<p>While browsing some other car forums, I came across an interesting thread. It discussed a case where <b>two</b> BMW M3 cars hydroplaned and crashed on 95South in rain (you can read it <a ref="http://216.118.86.224/m3forum/showthread.php?amp;threadid=15231">here</a>). I am curious about RX-8 handling in rain. Could those of you, who are lucky to have the car already, give any comments on this issue?</p>

The link in original message was somehow removed (wrong posting mode used?). Hope this time it'll work. The thread can be found here (http://216.118.86.224/m3forum/showthread.php?threadid=15231).

I've not had the occasion to drive it in any torrential rains yet (that may change in a couple days!), but in a normal rain storm it behaves beautifully. Just cuts right through it. I imagine as the tread on the Bridgestones wears down, that will change a bit, but for now, no problems at all.

Most high performance tires are not going to be very good in the rain, so it's best to be cautious especially with a RWD car.


Ike

Speaking of rain, you can watch an RX-8 being chased by a Subaru WRX STi in the rain. If you havent seen this video, this race takes place at Tsukuba Circuit in Japan....

In the rain (http://rx8s.hp.infoseek.co.jp/tsukuba_030713.wmv)

Any links where I won't have to download a language program?

I'm glad it doesnt rain alot in cali
but Im sure the 8 will drive fine

BMW are having problems with tyres for the new M3 CSL, saw an article in EVO magazine mentioning that there are changing the spec on the UK cars to a more 'wet' orientated tread and compound.

original spec was michellin pilot cup, replacement option is likely to impact on 'dry' handling

The link is dead. The japanese at the top of the page translates to:

"Cannot access this page".

I went from Ottawa, to Toronto Monday night and it was raining pretty hard for about an hour. I had no problems braking or steering or speeding up. And I don't have DSC or TCS.

Car has been fine in the rain, better then my old GSX when I have hit some flooded parts on the side, which is really suprising.

The japense translated to "wise man say, a bird in hand is worth two in the bush, depending on your gender"

Down at the bottem it says "Free nude woman, just 19000 yen per month"

Originally posted by IkeWRX
Most high performance tires are not going to be very good in the rain, so it's best to be cautious especially with a RWD car.
Ike

Agreed about the tires and the RWD; however, the car should handle a LOT better than any other big heavy front RWD (read: corvette, camaro, mustang, bmws).

The biggest problem with RWD is that most the weight is in the front, thus the rear end does not have enough weight for the suspension and tires to grip approapriately to the tarmac.

And let me add: I wouldn't try to play it too hard on the rain on any car. I've had very very bad experiences driving on rain & ice (no accidents this far, but I don't want to push my luck.)

would the dsc and traction control get you out of most bad situations anyway?

<p>klegg wrote:</p><p><i><font color="#00FFFF">would the dsc and traction control get you out of most bad situations anyway?</font></i></p><p>Apparently not. I suggest you to read the <a href="http://216.118.86.224/m3forum/showthread.php?threadid=15231">this thread in BMW M3 forum</a>. It presents an interesting and informative reading. I should note, though, that the site seems to be having some problems lately.</p>

I've just experienced driving in a torrential downpour and actually forded a 1 foot deep river that use to be a road... the car handled great, when it did begin to hydroplane (like hitting a small stream at 60mph) it went nice and straight unlike my old Probe which would literally yank the damn wheel out of your hand.

I was happy with the performance. We do have an advantage over other sports cars because we don't have super wide tires.

Originally posted by aussie77
The link is dead. The japanese at the top of the page translates to:

"Cannot access this page".
The links no longer work for me either, sorry about that.:confused: