Hi, my RX-8 is scheduled arrive in NZ on Oct 20, 2003. I've got Escort 8500 radar detector and am going to use cigi lighter socket to deliver power to the 8500. Could someone post the picture of the lighter socket location on RIGHT SIDE DRIVER POSITION RX-8? I want to make sure the power cable dose not run thru the control buttons (radio, a/c, etc). Thank you.

I thought it's under the armrest in both LHD and RHD cars. You could always hardwire the detector though.

Originally posted by hoorruu
Hi, my RX-8 is scheduled arrive in NZ on Oct 20, 2003. I've got Escort 8500 radar detector and am going to use cigi lighter socket to deliver power to the 8500. Could someone post the picture of the lighter socket location on RIGHT SIDE DRIVER POSITION RX-8? I want to make sure the power cable dose not run thru the control buttons (radio, a/c, etc). Thank you.

i have a 8500 also. the cig socket is to the right of the coin tray. it will fit fine

I wish I had a right side drive rx8

Originally posted by mikeb
I wish I had a right side drive rx8

Why? I think it would be hell to drive, with shifting and all. I know I wouldn't be as smooth rowing the gears. Plus driving on the right side of the road here, I would have more trouble judging the center line since it would be on the passenger side of a RHD vehicle.

But if you are accustomed to driving English and other RHD cars, then I guess it wouldn't matter that much to you.

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster


Why? I think it would be hell to drive, with shifting and all. I know I wouldn't be as smooth rowing the gears.....

Zoomster - I grew up driving an old Mini with a right-hand drive. When it comes to shifting I find the left-hand drive much harder when it comes to smoothly coordinating clutch and shifter. I guess it is because with a right-hand drive you are using the same side of your brain for the left arm/left leg movements and both sides of the brain (which have differing skills) when driving left-hand.

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster
Plus driving on the right side of the road here, I would have more trouble judging the center line since it would be on the passenger side of a RHD vehicle.
But if you are accustomed to driving English and other RHD cars, then I guess it wouldn't matter that much to you.
Having done just the opposite (drive a left hander in the UK) Zoomster is right. One of the biggest problems is you can't see worth crap around any vehicle to pass, let alone a big ass SUV or truck. Riding along the ditch side of the road isn't pleasant, if there is a nice big shoulder than you have some room t osneak over and take a peak around the vehicle.
The novelty of a RT hand drive car in the States is just that a novelty. I'm not saying that some people wouldn't relish the idea and have no problem adapting. I am saying without trying it first be careful what you wish for. :D

I had the opportunity to drive a RT hand driver Ford Contour when I was over in Dublin a couple yrs back. It works when you're driving on the left side of the road, but I would think it would be a real pain here in the USA. Also, you shift the same pattern with either model. Remember that your left hand wants to do a mirror reflection of what your right hand does, so you want to shift in a mirror image of what your right hand does (which is opposite of the actual shift pattern). I really had to concentrate on my shifting or I would be starting out in 5th gear instead of 1st. You drive a LFT hand version of the car in the USA for a reason.....just enjoy!