Facelifted RX8 revealed!!!!
01-24-2008, 07:27 PM
#1026
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Like any argument it all really depends on your perspective. An EVO only does 60 in about 5.2 seconds, which is only .3 seconds faster than an fd, and only .8 seconds slower than an 8. All tiny almost imperceptible numbers, but would you really try to argue that your 8 is as fast as an EVO? You could definetly say that the tiny imperceptible difference makes no difference to you, but shrugging away the acceleration of the rx-7 over the rx-8 based on 0-60 and quarter mile times is absurd.
Having raced EVO's and 8's on the track, I can tell you that the EVO is dramatically faster than the rx-7 between 100mph and 155mph. And the rx-7 is dramatically faster than the 8 between 100mph and 155.
Having raced EVO's and 8's on the track, I can tell you that the EVO is dramatically faster than the rx-7 between 100mph and 155mph. And the rx-7 is dramatically faster than the 8 between 100mph and 155.
Most of us could care less about racing.
01-24-2008, 08:20 PM
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01-24-2008, 09:05 PM
#1029
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Your results may vary.......
From Rotary News:
We at RotaryNews have been following the threads on the RX-8 forum about the fact that the RX-8 was not making advertised horsepower on the dyno. We have also been in contact with some of the folks in Mazda about the issue. They were fully aware of the issue, and researched it fully. They have released their findings today.
As of today, August 22nd, 2003, the revised US-Spec Horsepower Rating of the RX-8 is 238 HP for the Manual 6port RENESIS, and 197 HP for the 4port Automatic RENESIS. The performance numbers advertised ARE NOT CHANGING. They have done many tests, in house, with magazines, and outside third parties, and they are still observing RX-8's that will do 0-60 in 5.9-6.0 seconds and quarter mines in 14.5 (best observed 1/4 mile run at Pomona Raceway was 14.48 at 96.1 MPH)
From an Edmunds recap:
The third RX-7 did generate some astounding numbers. Road & Track had an R1 blitzing from zero to 60 in 5.5 seconds with the quarter being consumed in 14.0 seconds at 98.5 mph. Motor Trend had it doing those same tricks in 5.3 seconds and 13.9 seconds at 99.7 mph. This was one seriously fast car.
But rough-riding, high-performance, close-coupled two-seaters (even the less brutal "Touring" model was still ultrastiff) weren't big sellers in the '90s as insurance rates on such vehicles went up and the market's preference for SUVs became obvious. "Pound for pound, dollar for dollar," wrote Road & Track, "the new RX-7 shines with some of the brightest sports cars in the world. Mazda is sticking its corporate neck out here, coming to market with a more specialized, higher-priced car at a time when two-seater sales — not to mention automotive sales in general — are feeble. Let's hope this lightweight rotary rocket can send that trend packing."
All in all, I would stop pining away like a dog that lost it's owner for the RX-7. And at a cost of over $10,000 more in 1995 dollars, well, let's just say there's a reason the car has much better demand used than it did new. Help yourself.
From Rotary News:
We at RotaryNews have been following the threads on the RX-8 forum about the fact that the RX-8 was not making advertised horsepower on the dyno. We have also been in contact with some of the folks in Mazda about the issue. They were fully aware of the issue, and researched it fully. They have released their findings today.
As of today, August 22nd, 2003, the revised US-Spec Horsepower Rating of the RX-8 is 238 HP for the Manual 6port RENESIS, and 197 HP for the 4port Automatic RENESIS. The performance numbers advertised ARE NOT CHANGING. They have done many tests, in house, with magazines, and outside third parties, and they are still observing RX-8's that will do 0-60 in 5.9-6.0 seconds and quarter mines in 14.5 (best observed 1/4 mile run at Pomona Raceway was 14.48 at 96.1 MPH)
From an Edmunds recap:
The third RX-7 did generate some astounding numbers. Road & Track had an R1 blitzing from zero to 60 in 5.5 seconds with the quarter being consumed in 14.0 seconds at 98.5 mph. Motor Trend had it doing those same tricks in 5.3 seconds and 13.9 seconds at 99.7 mph. This was one seriously fast car.
But rough-riding, high-performance, close-coupled two-seaters (even the less brutal "Touring" model was still ultrastiff) weren't big sellers in the '90s as insurance rates on such vehicles went up and the market's preference for SUVs became obvious. "Pound for pound, dollar for dollar," wrote Road & Track, "the new RX-7 shines with some of the brightest sports cars in the world. Mazda is sticking its corporate neck out here, coming to market with a more specialized, higher-priced car at a time when two-seater sales — not to mention automotive sales in general — are feeble. Let's hope this lightweight rotary rocket can send that trend packing."
All in all, I would stop pining away like a dog that lost it's owner for the RX-7. And at a cost of over $10,000 more in 1995 dollars, well, let's just say there's a reason the car has much better demand used than it did new. Help yourself.
However, with that said, I'm an autocrosser and while both cars have similar multi-link front and rear suspensions, the lighter weight and higher hp/tq output of the FD RX-7 puts that car in Super Stock with the Z06, Elise/Exige, 911 GT3, etc., while the RX-8 is in B-stock with the 350Z, E36 M3, Z4, etc. Handling wise, these cars are vastly different.
Just my $0.02...
01-24-2008, 10:22 PM
#1030
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Like any argument it all really depends on your perspective. An EVO only does 60 in about 5.2 seconds, which is only .3 seconds faster than an fd, and only .8 seconds slower than an 8. All tiny almost imperceptible numbers, but would you really try to argue that your 8 is as fast as an EVO? You could definetly say that the tiny imperceptible difference makes no difference to you, but shrugging away the acceleration of the rx-7 over the rx-8 based on 0-60 and quarter mile times is absurd.
Having raced EVO's and 8's on the track, I can tell you that the EVO is dramatically faster than the rx-7 between 100mph and 155mph. And the rx-7 is dramatically faster than the 8 between 100mph and 155.
Having raced EVO's and 8's on the track, I can tell you that the EVO is dramatically faster than the rx-7 between 100mph and 155mph. And the rx-7 is dramatically faster than the 8 between 100mph and 155.
However I don't understand the R&T numbers for the FD when I ran a 13.8 @ 99mph on a blown motor with 130K on the chassis. Even at the last breath of my FD's motor - to where it took an act of god and gallon of ATF to start - the FD felt MILES faster than my RX-8... MILES! Once the new motor was in, it was a rocket ship compared to the 8, and it felt like one.
01-24-2008, 10:24 PM
#1031
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Very good points IMHO. Definitely shows that stock-for-stock in "standardized" straight line acceleration tests, the two cars aren't light-years apart.
However, with that said, I'm an autocrosser and while both cars have similar multi-link front and rear suspensions, the lighter weight and higher hp/tq output of the FD RX-7 puts that car in Super Stock with the Z06, Elise/Exige, 911 GT3, etc., while the RX-8 is in B-stock with the 350Z, E36 M3, Z4, etc. Handling wise, these cars are vastly different.
Just my $0.02...
However, with that said, I'm an autocrosser and while both cars have similar multi-link front and rear suspensions, the lighter weight and higher hp/tq output of the FD RX-7 puts that car in Super Stock with the Z06, Elise/Exige, 911 GT3, etc., while the RX-8 is in B-stock with the 350Z, E36 M3, Z4, etc. Handling wise, these cars are vastly different.
Just my $0.02...
01-25-2008, 07:45 AM
#1034
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2009 MazdaSpeed RX-8
Just found pics of the Speed RX-8 .
"The Mazdaspeed concept maximizes the new face lift of the RX-8, tuning the look and performance with aero upgrades, and suspension tweaks. The exterior is treated with 20 inch chrome, large diameter wheels wrapped with Yokohama tires, the rims let just enough of the larger blue brake calipers peek through. Other exterior parts include an taller rear spoiler, black-background tail lamps, side stills, and revised side fender treatment. The sport tuning suspension will allow the car to corner better, and faster under high-performance driving. The interior has large racing bucket seat and with off-white covering, and blue stitching. The center stack is improved upon, allowing for a large center display with with integrated audio, and Sat-Nav and engine performance readouts. Other interior bits are available too, completing the package. "
"The Mazdaspeed concept maximizes the new face lift of the RX-8, tuning the look and performance with aero upgrades, and suspension tweaks. The exterior is treated with 20 inch chrome, large diameter wheels wrapped with Yokohama tires, the rims let just enough of the larger blue brake calipers peek through. Other exterior parts include an taller rear spoiler, black-background tail lamps, side stills, and revised side fender treatment. The sport tuning suspension will allow the car to corner better, and faster under high-performance driving. The interior has large racing bucket seat and with off-white covering, and blue stitching. The center stack is improved upon, allowing for a large center display with with integrated audio, and Sat-Nav and engine performance readouts. Other interior bits are available too, completing the package. "
01-25-2008, 07:58 AM
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Just found pics of the Speed RX-8 .
"The Mazdaspeed concept maximizes the new face lift of the RX-8, tuning the look and performance with aero upgrades, and suspension tweaks. The exterior is treated with 20 inch chrome, large diameter wheels wrapped with Yokohama tires, the rims let just enough of the larger blue brake calipers peek through. Other exterior parts include an taller rear spoiler, black-background tail lamps, side stills, and revised side fender treatment. The sport tuning suspension will allow the car to corner better, and faster under high-performance driving. The interior has large racing bucket seat and with off-white covering, and blue stitching. The center stack is improved upon, allowing for a large center display with with integrated audio, and Sat-Nav and engine performance readouts. Other interior bits are available too, completing the package. "
"The Mazdaspeed concept maximizes the new face lift of the RX-8, tuning the look and performance with aero upgrades, and suspension tweaks. The exterior is treated with 20 inch chrome, large diameter wheels wrapped with Yokohama tires, the rims let just enough of the larger blue brake calipers peek through. Other exterior parts include an taller rear spoiler, black-background tail lamps, side stills, and revised side fender treatment. The sport tuning suspension will allow the car to corner better, and faster under high-performance driving. The interior has large racing bucket seat and with off-white covering, and blue stitching. The center stack is improved upon, allowing for a large center display with with integrated audio, and Sat-Nav and engine performance readouts. Other interior bits are available too, completing the package. "
01-25-2008, 03:54 PM
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Let us examine the pathologies exhibited in this response.
First, I doubt if 3% of all RX-8s sold in this country will ever get any time on a track. And that's for a number of reasons, including the fact that many people don't live anywhere near one.
Second, it doesn't make anyone less of an enthusiast if they don't.
Lastly, I gather from your remark that you race to prove your manhood. If that is the case, some couch time might be more beneficial than track time.
Just a suggestion.
Last edited by MP3Guy; 01-25-2008 at 03:57 PM.
01-25-2008, 03:54 PM
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Just found pics of the Speed RX-8 .
"The Mazdaspeed concept maximizes the new face lift of the RX-8, tuning the look and performance with aero upgrades, and suspension tweaks. The exterior is treated with 20 inch chrome, large diameter wheels wrapped with Yokohama tires, the rims let just enough of the larger blue brake calipers peek through. Other exterior parts include an taller rear spoiler, black-background tail lamps, side stills, and revised side fender treatment. The sport tuning suspension will allow the car to corner better, and faster under high-performance driving. The interior has large racing bucket seat and with off-white covering, and blue stitching. The center stack is improved upon, allowing for a large center display with with integrated audio, and Sat-Nav and engine performance readouts. Other interior bits are available too, completing the package. "
"The Mazdaspeed concept maximizes the new face lift of the RX-8, tuning the look and performance with aero upgrades, and suspension tweaks. The exterior is treated with 20 inch chrome, large diameter wheels wrapped with Yokohama tires, the rims let just enough of the larger blue brake calipers peek through. Other exterior parts include an taller rear spoiler, black-background tail lamps, side stills, and revised side fender treatment. The sport tuning suspension will allow the car to corner better, and faster under high-performance driving. The interior has large racing bucket seat and with off-white covering, and blue stitching. The center stack is improved upon, allowing for a large center display with with integrated audio, and Sat-Nav and engine performance readouts. Other interior bits are available too, completing the package. "
01-25-2008, 03:56 PM
#1039
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100% on your side, numbers don't mean squat compared to how the car feels.
However I don't understand the R&T numbers for the FD when I ran a 13.8 @ 99mph on a blown motor with 130K on the chassis. Even at the last breath of my FD's motor - to where it took an act of god and gallon of ATF to start - the FD felt MILES faster than my RX-8... MILES! Once the new motor was in, it was a rocket ship compared to the 8, and it felt like one.
However I don't understand the R&T numbers for the FD when I ran a 13.8 @ 99mph on a blown motor with 130K on the chassis. Even at the last breath of my FD's motor - to where it took an act of god and gallon of ATF to start - the FD felt MILES faster than my RX-8... MILES! Once the new motor was in, it was a rocket ship compared to the 8, and it felt like one.
01-25-2008, 04:58 PM
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Let us examine the pathologies exhibited in this response.
First, I doubt if 3% of all RX-8s sold in this country will ever get any time on a track. And that's for a number of reasons, including the fact that many people don't live anywhere near one.
Second, it doesn't make anyone less of an enthusiast if they don't.
Lastly, I gather from your remark that you race to prove your manhood. If that is the case, some couch time might be more beneficial than track time.
Just a suggestion.
First, I doubt if 3% of all RX-8s sold in this country will ever get any time on a track. And that's for a number of reasons, including the fact that many people don't live anywhere near one.
Second, it doesn't make anyone less of an enthusiast if they don't.
Lastly, I gather from your remark that you race to prove your manhood. If that is the case, some couch time might be more beneficial than track time.
Just a suggestion.
But if you are going to push your car to its limits, then there is a world of difference between the straight-line performance of the 3rd gen seven and the 8. And by straight-line I mean the backstraight of VIR, not quarter-mile.
And fwiw - I see more 8's on track-days than 7's, so I don't think you really speak for all 8 owners.
01-25-2008, 05:12 PM
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It is a perfectly valid response to say that you don't care about racing. That is why I said it depends on your perspective. If you don't intend to push your car to its limit on the track then, sure, .5 seconds means nothing.
But if you are going to push your car to its limits, then there is a world of difference between the straight-line performance of the 3rd gen seven and the 8. And by straight-line I mean the backstraight of VIR, not quarter-mile.
And fwiw - I see more 8's on track-days than 7's, so I don't think you really speak for all 8 owners.
But if you are going to push your car to its limits, then there is a world of difference between the straight-line performance of the 3rd gen seven and the 8. And by straight-line I mean the backstraight of VIR, not quarter-mile.
And fwiw - I see more 8's on track-days than 7's, so I don't think you really speak for all 8 owners.
01-25-2008, 05:20 PM
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True, but my point was that plenty of 8's make it to the track. And I'd actually say it is a shame to own a car with such brilliant handling and never experience it the way it is meant to be driven.
01-25-2008, 06:23 PM
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Let us examine the pathologies exhibited in this response.
First, I doubt if 3% of all RX-8s sold in this country will ever get any time on a track. And that's for a number of reasons, including the fact that many people don't live anywhere near one.
Second, it doesn't make anyone less of an enthusiast if they don't.
Lastly, I gather from your remark that you race to prove your manhood. If that is the case, some couch time might be more beneficial than track time.
Just a suggestion.
First, I doubt if 3% of all RX-8s sold in this country will ever get any time on a track. And that's for a number of reasons, including the fact that many people don't live anywhere near one.
Second, it doesn't make anyone less of an enthusiast if they don't.
Lastly, I gather from your remark that you race to prove your manhood. If that is the case, some couch time might be more beneficial than track time.
Just a suggestion.
Is reading about sports cars so you can drive them at the posted speed limit your definition of "enthusiast"? Cause it sure isn't mine...and it has nothing to do with proving anything...that's why it's a passion...some people just don't get it and think that reading about stuff and then regurgitating it makes them look smart. Good job!
01-25-2008, 09:12 PM
#1045
Seriously...its like...fun...
If anything...its TOO easy to drive fast...waaay too forgiving...
Also kinda fun passing cars twice the price...
Power is not everything...this much I now know and finally understand...finesse is waaaay faster than making up for mistakes with raw power...
After FI...raw power in the long straights will no longer be a problem...heh
01-29-2008, 09:18 AM
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It really is a shame they are so scared of releasing something like the MS8 with a 1.6 in America. I'd be at the dealer with my check 10 minutes from now if I could buy one. Instead they keep releasing these minimal "upgrades" that haven't really excited anybody, including (it seems) rx-8 enthusiasts.
01-29-2008, 09:53 AM
#1050
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L!Motor Trend and Car & Driver were the main reasons why the 8 was one of the top 3 cars I considered buying when I was shopping around last year.
I read up on the specs and reviews and compared. These journalists spend time in different kinds of cars. I did the numbers thing, but after driving a GTO, it felt too heavy. I drove a GTI and it felt too floaty. I knew the RX-8 had shitty mpg and torque, but after the test drive I fell in love and discovered for myself why C&D praises it.
And Gran Turismo with a Driving Force Pro wheel had an influence as well
