Check out http://www.autoexpress.co.uk ..... The article begins: The waiting is finally over... After four years of teasing us with concepts such as the RX-01 and the RX-Evolve, Mazda has let Auto Express behind the wheel of its sensational RX-8.

These definitely look like production photos, and helps clarify why some RHD pics have popped up (unusually on Autobild.de's site).

Anyway, I'm a bit bummed to hear about the body roll, but that's just one guy's opinion. I am anxious to hear how much HP we'll definitely be getting as compared to the Euro model, but not as anxious as I am to drive one!

Thanks for the link!

RX8Dreamer

Seems a so-so review.

The R&T review on the preproduction model had more compliments... but I take the good with the bad.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/picture_library/dir_14/car_portal_pic_7359.jpg?5251
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/picture_library/dir_14/car_portal_pic_7360.jpg?3191
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/picture_library/dir_14/car_portal_pic_7361.jpg?5921
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/picture_library/dir_14/car_portal_pic_7362.jpg?9741

One thing I noticed in this picture:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/picture_library/dir_14/car_portal_pic_7362.jpg

Is that the handbrake is now on the driver's side instead of the opposite side of the gearshifter.

Happy happy! :D

i thought there were buttons on both sides of the steering wheel? also what are the buttons just inside the door on the dash that i have circled in yellow? the left most one appears to have a key symbol on it, maybe.http://www.rx8forum.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=13768

The buttons, if I had to guess, are for Traction Control and DSC.

The buttons on the steering wheel would be for cruise control, which was perhaps not available on that car.

Since AutoExpress has a time-out for guests, I have copied the entire article:

The waiting is finally over... After four years of teasing us with concepts such as the RX-01 and the RX-Evolve, Mazda has let Auto Express behind the wheel of its sensational RX-8. As we turn the ignition key and hear the sewing machine whirr of its hi-tech engine, our patience certainly seems to have paid off.

Likely to cost only £22,000 when it goes on sale in April next year, the svelte newcomer is aimed at the Audi TT and BMW 3-Series Coupé. Lined up against these challengers - and in a world where few cars are unique and even the most luxurious share components with other vehicles - the RX-8 is a shameless novelty. From its rotary engine to its pillar-less four-door structure, this car is like nothing else on the road. The RX-8's outside app-earance is striking, although not as dramatic as the show cars'. Lost in the transition to the production version are flush-fitting door handles and strip headlamps. Also, the rear now looks like that of a conventional saloon.

In the cabin, the original's luscious leather seats have been swapped for those more attuned to US tastes, as the manufacturer hopes to sell a third of its annual 40,000 production there. Aluminium trim panels have replaced the prototype's spars, but other than that it's mostly as seen at the Tokyo Motor Show three years ago. When approaching the newcomer, it's the rear-hinged back doors that create the most interest. These 'suicide doors' have been seen making a comeback recently at motor shows, but until now have not featured on a production car destined for the UK.

For safety reasons, the rear doors will not open before the fronts. Though not practical, this improves the body's resistance to side impacts. Once swung wide they reveal two cramped but supportive seats, which are just big enough for two adults. Getting in is tricky, but easier with the front seats tilted forward. Despite there being no B-pillar, it's claimed that integral crash beams, locking pins and latches, plus side and curtain airbags, make the car as safe as a similarly sized saloon. From the driver's seat, the cabin looks similar to the Mazda 6 four-door's and is well laid out with clear instruments and plenty of storage space. The choice of materials - as with the easily scratched black lacquer - is a little too glitzy. But Mazda has paid attention to the ergo-nomics, and the driving position is good.

Spin the starter and the engine whirrs, blip the throttle and the rev counter flips up with no increase in engine noise, only a change in pitch. This is an extraordinary car to drive, with a seamless performance, but not a huge amount of muscle - so you have to use all 9,000rpm. The action isn't anything like that of the old, sequentially turbocharged RX-7, but the RX-8 is still very fast. The 237bhp-engined version tops out at around 155mph, and sprints from 0-60mph in six seconds. Fuel consumption is not so encouraging, though, at 22mpg. A less powerful 189bhp version is also available. It's slower, of course, and needs revving to get the most out of it.

On winding roads, body roll is too pronounced for this Mazda to be an out-and-out sports car. However, the ride is comfortable, grip phenomenal and the handling a driver's delight for what is, after all, a fast tourer. And when you really push it hard, the traction control allows some progressive, tail-out motoring before taking over.

Add accurate electronically assisted steering with a good weight and feedback, plus powerful and sensitive disc brakes, and you have the recipe for cross-country thrills. Mazda really has created a genuine alternative to the German coupés in this sector. John Scott

The Road and Track editor Sam Mitani said this MANY months ago...

the steering felt precise and the car behaved predictably through all types of corners with minimal body roll.

I don't see how they went from a pre-production model with minimal body roll to a near production model and having too much.

I guess time will tell.. :)

237 hp :(

Handbrake: I'm surprised they moved it closer to the driver. It looks like it would get in the way, since the shape of the handle protrudes up even when the brake is fully down.

How close is this to production?

I really like the black/red seats and door inserts, this will look sooo sweet on a black or silver car. Putting red on the steering wheel is too much though, and it would easily get dirty and look like crap after a few thousand miles.

The stereo is one of those shitty proprietary shapes like in Fords, I hope the production model gets a standard sized unit that I can upgrade as I see fit.

They still have those ugly Saab wheels. If I wanted Saab wheels, I'd go out and buy a 9-3...

And for crissake Mazda, loose the f*cking Altezzas! This car isn't being marketed to 15-year-old ricers after all!

Sounds like fuel economy took a hit also," Fuel consumption is not so encouraging, though, at 22mpg"

Originally posted by Hercules
One thing I noticed in this picture:

Is that the handbrake is now on the driver's side instead of the opposite side of the gearshifter.


The Handbrake is on the left side.. it should be in that side of the car on both LRD and RHD...

And for crissake Mazda, loose the f*cking Altezzas! This car isn't being marketed to 15-year-old ricers after all!

If your talking about the lights I don't think the 8 should lose them. What does everyone else think?

This doesn't sound like the car I was expecting.

It's good to have some new news. Happy to see:

Curtain airbags
Power drivers seat (can't find memory buttons however)
22mpg (I assume US gallons, if it's UK gallons that means 18.3mpg in US terms)
Aluminium pedals and trim
Two-tone leather interior
Nice gauges - seems that the digital speedo is a reality


But what is the nonsense about "the original's luscious leather seats have been swapped for those more attuned to US tastes" - does that mean the US doesn't like luscious leather?

Also the rear has "cramped but supportive seats, which are just big enough for two adults" - I thought they were meant to be decent sized seats.

Finally I assume the 237hp is European hp, which equals about 240hp in the USA (my conversion could be wrong) - the US RX-8 can still be 250hp as promised.

And as someone who owns an "Altezza" I agree that the time for that particular fad has passed, but that will not dissuade me from getting an RX-8 (other things might).

237hp???
body roll too pronounced???
no no no no.... this isn't what I want to hear.
I will not hit the panic button yet, but this is not a good sign
:confused:

:cool: Hello everyone. I have just come across this forum. I have been looking at the RX-8 and am mightily impressed. As the owner of 2 previous RX-7s, and a current owner of an S2000, I think that the RX-8 will fit right in. Does anyone have any pictures of the rear diffuser? The only direct rear pictures that I have seen are of the RX-Evolv. Thanks, and I am looking forward to future info.

So maybe the Brit is a little jaded. The German review was raving about the same "near production" car.

Remember both gave it huge thumbs up.

Hang in there!

Originally posted by Mazda man


If your talking about the lights I don't think the 8 should lose them. What does everyone else think?
i like the lights just the way they are! wouldn't change them at all!

I dunno about you, but I am panicking. If they release the 237hp car in the review for a price starting at ~$25k, I'll still highly consider it, but if comes in any more expensive, then no.

The mention of too much body roll is of major concern for me. That red steering wheel and shiny plastic on the door is too much flash--it's distracting. No nav is availavle from what I see on the dash. :(

the nave might be out altogether or just coming in a later model. the us mazda6 doesn't seem to be getting it either check mazda usa (http://www.mazdausa.com) on that.

I'm not worried at this point yet.

Like it was said, the German article gave it rave reviews. Even a VERY OLD article from Road and Track gave it great reviews, and commented on how little body roll there is.

I have never really heard of reviews from Auto Express. Not to say they aren't a good judge of cars, but I don't know enough about them to make an opinion on their biases, as many magazines do have. They have to after all, keep their advertisers. Personally, I'll let the likes of Sport Compact Car, Evo, Car and Driver, Road and Track, and maybe Motortrend to take their reviews of the car.

My guess is that we will be pleasantly suprised. Besides, there is still some time away before the car hits production... so Mazda may still be tweaking and working away before putting this car on the assembly line. This article might address some of the hiccups Mazda has had in their preproduction models and HOPEFULLY, they will fix it.

Otherwise, I'll have to save my money and jump into a 330i manual. G35 doesn't do it for me.

Anyways, I'm not worried right now. The car is more than 6 months away from release and here we are already jumping to conclusions. Calm down folks :)

I have been here for months. I think we are missing the important things-----where are the cup holders.

maybe there like the vw gti.................. the cup holders pop out of the dash its the coolest cup holder realated thing i've ever seen.

When I read this article, my BS dectector starts to go off. Here is what particularly makes me sceptical about this article. First they say:

This is an extraordinary car to drive, with a seamless performance, but not a huge amount of muscle - so you have to use all 9,000rpm.

Then they say:

A less powerful 189bhp version is also available. It's slower, of course, and needs revving to get the most out of it.

So how would they know how BOTH engines perform? Did Mazda provide them with two test cars, one with each of the different power levels? I think this is highly unlikely and they probably haven't done all the testing their article would lead us to believe. Someone like R&T or C&D would get to test two vehicles simultaneously long before these guys would get that chance.

For this reason, I believe that at least some of this article is "creative journalism". How much of it is based on actually driving the car, I have no idea...maybe part of it, maybe all of it, or maybe even none of it. The RX-8 is a hot topic in the automotive press, and every automotive publication would LOVE to write a review about it because it will increase the sales of their publication. So what is stopping a publication from arranging a photo only session of the new car, and then writing an article about it as if they got to flog it thouroughly for two weeks? Not a darn thing.

Again, I have no idea how much of this review is based on their actual observations, but I think it smells really fishy. But then again, maybe they have driven it and know exactly what they are talking about...I guess we won't know until we get to drive one ourselves.

you see that little protrusion and the rectangular shape in front of the shifter and parking brake, that's the cup holder cover.

my protege5 has the same thing, so don't worry they ARE there.

This car is a VERY preproduction model, remember. They almost certainly do not have the final specs dialed in when it comes to suspension tuning, engine tuning, or things such as steering and gear shifting. Even when they were doing Mazda6 initial tests, that was less than a month before a worldwide debut, and even then they were all driving preproduction models. Keep that in mind before you complain about body roll, engine output, etc.

Also, why is the center of the steering wheel so "obese" looking. It looks fat there. The wheel otherwise looks much like the Mazda6, so why is it so much bigger. Compare these pics to see what I'm talking about....

Mazda6:
http://www.mazda.co.nz/mazda6/g_images/m6_upclose_large_004.jpg


RX-8:http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/picture_library/dir_14/car_portal_pic_7362.jpg?9741

There is no reason the RX-8 wheel can't be as slim looking as the 6.

Overall, a very positive review. I REALLY hope the RX-8 makes it with 250hp, which I think is key. 240hp is just too much like more mundane cars such as the Altima and Accord, or the S2000. 250, even at 10 more hp, for some reason seems to put the car into that next level of power, at least in my eye.

Originally posted by Jerome81
Also, why is the center of the steering wheel so "obese" looking. It looks fat there. The wheel otherwise looks much like the Mazda6, so why is it so much bigger. Compare these pics to see what I'm talking about....

Mazda6:
http://www.mazda.co.nz/mazda6/g_images/m6_upclose_large_004.jpg
does the steering wheel in the mazda6 pic have an airbag in it? the rx8 pic appears to. maybe that is the dif.

Lol Zoom, I knew you'd make that pic your avatar first! :D

There is no rhyme or reason to soften the suspension or have excessive body roll in this "2+2". It would blur the distinction between the 8 and the Mazda6 S. I think we'll see stiffer handling than reported thus far. ;)

Originally posted by Toadman
Lol Zoom, I knew you'd make that pic your avatar first! :D

well you got the one sliding in the wet:p LOL

The Mazda6 wheel definitely has an airbag in it, just as every car sold has an airbag.

Also, are those air vents behind the brakes even functional!!?? From this angle, it sure looks like there isn't even an opening there.

Nothing says "looks over performance" like fake air ducts.....

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/picture_library/dir_14/car_portal_pic_7360.jpg?3191

i meant that i dont know the source of that pic so it could be a pre production pic and the wheel could have changed by now to something more like the rx8 pic:cool:

and yes those are actual functional vents.there is however a plastic insert there which iswhat makes it look non functional in that pic.

Originally posted by RedRotaryRocket
When I read this article, my BS dectector starts to go off. Here is what particularly makes me sceptical about this article. First they say:



Then they say:



So how would they know how BOTH engines perform? Did Mazda provide them with two test cars, one with each of the different power levels? I think this is highly unlikely and they probably haven't done all the testing their article would lead us to believe. Someone like R&T or C&D would get to test two vehicles simultaneously long before these guys would get that chance.

For this reason, I believe that at least some of this article is "creative journalism". How much of it is based on actually driving the car, I have no idea...maybe part of it, maybe all of it, or maybe even none of it. The RX-8 is a hot topic in the automotive press, and every automotive publication would LOVE to write a review about it because it will increase the sales of their publication. So what is stopping a publication from arranging a photo only session of the new car, and then writing an article about it as if they got to flog it thouroughly for two weeks? Not a darn thing.

Again, I have no idea how much of this review is based on their actual observations, but I think it smells really fishy. But then again, maybe they have driven it and know exactly what they are talking about...I guess we won't know until we get to drive one ourselves.
The only person that I'd have some belief in is Sam Mitani from Road and Track, because he really did drive the car. And his review sparkles with compliments, in fact he says there is [b\VERY LITTLE BODY ROLL[/b]. I'm going to do some homework about this article.

My pic says it all.:( :( :confused:

I'm surprised no one has noticed the cheapening of the interior since the yellow show car. Look at the center stack. The vents are pretty ugly compared to the super clean show car versions. Same deal with the display above the vents (for audio and HVAC readouts).

Of course the MiniDisc slot is gone from the stereo face, but I fully expected this. Just leaves the stereo with a big nothing there, which looks a little funny.

And I agree, the steering wheel looks fat. :(

I think the steering wheel is okay... probably out of proportion due to the picture but I like a hefty thick wheel.. seems okay to me.

Just a thought.....think the steering wheel is a little fatter looking because it's supposed to represent a rotor?

Originally posted by Aesculapius
Just a thought.....think the steering wheel is a little fatter looking because it's supposed to represent a rotor? No, the rotor representations are in different places.. seats, door sill, hood bulge, and some other places. But I don't think it's in the steering wheel.

Originally posted by Hercules
I think the steering wheel is okay... probably out of proportion due to the picture but I like a hefty thick wheel.. seems okay to me. Oh I like a thick meaty wheel rim too, it's the center piece covering the airbag that looks fat. Look at a Miata wheel, the 6 wheel, the MR2 Spyder / Celica / Corolla S wheel. Now there's a trio of 3-spoke wheels with airbags that look well proportioned. :)

Can anyone see what the key looks like? Perhaps it is just a key to work the starter, and has nothing representative of the production key, but did the rotor shape make it??!!?

Man, I hope that's not the case. I'm certain they used Imperial measurements (UK publication), hence 18.5 US mpg average (converted in an earlier thread) is very concerning.

I love the styling and the potential driving dynamics, but the RX-8 has to deliver livable fuel consumption going into a life span of the next 5-10 years... Maybe not so much of an issue now, but if you're getting this car in a year or so, and keep it for a few years after that, I imagine gas will become quite expensive. For a modern sports car, we need to see at least mid 20's as an average fuel consumption. 18.5 MPG is what SUVs are capable of. :(

Let's hope more formal testing will deliver better EPA numbers eh?

I just noticed that the shiny black plastic does not appear on the steering wheel now, like it did on the yellow car.

As for the size of the wheel, the thickness is great, but the diameter does seem a bit large. No matter, I'll still enjoy driving it!

After reading the latest C&D article on the 6s, I do agree that Mazda should be aiming to make the RX8 a significantly sportier car.

RX8Dreamer

After reading some of the posts, it seems to be that some of the faithful RX-8 fans on this site are starting to panic at the latest Auto Express article. Although they gave it their approval, some of their comments struck fear into the hearts of RX-8 fans. I was wondering if somehow this panic will reach the ears of the Mazda brass, possibly even warrenting a message from upon high about further development of the chassis, engine, etc, etc? Or do you think they plan on just riding it out? Just curious.

Originally posted by tallguylehigh
After reading some of the posts, it seems to be that some of the faithful RX-8 fans on this site are starting to panic at the latest Auto Express article. Although they gave it their approval, some of their comments struck fear into the hearts of RX-8 fans. I was wondering if somehow this panic will reach the ears of the Mazda brass, possibly even warrenting a message from upon high about further development of the chassis, engine, etc, etc? Or do you think they plan on just riding it out? Just curious.
I imagine that the “Mazda brass” are monitoring all reviews now.

Originally posted by FritzMan
Man, I hope that's not the case. I'm certain they used Imperial measurements (UK publication), hence 18.5 US mpg average (converted in an earlier thread) is very concerning.

While Autobild tested mileage at 22mph (imperial?), magazine testing usually offers drastically different results than EPA testing.

The following quote describes the mileage that 2 magazines got with the 1987 rx-7 turboII:

"Despite an EPA city rating of 17mpg, heavy-footed Motor Trend testers were only able to match that on the highway. Others cold not even match it: Autoweek chalked up a cumulative week's worth of driving at 11.8mpg."

Below are some EPA milage ratings for some past rotaries:

1986 rx-7 5-speed.....17/24mpg (city/highway)
1989 rx-7 5-speed.....17/25mpg (city/highway)
1993 rx-7 tt 5-speed..17/25mpg (city/highway)

Even the twin-turbo got 17/25 mph. Mazda has made drastic fuel economy improvements that basically allow the renesis to run at stoichiometric under light load and low-speed conditions.

I think that the mileage should not really be a problem.

Brian

Ok a few thoughts from their article.

Bodyrole: It sounds like Mazda may have soft springs & shocks for a more touring ride. - THAT'S EASY TO FIX!!!

Hiding the engine: - Why Does Mazda cover up the engine?? That's will be the first thing to remove, unless it's also providing heat shielding.

Lower HP Specs: - Here's the engine dyno proving their #s are wrong:

http://www.rotarysource.com/showpics/temp/rx-8_dyno_power.jpg

Looks - After seeing the 7stock video & mazda's sales flyer, I'm hooked. The new front nose RULES!!! and the rear looks much better than before.

Oh, you missed a few pictures from their site:

http://www.rotarysource.com/showpics/temp/rx-8_final_version_001.jpg
http://www.rotarysource.com/showpics/temp/rx-8_final_version_002.jpg

Depends on your definition of a problem. Using those magazine "real world" quotes, even if they doubled it you'd still be looking at pretty poor numbers when compared to its competitors.

Not that this should be news to anyone...

Buger: While Autobild tested mileage at 22mph (imperial?), magazine testing usually offers drastically different results than EPA testing.
Autobild: "[...] 20 % weniger konsumieren als im letzten RX-7. Wie viel das genau sein wird, wollten uns die Techniker noch nicht verraten (ca. 11,6 l/100 km).
That means, they do not know what the milage is. They estimate 11,6 litres / 100 km.
11,6 l = 3,06 gal(US) = 2,55 gal(UK)

That means with you can drive
20,3 miles with one US-gallon or
24,4 miles with one UK-gallon.

Originally posted by Jerome81
This car is a VERY preproduction model, remember. They almost certainly do not have the final specs dialed in when it comes to suspension tuning, engine tuning, or things such as steering and gear shifting. Even when they were doing Mazda6 initial tests, that was less than a month before a worldwide debut, and even then they were all driving preproduction models. Keep that in mind before you complain about body roll, engine output, etc.

Actually, due to the need to durability test and emissions-certify the vehicle, automakers do finalize suspension tuning, engine calibration, steering, and gear shifting about 12 months (or more)prior to production start. Granted, there is some subtle tweaking, but changing engine tuning means re-certifying the powertrain for fuel economy and emissions....and that's big $$$$.

It is possible that the vehicle driven in the aritcle is an older pre-production unit, but automakers typically don't like to preview substandard engineering mules to the media, and run the risk of an unfavorable assessment based on an incorrect car being published.

We don't even know when Job 1 for the RX-8 is. There's been a ton of speculation.....December? April? June? Who knows? If the car doesn't going into production until next Summer (God forbid!), then it is possible that some last-minute changes might be in the works. Otherwise.....I doubt it.

Originally posted by vaughnc
Lower HP Specs: - Here's the engine dyno proving their #s are wrong:

Hi VaughC,

Sorry to advise you but that isn't a dyno graph. One of the forum members estimated the numbers based on the torque curve that mazda marketing put out.

Originally posted by macabre
[b]Depends on your definition of a problem. Using those magazine "real world" quotes, even if they doubled it you'd still be looking at pretty poor numbers when compared to its competitors.

Not that this should be news to anyone...

Hi Macabre,

One competitor is the Infinity g35 which has EPA ratings of 19/26. (http://www.theweekenddrive.com/reviews/2003/reviews/infiniti.html)

I would think that worst case, the rx-8 will at least match those numbers. (an increase of 2mpg city/1mpg highway over the 1989 na rx-7)

Would you consider the same EPA rating as the G35 a pretty poor comparison to the G35? :| Is this thread going to turn into another big discussion about the Rx-8s competitors now?

Now admit that you work for Nissan! :D

Brian

Originally posted by tallguylehigh
After reading some of the posts, it seems to be that some of the faithful RX-8 fans on this site are starting to panic at the latest Auto Express article. Although they gave it their approval, some of their comments struck fear into the hearts of RX-8 fans. I was wondering if somehow this panic will reach the ears of the Mazda brass, possibly even warrenting a message from upon high about further development of the chassis, engine, etc, etc? Or do you think they plan on just riding it out? Just curious.
Read my other post... Autoexpress had a first drive with the 8 a while back and made counterpoints to what they said in this article...

Time will tell, I need to get behind the wheel!

My thoughts are that they were not being gentle on the car during the tests they were performing so why would the fuel economy be high. If I was really working the car I think that 20.3 miles is acceptable because most likely that would be lower than even city driving gas mileage. Not to mention that if you were beating on a car and got 20.3 I would expect at least 28 during highway driving.

Mazda said 20% better than the RX-7 so its not going to be all that great MPG anyway.

Originally posted by Buger

Now admit that you work for Nissan! :D

Blast! I've been discovered :D

Really, fuel economy isn't too big a deal for me, if the car's performance justifies it. I was perfectly content filling the 20 gallon tank in my 944 Turbo ever 200-250 miles :eek:. I'm just a little erked at this less then stellar review, but I'm trying to hold out and wait to see for myself.

Did anyone notice the tweeters in the top corners of the doors.

But i dont see where the main spakers go :confused:
There appears to be no grills in the doors.

There on the door, just behind the carpet.

Look at the second last pic.. the bottom front corner of the door.. Carpet grill.

I'm amazed that the RX-8 looks so similar to the showcars, and hasn't lost more content. This is a rarity.

Although everyone else is lamenting this article (Auto Express is the "Motor Trend of Europe," by the way), I'm psyched to see that the RX-8 has survived so well from prototype to production car.

Originally posted by Quick_lude
Look at the second last pic.. the bottom front corner of the door.. Carpet grill.

I do not think that I have ever disagreed with you in the past… BUT, I think that you must have to squint your eyes or do something to see a “carpet grill” or anything else that resembles a speaker in the “bottom front corner of the door”. I can see something there but it has to be a leap of faith to see what you saying is there.

22 000 pounds???????????????????????

thats well over 25 american

this bad news keeps adding up

-------i might have to sign up on the s2k forum if this crap continues

European pricing has very little influence on US pricing. Converting the price from pounds to US dollars simply by using a currency conversion is not indicative of the US price. This is easily demonstrated by taking a look at the (non) relationship between US and Canadian prices.

i understand that but i mean the price difference is massive - 22 000 is pratically 40 000.


but if a comparison was to be made - do this

how much was a new rx7 in the uk and one in canada or the states???

we can use that to compare

Originally posted by Immi
i understand that but i mean the price difference is massive - 22 000 is pratically 40 000.


but if a comparison was to be made - do this

how much was a new rx7 in the uk and one in canada or the states???

we can use that to compare
Keep in mind that Brits make more money comparitivly than Americans.. The pound is worth more than the dollar and thus they make maybe 50 or 60k a year.. which works out to be over 100k US.

It's the cost of living that's higher, so Mazda UK can charge more for the RX-8 there, than in the US. Besides the pricing is already out by the VP of Mazda North America, 26k-31k loaded. Take nav off and you're looking at 30k.

Not really. The per capita purchasing power parity in the UK is $24,700 (converted to USD). In the US it's $36,600. I.e., people have more money to spend on things in the US than in the UK. This is according to the 2002 CIA world factbook. Further, according the the UK parliament stationary office the average household income in the UK is $28626 (USD). In the US, according to the US department of the census, the median household income is $42,228. Cost of living is higher in say, London, but that's like looking at San Jose, CA as the entire United States. The US is a very wealthy country.

The reason cars are more expensive in the UK is because of the slew of taxes and tarrifs, not because UK residents are all rich gluttons with money to spare. :) The money that a car company takes home over there is not all that different.

Originally posted by Macabre
Not really. The per capita purchasing power parity in the UK is $24,700 (converted to USD). In the US it's $36,600. I.e., people have more money to spend on things in the US than in the UK. This is according to the 2002 CIA world factbook. Further, according the the UK parliament stationary office the average household income in the UK is $28626 (USD). In the US, according to the US department of the census, the median household income is $42,228. Cost of living is higher in say, London, but that's like looking at San Jose, CA as the entire United States. The US is a very wealthy country.

The reason cars are more expensive in the UK is because of the slew of taxes and tarrifs, not because UK residents are all rich gluttons with money to spare. :) The money that a car company takes home over there is not all that different.
That, and that Mazda UK can charge that price and people will buy it.

Besides if you think about it, the Ford Puma (Mazda MX-3 in the states) runs like 14k UK Pounds... convert and it's over 20k, but over there it's a cheap car :)

Yup. They get all the great cars over there, but no meer mortal can afford to buy them! One plus over there is it's still quite easy to buy gray market cars which can save thousands and get the little extras they only sell in certain markets. Very common to do that with the special japanese Subaru Imprezas and Mitsu Evos.

In Germany, I know that new cars can be financed for as long as 10 years, so many of those great cars become more affordable. I'll second the motion on the availability of Europe's awesome cars that don't make it to the U.S. I think I mentioned this before, but I used to love seeing the Mazda 323F cruising around. Much better than the 323's or early Protege's that were the counterpart of the same era.

I'm not worried at all. Mazda has always managed to deliver, and I think the RX-8 will be every bit as good, or better than, its competition. Besides, if the car really does have a lot of body roll a few suspension modifications solve the problem. In addition, the Mazda6 is their Nissan Maxima cushy ride sedan. The 8 is a step up, it is their car to show the public what they're made of. As far as price, only time, and Mazda, will tell.

Originally posted by Macabre
Not really. The per capita purchasing power parity in the UK is $24,700 (converted to USD). In the US it's $36,600. I.e., people have more money to spend on things in the US than in the UK. This is according to the 2002 CIA world factbook. Further, according the the UK parliament stationary office the average household income in the UK is $28626 (USD). In the US, according to the US department of the census, the median household income is $42,228. Cost of living is higher in say, London, but that's like looking at San Jose, CA as the entire United States. The US is a very wealthy country.
That's one of the main reasons I now live and work in the USA instead of England. Of course (relative) wealth isn't everything, and there are severe downsides to being in the USA (no decent teabags or chocolate for example), but it wasn't until I came to the USA that I could afford a brand new car.

The US has the cheapest priced cars in the world and Singapore has the most expensive. There is probably a 30% price difference between an identical Golf GTi or Jetta/Bora in the UK and USA, and people in the USA earn much more as well. There is probably a 400% price difference between an identical Corolla in the USA and Singapore. But Singapore is tiny and has easily the best/cheapest public transport in the world so nobody needs cars (unless you enjoy driving) so (wealthy) people bid for the right to own them and then pay a massive import tax.

Couple other things....

1. Europe really is "halfway around the world" from Japan
2. People in Europe don't drive as much as us gas guzzlers in the US. Less driving=less automobile demand. Less demand=higher price.

Originally posted by Aesculapius
Couple other things....

1. Europe really is "halfway around the world" from Japan
2. People in Europe don't drive as much as us gas guzzlers in the US. Less driving=less automobile demand. Less demand=higher price.

1. so is nyc, toronto montreal boston and the whole east coast of the western hemisphere
2. oh they drive, they just don't have gas guzzlers like we do

price difference is probably due to tariffs and where the car is actually assembled - canada/usa probably have more foreign japanese factories than europe does as a whole - though i see that changing in the near future

Originally posted by ZoomZoom
I do not think that I have ever disagreed with you in the past… BUT, I think that you must have to squint your eyes or do something to see a “carpet grill” or anything else that resembles a speaker in the “bottom front corner of the door”. I can see something there but it has to be a leap of faith to see what you saying is there.
Just to clarify, I'm talking about the corner where the passengers right foot is. If you look at the pic with the passenger door wide open, you see two different shades in that area. The darker, kinda triangular shape must be the grill that is covering the woofer. I think 99% of modern cars put the woofer there now.

Lamenting

1) I really miss the mirrors with the turn signals... although the signals on the front quarter panel make up for it a little. I just want 6 turn signals (I want a horn here, here and here, you can never find a horn when you are mad)
2) What is this about americans not liking luscious leather? I understand if they are making an option I have to pay for, but I don't want to settle for a cheap interior.
3) I thought the 6 was going to have nav for sure, which would make it more likely in the rx8. I just built a 6, and sure enough it was nowhere to be found. With the integrated console in the 8 they are going to make it very difficult to do this aftermarket.
4) The steering wheel is definitely not as attractive, but I'm not going to lose sleep over it.

I guess all things considered though, I agree with grimace in that I am amazed at what they did keep.

zoom44

plastic insert in the wheel vent? are you sure? looks to me like what they have on the mr2 spider, which looks rediculous. at least it isn't that obtrusive on the 8.

This guy either can't test cars or he can't drive. I want him fired from his job, he is paid isn't he??

Originally posted by Donny Boy
This guy either can't test cars or he can't drive. I want him fired from his job, he is paid isn't he??

Exactly - who does he think he is being critical :eek: :eek: :eek: :o :o :o