toying with my heart and just tell me what the future of the 8 holds!

6speed8

The future does not look good I am sad to say:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...0373/1121/AUTO


The RX-8 has a 162 day sit on the dealer lot, the only CARS that sit longer are: Sebring, Magnum, an SSR, Verona, a Taurus (is discontinued) and a Crossfire.

Mazda really blew it.

maikelnait

Gee, I really don't know about the rest of the world sales figures, but it seems nothing can stop the RX8 freefall

Based on my perception, RX8 sales are a little better in Europe, but I wouldn't say MUCH better.

I guess Mazda must have a power upgrade ready for 2007, otherwise they might as well withdraw from the USA

They actually improved the A/T model in 2006, it seems reasonable they upgrade the high power for 2007. Otherwise they would be narrowing the gap too much.

I really hope they push power up the 260 Hp mark and improve fuel consumption a little.

Bad thing is I don't see Mazda telling us jack in the coming months. Just think of all the cars sitting on the lots plus the '06 models. What would happen to them if Mazda told us they were launching a 270 Hp model next year?

torbee

That was a pretty interesting article, 6speed8, but not as dire as you make it out to be.

The RX8 is on the "cold" list, but it is near the bottom. Some of that may be due, as well, to the delayed production of the '06 model. I, for one, would be driving one right now had the '06s been out.

Cars with as-bad or worse turnaround include the Ford Explorer, Chevy Suburban, Mazda MPV and Audi TT.. Are those brands doomed as well?

zoom44

why did you only count 6 when there are 14 slower movers on that list?



edit: oh you capitalized CARS- SSR is a trucktho

6speed8

The hot list shows the TOP sellers am the COLD list shows the BOTTOM sellers, there are a ton of vehicles in between the Hyundai Azera and the Suzuki Reno. The RX-8 is ranked 14th from the BOTTOM.

The SSR is like an El-Camino not quite Car, not quite truck, so I put it in as a car.

The list has nothing to do with the RX-8 2006 model not being available, it has to do with them sitting on lots and not selling.

Alot of the things mentioned throughout this thread are some of the reasons WHY it isn't selling. I for one think its a shame, cause this cannot be good for Mazda trying to come out with an RX-7 type of car - 2 seat, lightweight , rotary that is fast.