Jason Saini

Interesting to note the following from the above gear chart:

- 2nd is shorter, and gets just above 60mph - should improve 0-60 times.
- 2nd to third is *really* close, only 13mph apart at redline, which should make the car feel really sporty.
- 3rd to 4th is the same split in either case, just shorter on the new setup.
- 4th to 5th is closer on the new setup, 21mph vs. 23mph.
- 5th to 6th is the same, but again a bit shorter.

Overall (annoyingly) the 3rd/4th split is still too far apart... would be better if 4th gear were around 1.25 instead! Other than that, I feel the gearing is an improvement - a little bit shorter to improve feel and acceleration, but without hurting 6th gear too much.

rotary crazy

this is a bit hard to know, the car accelerates faster but you have to shift more and it makes the car harder to lauch

Floyd

Isn't it possible that the R3 has "no power gains" over the base model 2009 while the base 09 (specs still unreleased) does carry a documented power imporvment over the 08?

The R3 spec release could be smoke and mirrors to the real changes that have taken place to the base model.

Jason Saini

Slower wheelspeed at redline means that it's at a HIGHER rpm at any speed up to that, i.e. lower gearing, i.e. better acceleration.

Think of it this way - the car accelerates better in 1st gear than 6th gear, right? What is the speed @ redline in each gear?

zoom44

thats what im saying

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

thank you for the gear ratio comparison jason saini

SouthFL

Shorter rear gear allows for quicker acceleration (given equal transmission ratios). The mph at redline of each gear is lower, but one is not looking at the time elapsed during that period when looking at that chart. Elapsed time and mph are two separate values. This is why a drag race timeslip lists XX.X seconds ET @ XXX.XX mph Trap Speed.

astrozoom

I really like the face lift overall. My two biggest complaints would have to be no rotary symbols on the front or back of the exterior, and I hate the steering wheel with an absolute passion.

ASH8

The Recaro's would be minus any "electric adjustment"? there is 20 lb saving.

LionZoo

That would be my question too. The leather stockers weigh 55 pounds while the cloth ones with manual adjustment weigh 37.5 pounds. Which seats are they comparing it to?

Unhooked

I am very disappointed. I could care less of how the new RX8 looks since I find the current model already looks great.

I am sure all if not not many were looking for performance upgrades and not aesthetics.

Looks like FI is the only option left.

In short, aesthetically there is nothing the new Rx8 offers that can't be achieved in the current model thru bodykits etc.

I honestly don't believe there is going to be a huge diff in performance betn this model and the current. Also always take Mazda's performance numbers with a grain of salt.

Rice Over Wheat

^^^

Many on these forums seem to think low 14s is fast. They're probably impressed by 45 lb lighter and gear ratio change. If the car wasn't so aesthetically pleasing as is, I'd be driving a different car.

families81

I read through this thread, but could not find any answer to this question....

does any one know roughly WHEN WILL THE 09's BE OUT ?
I'm getting a RX8 in the near future but don't know if I should wait for the 09's or not. I love the way our current RX8 looks, but the rumor about the new oil system, suspensions, much rigid body and improved(?) gear box really got my attention....

rotary crazy

^^wait^^ it would be better to wait and see what the new model offers rather than be sorry, im sure it will not be long

families81

would it be possible that the 09's be out before May?
If not I'll probably be getting an 08 model

Jason Saini

I think they believe the first cars will be in showrooms in June/July timeframe... Job-one is scheduled for April, but it may slip until May. Those are all just ROUGH estimates I heard them talking about. My guess is that it might slip until August at worst. Shrug.

enforcer

[QUOTE=Jason Saini;2243431]Provided the ratios don't change from the MX-5 transmission, the following should be a very accurate gear chart showing the differences between an '04-'08 car and the '09 R3. At 60mph, the new car will only be about 124rpm more in 6th gear. Not the direction some were hoping for, but also not as drastic of a change as it may have seemed.

Thanks for the stats Jason...can you tell us what the top end speed and fuel economy predictions are...?

MP3Guy

Say what?

altspace

iTrader: (2)

If you read back a bit you'll see I posted that a dealer has a new 8, although it's only a testing model.

BigRed

^ah you changed your sig!!! I lick those wheels, but put back that rear fender vent! ha

YaXMaNGTO

I showed everybody down at work the pics of the refreshed RX8 and the general consensus is "I like it, looks good". They weren't familiar enough with the current 8 to pick out all the changes. One guy said it looked like someone had modded it already. I think it'll be a hit, and not sure where all the negativity comes from. It's a sweet looking car.

ivory8

OHHHHHH forgot!

are there any suspension upgrades? since we saw the camo rx8 had a light thingy on the back???

if its already been said correct me but i hadn't seen a post about suspension.

rotarygod

Piston, rotary, it's all an engine with a powerband. Big deal.

You did state this was a RACE CAR!!! For the street a 4.77 is WORTHLESS!!! Assuming of course the rest of the gear ratios didn't change.

rotarygod

I admit the fat pig comment was a bit harsh. I really just wanted to see what kind of responses it would get!

I've driven the RX-8 many times. My opinion stands and by no means is it ridiculous. The 4.44:1 ratio is far too aggressive now. It needs a 4.10:1. It doesn't have one. That's what is ridiculous. What's even worse is the people that feel it needs more!!! How about a 999:1 rear end ratio? More is better isn't it? More is always better. When is too much too much? I say when you pass 4.10:1 you've found it.

The reason I state this is precisely because I have driven them on multiple occasions and I do know what they feel like. You have to shift WAY too often. It runs out of gear too fast. There are too many damn gearshifts. I even skip a gear most of the time. It doesn't need all of them. At the very least they are too close together. At freeway speeds you feel like there needs to be a 7th and even an 8th gear. It's like driving any other car out of overdrive on the freeway. It's just wrong. Suddenly you realize that both of these issues could be taken care of with a less aggressive rear end ratio. You wouldn't need to shift as often when accelerating (the car has enough pickup anyways) and the engine rpm wouldn't be as high on the freeway. If your engine is spinning faster than 3000 rpm at 80 mph, it's going too fast. Lower would be even better. It's got the power to hold you there with plenty of reserve on tap.

alz0rz

iTrader: (41)

I think it's safe to assume the camo rx8 (with the engine bay locks) and stuff, is indeed a 1.6l that is under going testing for a future release.