Untrained eyes won't be able to pick the new RX-8 out of a lineup of existing models, but the exterior has been given a modest refresh that includes new bumpers, different head- and tail-lamps, larger exhaust pipes, and a new wheel design. Inside, the front seats have been redesigned, a new steering wheel was fitted, and the tachometer was given a variable redline that raises as the engine warms up to operating temperature.
Also new for 2009 is the addition of an R3 model, which harks back to the knife-edged R1 and R2 models of the last RX-7. The R3 adds a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and front suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam. Filling the crossmembers with structural foam makes for a smoother ride, minimized NVH and greater suspension control. R3s also get forged 19-inch wheels and a Bose (motto: Better Sound Through Advertising) 300-watt stereo.
They need to offer the Mazdaspeed3's motor as an option. Go ahead and keep making the Renesis available, but at least let the MS3 motor be available and see what happens to RX8 sales.
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Overall, looks like a tasteful refresh to an already cool car. It has its flaws, yes, but can't expect those to all go away with a mid-cycle refresh. Hopefully we'll see something more amazing with the "RX-9" or whatever it ends up being. For now, this looks MUCH better than the previous RX-8.
So in all these last few years Mazda could not get 10 to 20 more ft/pds of torque and a Hp bump..that just strikes me as improper focus to get sales picked up on the RX-8.
Anyone here at the CL have a RX-8 with an aftermarket turbo set-up? How is the reliability and power bump?
wow i didnt know you could make that car look anymore busy than it already is. There is way too much going on. Its pretty nice though, i wouldn't turn one down.
The gearing is actually going to really help the off the line performance- which is mainly a "feel" thing anyways. But if it forces a 2-3 shift before 60mph, which may actually hurt 0-60 times- though they will be easier to get (less bogging/wheel spin off the line). My main concern is overdrive and if they kept the same transmission gear with this lower final drive- my car already spins at 4k rpm at 80mph. But this is an odd engine- maybe higher rpm in overdrive will not hurt the fuel economy. I got my best numbers when driving at well about the 70mph posted speed limit. (shrug)
"straight roads are for fast cars, curvy roads are for fast drivers"
So in all these last few years Mazda could not get 10 to 20 more ft/pds of torque and a Hp bump..that just strikes me as improper focus to get sales picked up on the RX-8.
The RX8's main purpose was to get the mainstream market comfortable with the rotary engine again. Considering the RX8 has had some issues - engine included- I'm guessing Mazda is a bit shy of changing the Renesis now. Though I do think they should have found a few more HP over the years.
"straight roads are for fast cars, curvy roads are for fast drivers"
They need to offer the Mazdaspeed3's motor as an option. Go ahead and keep making the Renesis available, but at least let the MS3 motor be available and see what happens to RX8 sales.
I'd much rather have 3 rotor engine come with RX8 instead. It would not be RXn if it did not have rotary engine.
As an RX-8 owner, I am not super excited about this car. It seems like they put a modified Mazdaspeed bumper on the car and declared it new. Too bad there's no update/backdate in SCCA AX Stock classes though-that R3 package sounds interesting.
So it doesn't get the 1.6 rotary, that rotary appears to be much better than this one.
Quote, originally posted by MEIN_VW »
This place is is insane - the biggest complaint I hear in the Car Lounge is that VW's are too expensive when loaded up with options and yet when they want to decontent and lower the price, the complaints get even louder. You can't have it both ways.
I really like the update, those new seats look fantastic and the R3 suspension will make a great handling car even better. The shorter gearing will be great for the off the lin performance but my bigger concern is will economy be effected even more? Mike
"Ferraris are serious cars for serious people who drive around wearing a serious expression. The Gallardo can do serious, too. It has Audi electrics and Audi engineering. But as you careen towards the next bend on a wave of extraordinary sound, half blinded by your own upholstery, you’ll be making the noise of a howler monkey and wishing you were naked" The one and only Jeremy Clarkson
wow i didnt know you could make that car look anymore busy than it already is. There is way too much going on. Its pretty nice though, i wouldn't turn one down.
On Euro's and Japanese cars they call too many exterior details busy, on Domestic's its called ugly. I'll take the seats, R3 suspension and LED tails, everything else Madza can throw out the window..
Quote, originally posted by BlackDevilCar »
She took the picture.
"No, honey, you don't look retarded at all! I'm soo happy you cut your hair like I told you to [the girls will love this one. For my next trick I'll have him jump off the Brooklyn Bridge]"
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