2009 RX8 Press Release from Detroit
01-28-2008 | 01:08 PM
#51
To cater to the driving-conscious enthusiast, the 2009 RX-8 will offer a new R3 sport package. Providing the very best in rotary-powered motoring, the R3 harkens back to the R1 and R2 packages offered on the mighty third-generation RX-7, and adds a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and front suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam. Filling the crossmembers makes for a smoother ride, minimized NVH and greater suspension control.
On the visual side of the package, a rear spoiler, side sills, fog lights and sporty front bumper are added to give an aggressive appearance, along with 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels with high performance tires. Inside, the R3 adds a 300-watt Bose® audio system with Centerpoint® surround sound and AudioPilot® noise compensation technology, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, front Recaro sport seats with leather side bolsters, leather-wrapped parking brake handle and Mazda advanced keyless entry and start system.
On the visual side of the package, a rear spoiler, side sills, fog lights and sporty front bumper are added to give an aggressive appearance, along with 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels with high performance tires. Inside, the R3 adds a 300-watt Bose® audio system with Centerpoint® surround sound and AudioPilot® noise compensation technology, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, front Recaro sport seats with leather side bolsters, leather-wrapped parking brake handle and Mazda advanced keyless entry and start system.
How about you give me the R3 package but ditch the Bluetooth capability, the Centerpoint surround, advanced keyless entry, the sunroof, and give me a real sport package vehicle. Let me keep the Recaro seats, but make it an actual performance package vehicle instead of a GT with more options. Make it a car really ready to hit the track and ready to hit the autocross course.
I'm a bit let down by that.
Also, as much as I love the car there is no way in hell I'll pay that much money for a R3-packaged car that will be worth half the price in a couple of years. I'll just wait 3 years and buy one for $15,900 like I got my loaded RX-8 for.
01-28-2008 | 01:21 PM
#53
01-28-2008 | 02:27 PM
#54
What's next?
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: SE Mass
If I'm buying an R3 package car, I don't need all of that fancy bullshit on the inside. Call me stupid, but if you're making a performance version of the same vehicle then why the hell do you add all of that stuff along with it? The car is a GT/Shinka hybrid with Recaro seats from the sounds of it.
How about you give me the R3 package but ditch the Bluetooth capability, the Centerpoint surround, advanced keyless entry, the sunroof, and give me a real sport package vehicle. Let me keep the Recaro seats, but make it an actual performance package vehicle instead of a GT with more options. Make it a car really ready to hit the track and ready to hit the autocross course.
How about you give me the R3 package but ditch the Bluetooth capability, the Centerpoint surround, advanced keyless entry, the sunroof, and give me a real sport package vehicle. Let me keep the Recaro seats, but make it an actual performance package vehicle instead of a GT with more options. Make it a car really ready to hit the track and ready to hit the autocross course.
Inside, the R3 adds a 300-watt Bose® audio system with Centerpoint® surround sound and AudioPilot® noise compensation technology, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, front Recaro sport seats with leather side bolsters, leather-wrapped parking brake handle and Mazda advanced keyless entry and start system.
I see nothing in there about navi or the heavy leather seats in the GT.
Nor, anything else that's going to detract from the autocrossibility of this car. Specifically, the stereo could have about the same weight as stock (and sound much better), blue tooth adds virtually nothing (and I like as a matter of fact for the road trips driving the car 1000+ miles to national auto-xes, hands free) and it will have shocks that are fairly decent (easily revalvable), wheels that can take wider rubber than the 18x8s, and whatnot.
I fail to see how this car will not be a decent auto-x car. (It doesn't have to be bare bones, but I'm also not saying I wouldn't mind a bare bones car either).
But everyones condemning it before it's even been tried!
And if you're going to blame an auto-x loss on a car because it has bluetooth and a stereo, you have other issues to worry about.
--kC
Last edited by Imp; 01-28-2008 at 02:29 PM.
01-28-2008 | 04:27 PM
#55
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Like MP3Guy says..You need to keep in mind that this sports car is aimed to the Mid-Life crisis kind of person. Thus why the 4 seater. I'm going to also agree with MP3Guy on the fact of.. This isn't a replacement for the RX-7, but at the same time, it is. Why? It's taking the sports car to a more practical sense (again, midlife crisis person) and broadening the age range and type of people for the car. RX-7 was a true sports car..two seater.. fast engine, and ready for tuning. This is still a fast car.. great handling.. ready for tuning, but again... Not your "rotary rocket" out of the box.
The best thing to look at is this... This car is the G35 Sedan..And the RX-7 Is the G35 Coupe. Come sometime soon (hopefully..) the new RX-7 or RX-9 will be released and is supposed to surpass both RX-7 and RX-8 (as quoted from the Hot Version DVD "Rotary Rocket"..It's the chief designer from Mazda I believe). So until that thing comes out..I'm happy with my RX-8 and lightly tuning it for Auto Cross and simple daily driving and looking pimp.
The best thing to look at is this... This car is the G35 Sedan..And the RX-7 Is the G35 Coupe. Come sometime soon (hopefully..) the new RX-7 or RX-9 will be released and is supposed to surpass both RX-7 and RX-8 (as quoted from the Hot Version DVD "Rotary Rocket"..It's the chief designer from Mazda I believe). So until that thing comes out..I'm happy with my RX-8 and lightly tuning it for Auto Cross and simple daily driving and looking pimp.
Some of us have been into cars for a long, long time.
01-28-2008 | 05:47 PM
#57
Momentum Keeps Me Going
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,036
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From: Colorado
If the RX-8 is aimed at the ... cough.. cough "mid-life crisis" folks, then how come there are so many young people on the forum and buying RX-8s? I think it more tuned to the "practical sports car guy" (with little money) at whatever age. The style may get the youngest, the practicality of carrying people and goods get the 25-39 age group, and the fun of reliving their youth the rest.
The guy who lost his wife at 40, balding or not. ... he's the luckiest one... he gets to try it one (or more) more times, the lucky bastard, AND he's got the money to grease the way.... now we're talking!
The guy who lost his wife at 40, balding or not. ... he's the luckiest one... he gets to try it one (or more) more times, the lucky bastard, AND he's got the money to grease the way.... now we're talking!
01-28-2008 | 05:50 PM
#58
Rotary Power Rules
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 87
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
Sport Version of RX8
Good point. That is why I get mine. All I need is the handling, performance, and look. I try to keep the weight down as much as possible like light-weight version from the factory.
Last edited by sfredrx8; 01-28-2008 at 05:57 PM.
01-28-2008 | 08:47 PM
#59
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From: FLA
01-29-2008 | 08:03 AM
#60
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Posts: 394
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From: San Diego, CA
As I go over the new facelifted RX8, I still like to the original RX8 design a bit more because the design co-ordinated with rotary shaped along with exterior and interior. Besides, the 2009 Nissan GTR design is somewhat similar to RX8 original design, especially side fender vents. Also, the new GTR has a carbon composited shaft as well. Seating for four...and so on. Can Mazda sue Nissan for the design? Just kidding...
looks like a cross between an RX8 and a 350Z
01-29-2008 | 08:10 AM
#61
Momentum Keeps Me Going
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,036
Likes: 4
From: Colorado
Not sure which combo you mean but if reference is to the GT-R ... the GT-R looks like a warthog with an overbite. Butt ugly from every angle. The RX-8 and 350Z are beautiful and fairly decent, respectively. The only reason the GT-R gets respect is it is one awesome power machine with the means to put that power to the track. That's how Nissan turned a visual sows ear into a silk purse in the eyes of the beholders/owners I guess!
01-29-2008 | 03:07 PM
#62
I see nothing in there about a sunroof.
I see nothing in there about navi or the heavy leather seats in the GT.
Nor, anything else that's going to detract from the autocrossibility of this car. Specifically, the stereo could have about the same weight as stock (and sound much better), blue tooth adds virtually nothing (and I like as a matter of fact for the road trips driving the car 1000+ miles to national auto-xes, hands free) and it will have shocks that are fairly decent (easily revalvable), wheels that can take wider rubber than the 18x8s, and whatnot.
I fail to see how this car will not be a decent auto-x car. (It doesn't have to be bare bones, but I'm also not saying I wouldn't mind a bare bones car either).
But everyones condemning it before it's even been tried!
And if you're going to blame an auto-x loss on a car because it has bluetooth and a stereo, you have other issues to worry about.
--kC
I see nothing in there about navi or the heavy leather seats in the GT.
Nor, anything else that's going to detract from the autocrossibility of this car. Specifically, the stereo could have about the same weight as stock (and sound much better), blue tooth adds virtually nothing (and I like as a matter of fact for the road trips driving the car 1000+ miles to national auto-xes, hands free) and it will have shocks that are fairly decent (easily revalvable), wheels that can take wider rubber than the 18x8s, and whatnot.
I fail to see how this car will not be a decent auto-x car. (It doesn't have to be bare bones, but I'm also not saying I wouldn't mind a bare bones car either).
But everyones condemning it before it's even been tried!
And if you're going to blame an auto-x loss on a car because it has bluetooth and a stereo, you have other issues to worry about.
--kC
The sunroof was an assumption given that it seemingly includes the rest of the GT package along with it. Props to Mazda if that is forgotten on this car!
I'm not going to buy a new one anyways, so it's more a rant than anything else. I just think it's stupid to add in all of that stuff on a car that is the performance-oriented one of the bunch. You could say I'm viewing this car from a purist perspective, and in that mindset the car seems a little tainted if you ask me.
I have plenty of issues, but thinking that Bluetooth is going to make a car less of an autocrosser is far from one of them. lol
Last edited by RWatters; 01-29-2008 at 03:09 PM.
01-29-2008 | 03:13 PM
#63
What's next?
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From: SE Mass
The sunroof was an assumption given that it seemingly includes the rest of the GT package along with it. Props to Mazda if that is forgotten on this car!
The GT, Touring, Sport, are trims.
I believe you'll be able to get the R3 in any of the trims minus the things that come with the R3.
And yes, that includes ordering without a sunroof.
--kC
01-29-2008 | 04:05 PM
#64
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I never once said weight, I simply feel if they're going to make a performance package car then why not skip all of that junk? Is it needed to make the car faster? Nope. Leave it out then! Let the GT have it, as a Grand Touring car should be something with all of those features and technology.
The sunroof was an assumption given that it seemingly includes the rest of the GT package along with it. Props to Mazda if that is forgotten on this car!
I'm not going to buy a new one anyways, so it's more a rant than anything else. I just think it's stupid to add in all of that stuff on a car that is the performance-oriented one of the bunch. You could say I'm viewing this car from a purist perspective, and in that mindset the car seems a little tainted if you ask me.
I have plenty of issues, but thinking that Bluetooth is going to make a car less of an autocrosser is far from one of them. lol
The sunroof was an assumption given that it seemingly includes the rest of the GT package along with it. Props to Mazda if that is forgotten on this car!
I'm not going to buy a new one anyways, so it's more a rant than anything else. I just think it's stupid to add in all of that stuff on a car that is the performance-oriented one of the bunch. You could say I'm viewing this car from a purist perspective, and in that mindset the car seems a little tainted if you ask me.
I have plenty of issues, but thinking that Bluetooth is going to make a car less of an autocrosser is far from one of them. lol
01-29-2008 | 04:14 PM
#65
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So now anybody who doesn't own an rx-8 or isn't planning on buying the car is automatically a forum troll? I've been following the 8 since it was released, just waiting on the sidelines hoping that one day it will meet all of my requirements. The fact that I will most likely never buy one does not mean that I don't have opinions about the car...
01-29-2008 | 04:31 PM
#66
Momentum Keeps Me Going
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,036
Likes: 4
From: Colorado
Imagine the concept of the R-something pkg if Mazda had done it right
New Track Ready Mazda RX-8 Edition features:
>Recaro Seats
>Aluminum Hood, Roof and Trunk
>Electronic Adjustable Suspension
>Adjustable Anti-Sway bars for Tuning
>Shock Tower 4 point Brace Front & Rear
>User Adjustable DSC Operation
>HD Radiator for Increased Cooling Capacity
>HD Oil Cooling capacity
>CAI For Increased Airflow
>Improved OMP with External Resevoir Option
>Improved Fuel Delivery system Eliminates Fuel Cutouts
>Built in GPS/Data Aquistion with Large Customizable Display
>Wider 9"x18" Super Lightweight Wheels
>Track-Ready with High Performance XX-brand Tires
>Sport High Flow Exhaust with Sport Tune
>Reduced Weight Program saves 200lbs over GT Touring Model
It boggles the mind to wonder "Why didn't they just ask...?"
PS Not even a single horsepower addition (not even 1) in sight and I would have been tripping over myself to give Mazda my money regardless of how the car looked.
New Track Ready Mazda RX-8 Edition features:
>Recaro Seats
>Aluminum Hood, Roof and Trunk
>Electronic Adjustable Suspension
>Adjustable Anti-Sway bars for Tuning
>Shock Tower 4 point Brace Front & Rear
>User Adjustable DSC Operation
>HD Radiator for Increased Cooling Capacity
>HD Oil Cooling capacity
>CAI For Increased Airflow
>Improved OMP with External Resevoir Option
>Improved Fuel Delivery system Eliminates Fuel Cutouts
>Built in GPS/Data Aquistion with Large Customizable Display
>Wider 9"x18" Super Lightweight Wheels
>Track-Ready with High Performance XX-brand Tires
>Sport High Flow Exhaust with Sport Tune
>Reduced Weight Program saves 200lbs over GT Touring Model
It boggles the mind to wonder "Why didn't they just ask...?"
PS Not even a single horsepower addition (not even 1) in sight and I would have been tripping over myself to give Mazda my money regardless of how the car looked.
Last edited by Spin9k; 01-29-2008 at 04:37 PM.
01-29-2008 | 07:39 PM
#67
Zoom Zoom Zoom
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 269
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From: Amarillo,Texas
I still love my car, regardless of the "changes" they make..... I wish Mazda, instead of Cadillac, came up with the saying "When you turn your car on, does it return the favor" cause mine still does
01-29-2008 | 08:20 PM
#68
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 755
Likes: 0
From: Rohnert Park CA
Imagine the concept of the R-something pkg if Mazda had done it right
New Track Ready Mazda RX-8 Edition features:
>Recaro Seats
>Aluminum Hood, Roof and Trunk
>Electronic Adjustable Suspension
>Adjustable Anti-Sway bars for Tuning
>Shock Tower 4 point Brace Front & Rear
>User Adjustable DSC Operation
>HD Radiator for Increased Cooling Capacity
>HD Oil Cooling capacity
>CAI For Increased Airflow
>Improved OMP with External Resevoir Option
>Improved Fuel Delivery system Eliminates Fuel Cutouts
>Built in GPS/Data Aquistion with Large Customizable Display
>Wider 9"x18" Super Lightweight Wheels
>Track-Ready with High Performance XX-brand Tires
>Sport High Flow Exhaust with Sport Tune
>Reduced Weight Program saves 200lbs over GT Touring Model
It boggles the mind to wonder "Why didn't they just ask...?"
PS Not even a single horsepower addition (not even 1) in sight and I would have been tripping over myself to give Mazda my money regardless of how the car looked.
New Track Ready Mazda RX-8 Edition features:
>Recaro Seats
>Aluminum Hood, Roof and Trunk
>Electronic Adjustable Suspension
>Adjustable Anti-Sway bars for Tuning
>Shock Tower 4 point Brace Front & Rear
>User Adjustable DSC Operation
>HD Radiator for Increased Cooling Capacity
>HD Oil Cooling capacity
>CAI For Increased Airflow
>Improved OMP with External Resevoir Option
>Improved Fuel Delivery system Eliminates Fuel Cutouts
>Built in GPS/Data Aquistion with Large Customizable Display
>Wider 9"x18" Super Lightweight Wheels
>Track-Ready with High Performance XX-brand Tires
>Sport High Flow Exhaust with Sport Tune
>Reduced Weight Program saves 200lbs over GT Touring Model
It boggles the mind to wonder "Why didn't they just ask...?"
PS Not even a single horsepower addition (not even 1) in sight and I would have been tripping over myself to give Mazda my money regardless of how the car looked.
You had a FC that dropped everything (including power windows and sunroof), added just the go fast goodies from the Turbo, bigger wheels, heavy duty suspension, aluminum hood, reduced insulation, and a quicker rear end.
But it tanked. It tanked so bad that Mazda ended up rebadging some of the 1200 89 models they built into 90 models and restamped the year on the VIN.
In fact to sell them, most of the dealers went out and had aftermarket sunroofs installed, as it was the only model in 89 and 90 not to come with a sunroof to save weight.
Sure people ask for a no frills with lots of factory go fast parts, but when it comes down to it very few people actually buy that.
Last edited by Icemark; 01-29-2008 at 08:22 PM.
01-29-2008 | 08:24 PM
#69
Momentum Keeps Me Going
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,036
Likes: 4
From: Colorado
This isn't 1989. Several vendors sell track version of their cars. Tracking is growing in popularity and people have money to spend. This is now. Lotus, Nissan, Mitsu, BMW, Porsche, others are selling them or contemplating it.
If Mazda as they say, has more cars on track than any other, they need to put their money where their marketing mouth is.
If Mazda as they say, has more cars on track than any other, they need to put their money where their marketing mouth is.
01-29-2008 | 08:33 PM
#70
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 755
Likes: 0
From: Rohnert Park CA
This isn't 1989. Several vendors sell track version of their cars. Tracking is growing in popularity and people have money to spend. This is now. Lotus, Nissan, Mitsu, BMW, Porsche, others are selling them or contemplating it.
If Mazda as they say, has more cars on track than any other, they need to put their money where their marketing mouth is.
If Mazda as they say, has more cars on track than any other, they need to put their money where their marketing mouth is.
That was a trim package that didn't even have air conditioning... it was Bilstiens, race seats, delete insulation, delete radio, delete air condition, delete power windows and mirrors, add LSD, add heavy duty suspension.
They sold so many that you can't even get one from the dealer this year.
You can ask, but almost nobody buys a stripped out race ready car, so why would Mazda, who is happy sellling 20K RX-8s willing to make a couple thousand that at best would sell to maybe 1 % of the buying public?
01-29-2008 | 08:59 PM
#71
Momentum Keeps Me Going
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,036
Likes: 4
From: Colorado
I didn't mention anything about stripped out, rather optioned up. Few want stripped out cars, except perhaps some EVO owners lol.
01-30-2008 | 09:12 AM
#72
Last time I looked in my garage there was an RX-8 sitting in there that is in my ownership so I have just as much a right to be here as anyone else. I don't recall there being a rule that stated a person could not hold an opinion on a vehicle regardless of if they actually want to own it or not. I will not buy a new RX-8 when 3-year-old models are selling for half price.
You care to add some insightful conversation or is that about all you had? Try again maybe?
01-30-2008 | 09:27 AM
#73
If your summary of it is the case then I subtract everything I've said!
Edit: I just checked the build sheet information for the R3 (that's hosted in the other thread) and it shows all of those options (Bluetooth, etc.) as coming WITH the package.
Last edited by RWatters; 01-30-2008 at 09:44 AM.
01-30-2008 | 10:54 AM
#74
Track addict
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
The only thing that matters with the 09 is curb weight imho. Does anyone know the weights of 08 vs 09 yet?
01-30-2008 | 02:41 PM
#75
Momentum Keeps Me Going
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,036
Likes: 4
From: Colorado
With the economy being what it is, with car sales down and projected to go further in the months ahead, used cars will inevitably sink ever lower. It's not the cars's fault so much as it is the ever present push of new car prices being discounted to keep sales up. Used cars go down with the tide of overall prices, only more. Happy day!
the only solution is keep your car long term and get your money's worth if you buy new.