All the new articles concerning the RX-8 have one thing in common: there's no faint praise here.

From lead-ins like 'giant killer,' the RX-8 seems to be taking the automotive press by storm. Gone are the complaints about suspension woes and body roll. Instead we hear about the inherent tossability of this remarkable car that manages to run with the big dogs on the cheap.

I'm very, very happy. :D

My only concern is that Mazda may price the upcoming RX-7 too far into the stratosphere, like the FD. The new RX-7 should be what the 350Z is to the G35, a shorter coupe version of the RX-8. More power would be nice too. But how do you price the new RX-7 to compete when the Miata is creeping towards the 25k mark and the RX-8 starts at the 26k mark?

 

yeah, did DonG35 ever get to sit in an RX-8 yet?? oh well, i too noticed that the praise is growing in volume... but let's not start to expect too much from it (again)...

anyhoo, the next RX-7 base model (i hope i hope i hope it'll happen) would probably be at a trim level competitive with a mid-optioned RX-8, with more power, more flash, and a ticket price leading into a top-of-the-line 8. it'll max out right around (below) $40k US, but that'd have every trick in the book, and hopefully run circles around most anything short of a Z06, and still keep up with those endowed with big blocks.

LONG LIVE THE FLIP UP LIGHTS!! :D

 

down with the flip-ups if it doesn't allow HID!!!

unless they get creative again and created a flip-up HID

 

could the next miata actually drop in price on the new platform?

 

I don't think the next Miata will drop in price. Actually, I think there will be a 1-2K hike in the base price. Current rumors are that the next Miata will have a manually operated hard top a la Mercedes' SLK. I would have to assume that this will be more expensive. Other rumors with the Miata is that there will be a lightweight V6 as a high-power option, which would push the price up on the top end.

Hey, if Mazda wants to be a Japanese BMW, then the price has to go up long with the quality and refinement. Of course, the question has to be, will consumers respond positively to expensive Mazda's. Obviously, this cannot be done over night. Mazda will have to build it's sporty, high quality, high refinement reputation before being able to charge a premium.

Mazda will also have to compete with the big dogs on the top levels of racing like winning the 24Hrs of Le Mans (again) to build panache. Ford will never allow Mazda to compete in F1, CART, IRL, or (gasp) NASCAR.

 

omg, the next rx-7 is gonna costs around $40,000 , i guess il stick wit the 3rd generation rx-7 or the rx8

 

Which new articles are we refering to?

 

I think VW is wondering the same thing about it's strategies. $40K SUV's and $80K luxury cars with unpronounceable names are a big risk for any co. whose reputation is built on providing affordable transportation.

If Mazda provides true value and a rewarding driving experience, consumers will pay more.

 

Keep in mind that the 3rd gen cost $37,000 and that was in 1995! If the 4th gen (American 4th, that is) costs $37k-$40k then it will actually be cheaper than the 3rd gen was.

 

precisely
________
Vaporizer Stores

 

Actually, VW didn't take as much of a gamble as it would seem at first glance... The ridiculously priced Phaeton will share both platform and engine with the next Bentley and Audi A8 - the W16 is even going into the new 1000bhp Bugatti!!!
Same thing with the VW Tuareg: same platform and engine as both the Porsche Cayenne and the soon to come Audi Pikes Peak.

Cheers

Eske

 

What's up with the VW naming? Sounds like they have a room full of chimps with typewriters working for them. Isn't Tuareg a dinosaur hunter or something?

 

ROFL! :D on a more serious note, i think the porsche Cayenne is gonna kick ***. any word on pricing? or is it out of my league?

 

i think it'll be one of those "if ya need to ask, don't think about it"... not only in sticker price, but insurance, maintenance (!!!), and gas...

 

yea ur right, i just got of the porsche site. its 55k USD for the S version and about 80k for the Turbo version. dam dam dam. jeez i would not put down 80k for a SUV

oh well, i'm still gonna get a rx8 hehe :D

 

Nope, didn't get to sit in an RX-8 yet! If it is at the Pittsburgh auto show, eleven days until then...

 

I would rather get a Hummer H2 and still have money left over to get an 8. Two for the price of one... sounds good to me. :D

 

Pittsburgh Auto Show??? I didn't know there was a Pittsburgh auto show. Where is it? Monroeville Expo? I've gotta be there. I have finally decided to **** rather than sit on the pot. I am ordering tomorrow. If I can see it in person then I will feel much better about my comittment.

P.S. Steelers ROCK! Pick up a couple of good cornerbacks and next year it's SuperBowl all the way! :D :D

Seriously, tell me where this show is. I gots ta know! :D

 

Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. Don, Buy the Damned RX-8 already. What the Hell??? You have to know that it's going to make you happier than any of the other ***** out there. Either you get 2 seat or a 4 door wallowing Pig. Get the 8 an' don't be a wuss. :D

 

Pittsburgh Auto Show 2-15 to 2-23

Usually at the convention center in Pittsburgh. PM me and I will meet you there.