RX-8 (http://mazda.jbcarpages.com/RX8/#reviews)

This may be on a tread but still good.

Cool site Thks....

It's ok.

One Paragraph contradicts itself:

But downshifting is redefined by the rotary engine, not to mention the brilliant close-ratio six-speed gearbox. You can drop the RX-8 into second gear at a speed that would cause almost every other car on the planet to scream, if not explode.

A close ratio WOULD make the gearbox explode! I think they got the name "close-ratio" wrong, or got the comparison backwards.

Also, they don't say how downshifting is actually "redefined" by the rotary engine. Screwy.

I'd give the review 4 out of 10 stars. Less if you include their blank "mod section".

The "close ratio" point is that there is not a large jump from gear to gear, so down-shifting at speed for stronger acceleration will not cause the rev's to jump up too high and damage things. I think it is a valid point, and a significant point for an engine with relatively low torque.

No, it doesn't explain the "redefinition" thing, but I would guess that the fact that the rotary will rev quickly is what makes downshifting better than in a piston-engined car. I'm not sure I would defend this as "redefined", but it does work better.

they have a pretty good selection in their wallpapers, why don't they have titanium?

Originally posted by BoomerBurt
The "close ratio" point is that there is not a large jump from gear to gear, so down-shifting at speed for stronger acceleration will not cause the rev's to jump up too high and damage things. I think it is a valid point, and a significant point for an engine with relatively low torque.

No, it doesn't explain the "redefinition" thing, but I would guess that the fact that the rotary will rev quickly is what makes downshifting better than in a piston-engined car. I'm not sure I would defend this as "redefined", but it does work better.

There is a large jump from gear to gear.

If the gear box was close ratio, you might only have to 2x clutch 1500 rpms on a downshift.

If the gear box was wide/economy/etc you might have to downshift 3500 rpm per gear.

IMHO the gearbox is not close-ratio. Especially if you have driven earlier cars with close ratio gear boxes. Why am I speeding on the freeway in 2nd gear?

In a close ratio, I should have to be in 4th, and it would make better use of the 6 speed.

I've been wondering about a higher ratio ring & pinion for a while, and I think this would be the best damn mod for the car!

Originally posted by syntrix
I'd give the review 4 out of 10 stars. Less if you include their blank "mod section".
Yeah, what's up with that? I couldn't even get into the "Submit your RX-8" section!
Originally posted by BoomerBurt
Why am I speeding on the freeway in 2nd gear?
Because the car has a 9000 RPM redline :D