Mazda RX8 auto!
#2
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I doubt you'll get much until US delivery; in Japan and elsewhere in the world automatics are extremely unpopular and make up a tiny fraction of vehicle sales. Coupled with the that this is an enthusiast-geared forum, don't expect any photos of japan-spec autos; I'm expecting delivery in 1.5-2 weeks and should have photos then... but by then you probably will too.
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Laferle, have you been able to find ANY info or driving reports regarding the automatic?
I'm probably gonna have to go auto, but I want to know if the performance/fun hit is gonna be severe or just mild.
I'm probably gonna have to go auto, but I want to know if the performance/fun hit is gonna be severe or just mild.
#4
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Originally posted by Lex
Laferle, have you been able to find ANY info or driving reports regarding the automatic?
I'm probably gonna have to go auto, but I want to know if the performance/fun hit is gonna be severe or just mild.
Laferle, have you been able to find ANY info or driving reports regarding the automatic?
I'm probably gonna have to go auto, but I want to know if the performance/fun hit is gonna be severe or just mild.
Regards,
Gordon
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Originally posted by Gord96BRG
There have been some reports posted here or linked here - the performance hit and the fun hit is severe.
Why do you have to go auto? If that's truly the case, then wait a year (maybe until the 2006 year at the latest) when Mazda will introduce a 5 speed auto with the hi-power engine, as well as a 6 speed SMT transmission, also with the hi-power engine.
There have been some reports posted here or linked here - the performance hit and the fun hit is severe.
Why do you have to go auto? If that's truly the case, then wait a year (maybe until the 2006 year at the latest) when Mazda will introduce a 5 speed auto with the hi-power engine, as well as a 6 speed SMT transmission, also with the hi-power engine.
As for why I'm going Auto: the wife. I'm not gonna be a huge ******* and buy a n awesome car she can't enjoy. And no, she can't learn
And, as for the SMT next year ... yeah, well what if it turns out to be a 2-year wait, or 3 years? Mazda has been so delayed already, there's no reason to expect them to hurry on the *next* model.
#6
Originally posted by Lex
The reports posted here on the auto are pure speculation from people that hate automatics on principle. I havene't seen a single report from someone who's actually driven one. And it *is* possible to have a fun-to-drive automatic. Scour Edmunds reviews and there's plenty of evidence.
As for why I'm going Auto: the wife. I'm not gonna be a huge ******* and buy a n awesome car she can't enjoy. And no, she can't learn
And, as for the SMT next year ... yeah, well what if it turns out to be a 2-year wait, or 3 years? Mazda has been so delayed already, there's no reason to expect them to hurry on the *next* model.
The reports posted here on the auto are pure speculation from people that hate automatics on principle. I havene't seen a single report from someone who's actually driven one. And it *is* possible to have a fun-to-drive automatic. Scour Edmunds reviews and there's plenty of evidence.
As for why I'm going Auto: the wife. I'm not gonna be a huge ******* and buy a n awesome car she can't enjoy. And no, she can't learn
And, as for the SMT next year ... yeah, well what if it turns out to be a 2-year wait, or 3 years? Mazda has been so delayed already, there's no reason to expect them to hurry on the *next* model.
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I've read all the posts about a "new" high power AT being released within the next model year. However, no one has actually provdied any info from Mazda about this. Also, why the heck would Mazda make a MAJOR change like that in only the second year?
I'm not denying that this might happen. My guess is that if they do change it, it wouldn't be until at least the third or fourth year (or never).
edit: It's NOT much of a performance hit to me. Why? B/c my last car (2k Celica GT-S - rip) was 180 hp. So 207 is an INCREASE! Woooo!
I'm not denying that this might happen. My guess is that if they do change it, it wouldn't be until at least the third or fourth year (or never).
edit: It's NOT much of a performance hit to me. Why? B/c my last car (2k Celica GT-S - rip) was 180 hp. So 207 is an INCREASE! Woooo!
Last edited by OmegaBob; 06-27-2003 at 11:36 AM.
#9
Originally posted by Lex
As for why I'm going Auto: the wife. I'm not gonna be a huge ******* and buy a n awesome car she can't enjoy. And no, she can't learn
As for why I'm going Auto: the wife. I'm not gonna be a huge ******* and buy a n awesome car she can't enjoy. And no, she can't learn
Huge ******* chiming in here :p
My wife can't drive my current car, and she wont be able to drive my next car (unless she learns on my current car) :D
It does cause minor inconveniences, but only occasionally. If the manual tranny does not fit your needs/situation, the auto version will still be plenty of fun. You do get a shade more torque, and it will still be a terrific handler.
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AT: grandma's want more umph.
Guys,
At the long lead press event in January at Laguna Seca, a well respected journalist, an editor of the old "Rotary Rockets" magazine, was able to take the auto for a test run from the bose tent (in the center of the pits) to the entrace on the 68 and back (maybe a mile or so) He was very displeased with the performance.
Berny has quoted the reporter before.. and I remember him saying something like "Even a grandma would want more get-up-and-go"
We haven't had a chance to test the auto, and we're not sure if we will get a chance.
At the long lead press event in January at Laguna Seca, a well respected journalist, an editor of the old "Rotary Rockets" magazine, was able to take the auto for a test run from the bose tent (in the center of the pits) to the entrace on the 68 and back (maybe a mile or so) He was very displeased with the performance.
Berny has quoted the reporter before.. and I remember him saying something like "Even a grandma would want more get-up-and-go"
We haven't had a chance to test the auto, and we're not sure if we will get a chance.
#11
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Originally posted by OmegaBob
However, no one has actually provdied any info from Mazda about this. Also, why the heck would Mazda make a MAJOR change like that in only the second year?
I'm not denying that this might happen. My guess is that if they do change it, it wouldn't be until at least the third or fourth year (or never).
However, no one has actually provdied any info from Mazda about this. Also, why the heck would Mazda make a MAJOR change like that in only the second year?
I'm not denying that this might happen. My guess is that if they do change it, it wouldn't be until at least the third or fourth year (or never).
Why would they do it in the second year? Because they couldn't afford to do it in the first year! (Either due to time or budget constraints). Anywhere above econoboxes, 5 speed autos are where it's at these days, and Mazda has to be competitive. If they had been at all able to, they would have put a 5 spd auto box in the RX-8 for the launch. For auto buyers, though, the current 4 spd version doesn't compare well to the competition's 5 spd autos (like the 350Z or G35 Coupe, etc). The HP deficit with the current auto doesn't help either. Mazda will introduce the new transmissions as soon as they can.
Regards,
Gordon
#12
Re: AT: grandma's want more umph.
Originally posted by rotarynews.com
Guys,
At the long lead press event in January at Laguna Seca, a well respected journalist, an editor of the old "Rotary Rockets" magazine, was able to take the auto for a test run from the bose tent (in the center of the pits) to the entrace on the 68 and back (maybe a mile or so) He was very displeased with the performance.
Berny has quoted the reporter before.. and I remember him saying something like "Even a grandma would want more get-up-and-go"
We haven't had a chance to test the auto, and we're not sure if we will get a chance.
Guys,
At the long lead press event in January at Laguna Seca, a well respected journalist, an editor of the old "Rotary Rockets" magazine, was able to take the auto for a test run from the bose tent (in the center of the pits) to the entrace on the 68 and back (maybe a mile or so) He was very displeased with the performance.
Berny has quoted the reporter before.. and I remember him saying something like "Even a grandma would want more get-up-and-go"
We haven't had a chance to test the auto, and we're not sure if we will get a chance.
I don't need obscene horsepower... but it should be reasonable.
#13
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Gordon: Thanks for the clarification!
No matter what, I'm still getting the AT - mainly b/c I need a car right NOW (Celica RIP), can't drive stick and wont be able to learn (my left leg, ankle & heel are always sore -guess I should get a doctor to look at it), and b/c of the uniqueness of the 8 itself. From my recent accident to the long wait for the 8 (though, not as long as those who pre-ordered), I AM GETTING THIS CAR AND NOT WAITING TILL 2006!
That being said, I will prob have this 8 paid off by 2006, so I'll just trade it in for the SMT version. SMT has always intrigued me since I heard that the MR2s have this type of tranny.
Just wondering: any guess on what my 8 would be worth as a trade-in in three years? I know it's impossible to predict at this stage... but wadda ya think? 18-20k? I got 18k and some change from the insurance co for my 2k Celi GT-S AT.
No matter what, I'm still getting the AT - mainly b/c I need a car right NOW (Celica RIP), can't drive stick and wont be able to learn (my left leg, ankle & heel are always sore -guess I should get a doctor to look at it), and b/c of the uniqueness of the 8 itself. From my recent accident to the long wait for the 8 (though, not as long as those who pre-ordered), I AM GETTING THIS CAR AND NOT WAITING TILL 2006!
That being said, I will prob have this 8 paid off by 2006, so I'll just trade it in for the SMT version. SMT has always intrigued me since I heard that the MR2s have this type of tranny.
Just wondering: any guess on what my 8 would be worth as a trade-in in three years? I know it's impossible to predict at this stage... but wadda ya think? 18-20k? I got 18k and some change from the insurance co for my 2k Celi GT-S AT.
#14
Re: Re: AT: grandma's want more umph.
Originally posted by Hercules
I had made mention some time ago that if I had to choose get an automatic car, it wouldn't be the RX-8.
I don't need obscene horsepower... but it should be reasonable.
I had made mention some time ago that if I had to choose get an automatic car, it wouldn't be the RX-8.
I don't need obscene horsepower... but it should be reasonable.
#15
Originally posted by OmegaBob
Gordon: Thanks for the clarification!
No matter what, I'm still getting the AT - mainly b/c I need a car right NOW (Celica RIP), can't drive stick and wont be able to learn (my left leg, ankle & heel are always sore -guess I should get a doctor to look at it), and b/c of the uniqueness of the 8 itself. From my recent accident to the long wait for the 8 (though, not as long as those who pre-ordered), I AM GETTING THIS CAR AND NOT WAITING TILL 2006!
That being said, I will prob have this 8 paid off by 2006, so I'll just trade it in for the SMT version. SMT has always intrigued me since I heard that the MR2s have this type of tranny.
Just wondering: any guess on what my 8 would be worth as a trade-in in three years? I know it's impossible to predict at this stage... but wadda ya think? 18-20k? I got 18k and some change from the insurance co for my 2k Celi GT-S AT.
Gordon: Thanks for the clarification!
No matter what, I'm still getting the AT - mainly b/c I need a car right NOW (Celica RIP), can't drive stick and wont be able to learn (my left leg, ankle & heel are always sore -guess I should get a doctor to look at it), and b/c of the uniqueness of the 8 itself. From my recent accident to the long wait for the 8 (though, not as long as those who pre-ordered), I AM GETTING THIS CAR AND NOT WAITING TILL 2006!
That being said, I will prob have this 8 paid off by 2006, so I'll just trade it in for the SMT version. SMT has always intrigued me since I heard that the MR2s have this type of tranny.
Just wondering: any guess on what my 8 would be worth as a trade-in in three years? I know it's impossible to predict at this stage... but wadda ya think? 18-20k? I got 18k and some change from the insurance co for my 2k Celi GT-S AT.
I think RX8's will have awesome value just like Rx7s. It'll definetly have better value for longer time than G35c because I remember RX7 had alot better value than the 300zx.
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Originally posted by Haris
I agree, I mean just because it's auto doesn't mean it cant be fun to drive. All megazines rated Mazda6 automatic the fun car. So RX8 should be even more.
I agree, I mean just because it's auto doesn't mean it cant be fun to drive. All megazines rated Mazda6 automatic the fun car. So RX8 should be even more.
you cannot slip the clutch at 3K with a auto. you take off from the line at 750 rpm, and zero torque. it will be slow, and the "sport-matic" is a joke. my mom has it in her mazda 6, and it's SLOOOWWW during shifts.
i had an auto FC, and trust me, it's only fast when you're going 40 and you push the gas hard enough to shift down to 2nd. otherwise, it takes a day and a half to get up to 4K rpm and subsequent power.
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Originally posted by rx7aggie
the "sport-matic" is a joke. my mom has it in her mazda 6, and it's SLOOOWWW during shifts.
the "sport-matic" is a joke. my mom has it in her mazda 6, and it's SLOOOWWW during shifts.
Last edited by Lex; 07-06-2003 at 02:57 PM.
#18
Originally posted by rx7aggie
the mazda 6 also has pistons, and with that V6 comes a lot more torque than the RX-8.
you cannot slip the clutch at 3K with a auto. you take off from the line at 750 rpm, and zero torque. it will be slow, and the "sport-matic" is a joke. my mom has it in her mazda 6, and it's SLOOOWWW during shifts.
i had an auto FC, and trust me, it's only fast when you're going 40 and you push the gas hard enough to shift down to 2nd. otherwise, it takes a day and a half to get up to 4K rpm and subsequent power.
the mazda 6 also has pistons, and with that V6 comes a lot more torque than the RX-8.
you cannot slip the clutch at 3K with a auto. you take off from the line at 750 rpm, and zero torque. it will be slow, and the "sport-matic" is a joke. my mom has it in her mazda 6, and it's SLOOOWWW during shifts.
i had an auto FC, and trust me, it's only fast when you're going 40 and you push the gas hard enough to shift down to 2nd. otherwise, it takes a day and a half to get up to 4K rpm and subsequent power.
#19
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Originally posted by Haris
I don't get how you can't drop clutch at 3K RPM with auto? Considering RX8 has little shift auto mode, it's possible to use neutral on it. It might hurt tranny, but it's not impossible at least.
I don't get how you can't drop clutch at 3K RPM with auto? Considering RX8 has little shift auto mode, it's possible to use neutral on it. It might hurt tranny, but it's not impossible at least.
#20
Originally posted by SPDFRK
OUCH! no, its called a torque converter, upgrade it!
OUCH! no, its called a torque converter, upgrade it!
Upgrade torque converter? Why? It still wont be able to go like from neutral into Drive without causing problems later.
#21
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Originally posted by Haris
I don't get how you can't drop clutch at 3K RPM with auto? Considering RX8 has little shift auto mode, it's possible to use neutral on it. It might hurt tranny, but it's not impossible at least.
I don't get how you can't drop clutch at 3K RPM with auto? Considering RX8 has little shift auto mode, it's possible to use neutral on it. It might hurt tranny, but it's not impossible at least.
(I can't resist this dig - you might as well get the manual trans, since it sounds like you don't know how to drive an auto either! :p Sorry, couldn't resist! :D )
Regards,
Gordon
#22
Just a thought...
Ok, I don't know if this comparison serves any purpose but the Euro spec low power model is rated at 192 PS and comes with either a manual 5-speed or the same 4-speed auto we're getting. The thing is, it was tested with the 5-speed manual and got 0-62mph in 7.2s and the reviewers really liked it. Since US is getting 210 PS (207 hp) and the 4-speed auto, don't you think the times could be similar? I know auto trannies are always slower than their manual counterparts but US is getting 18 PS more and we measure 0-60 instead of 0-62mph so that may balance any difference don't you think?
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I was browsing Car and Driver (Hong Kong) web site, and they have a mini test on the RX-8 4AT. The reviewers say there's insufficient amount of torque, shifting is slightly slow, and the rev dropped quite a bit during each shift (especially from 1st to 2nd gear). But overall it's a fun car to drive...
#24
Originally posted by ReX-8
I was browsing Car and Driver (Hong Kong) web site, and they have a mini test on the RX-8 4AT. The reviewers say there's insufficient amount of torque, shifting is slightly slow, and the rev dropped quite a bit during each shift (especially from 1st to 2nd gear). But overall it's a fun car to drive...
I was browsing Car and Driver (Hong Kong) web site, and they have a mini test on the RX-8 4AT. The reviewers say there's insufficient amount of torque, shifting is slightly slow, and the rev dropped quite a bit during each shift (especially from 1st to 2nd gear). But overall it's a fun car to drive...