I know i'm taking a huge flame risk here, but I didn't see this posted anywhere else. The 2009 RX-8 is now included in the "upcoming models" section on the Mazdausa website. Not sure if anyone cares, but it has pics and info.

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=upcomingRX8SE

nice find!!!

its icky

I think it will look great lowered w/o the tail. In fact I love it.

anyone know when these are coming out to dealerships? can it be ordered already?

terrible. a cartoon of its former self.

http://www.clicket.com/images/1DPL2364.jpg

Glad I own a 1st gen, I think resale for all of us will be better once this thing comes out.

Wow, that is terrible.

Glad I own a 1st gen, I think resale for all of us will be better once this thing comes out.
+1
Railton

Mazda executive during planning stages of new RX-8.

"I want you to f*ck this car up." "Everything nice about the present RX-8, f*ck it up. I want you to take a good looking car and make it look like crap. Also, lots of plastic in the front, I love cheap looking plastic."

"Oh horsepower? Decrease that by say 6HP. No, I did not say increase HP by 60HP like some sane executive trying to boost sales would. Advertise a HP decrease, along with making the car look ugly."

Well at least the resale value of the old RX-8s should go up. Will be interesting to see what they did with the intake as it's advertised as 30% more.

Mazda executive during planning stages of new RX-8.

"I want you to f*ck this car up." "Everything nice about the present RX-8, f*ck it up. I want you to take a good looking car and make it look like crap. Also, lots of plastic in the front, I love cheap looking plastic."

"Oh horsepower? Decrease that by say 6HP. No, I did not say increase HP by 60HP like some sane executive trying to boost sales would. Advertise a HP decrease, along with making the car look ugly."

Well at least the resale value of the old RX-8s should go up. Will be interesting to see what they did with the intake as it's advertised as 30% more.

No offense, but the original 8 is full of cheap looking plastic gimmicky styling itself. For instance, the gray strake things in the rear tail lights. I would have bought one years ago were it not for those lights. So to an outsider this one, though not a huge improvement, doesn't really look dramatically worse.

If somebody is not a die-hard rx-8 fan they probably wouldn't even notice the difference, so I seriously doubt it will hurt sales. And in a couple years everybody will have adjusted to the new look just like every new model car that comes out.

I've hated every new Jetta model, but in hindsight the older ones always look worse. Its true of ferrari, porsche, even corvettes and audis. I can't remember the last time a new version of a car was released, and I thought, "wow, thats brilliant".

And so it goes. Analogy - the 240Z was sweet, the 260Z was less so and down the hill it went. Never recovered as far as I'm concerned.

"Value Engineering" is seldom of value to the buyer!

Mazda executive during planning stages of new RX-8.

"I want you to f*ck this car up." "Everything nice about the present RX-8, f*ck it up. I want you to take a good looking car and make it look like crap. Also, lots of plastic in the front, I love cheap looking plastic."

"Oh horsepower? Decrease that by say 6HP. No, I did not say increase HP by 60HP like some sane executive trying to boost sales would. Advertise a HP decrease, along with making the car look ugly."

Well at least the resale value of the old RX-8s should go up. Will be interesting to see what they did with the intake as it's advertised as 30% more.

nice find.
It's not hideous, might just take time to grow on me. The rear end does look like crap though...

This cant be 2nd Generation, I think we should call it the 1.5 :)

^^^Agreed. Not nearly enough changes/additions to be considered 2nd Gen. Just a tweaked version of the 1st Gen is all. I think it has potential to look pretty good...but straight from the dealer in base trim it FAILS IMO. Take away some little things here, addsome things there, lower it, tint the windows, maybe a cool lip/appearance package and i believe i would like the exterior.......but then you have the interior, oh boy they fu@#$d up there. Looks cheap.

i like the guages

I asked a lot of "non car enthusiasts" and they prefer the new rx8 more. *shrug*. I personally hate how tall and narrow the rear looks, other than that, it's nice.

It's not bad. Still hate the steering wheel.

steering wheel is hedious, but the guages are nice, the rear looks like it is sticking up in the back and i just cant get over the front. i wonder how many they will sell?

thanks for the link

but meh on the looks of the 2009...

Wheels are nice, Steering wheel is horrible, should have left it alone instead of taking from another vehicle

I concur on the steering wheel...but I think in time the car will grow on a lot of people....

i love the new seats!

The biggest killer is that plastic across the front bumper grille, on the standard model. If they offer an alternative grille than maybe....

Then the plastic around the fog lights and the design of the fog lights should have been done where they flowed better. An aftermarket replacement is definitely needed there too.

Lastly, Mazda could have scored points on the automatic by coming out with a semi-automatic or automatic twin clutch transmission.

Then they could have boosted the power rating of the automatic up to near 232 like the manual.

Somebody has to pop some of these Mazda executives upside their heads.

Standard front... which the plastic and fog light weirdness makes me want to puke a bit...

http://images.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/images/vehicles/upcoming/rx8/veh_upcoming_rx8_3.jpg

http://images.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/images/vehicles/upcoming/rx8/veh_upcoming_rx8_1.jpg



In terms of looks however, the Mazdaspeed variant is acceptable, if this is what comes out. Though the excess of plastic around the top of the fog lights, not the fog lights (which look cool) themselves, cause a slight twinge.


http://www.rx8france.com/forum/upload/mazda_rx8_ms01.jpg

A face you can live with....

http://www.rx8france.com/forum/upload/mazda_rx8_ms12.jpg

When is this due in the states?

Other than the adding (2) more oil injectors that may be a blessing depending on one's personal opinion, the exterior and interior styling changes are not significant enough to make me jump to buying one. The steering column controls now look like a 350Z, I personally like the current styling better.

i still think its ugly. i'll wait for my furai, thank you very much

I wish Mazda had taken the lead from VW in the '60's when they made minimal changes each year to things that actually were improved: larger signal lights, more convenient knobs, larger window openings. Most changes were subtle, but did improve the car.

Mazda had done nothing for five model years, and now makes a number of superficial changes, none of which are improvements. Some people like the new style; some like the old. I think that just goes to show that there has been no improvement, just change for change's sake.

I am disappointed in Mazda design. They have received kudos from the automotive press for pioneering a genuine Japanese style of automobile, but they seem to be hamstrung by the old Detroit mentality of "change for change sake". Very sad.

I'm keeping my '04.

there are more changes to this then you guys realize.
Additional injectors, new OMP system, larger oil coolers, relocated oil filter, new transmission gearing, etc.

Jedi54 - Are you referring to the 1.6 Renesis or are they going to make those changes to the current 1.3? I guess I had the impression that there would be no engine changes until the move to the larger displacement engine.

It will grow on me. Some of the additional new features as Jedi jus brought up are pretty cool . . Car definitely needs more power, hands down.

I wonder if that head unit is interchangeable with ours... I want bluetooth.

I wonder if that head unit is interchangeable with ours... I want bluetooth.

Yes, me too. But I think you'd need to sacrifice and have to swap to the ugly steering wheel since the bluetooth controls are on the wheel..

Jedi54 - Are you referring to the 1.6 Renesis or are they going to make those changes to the current 1.3?Those are changes to the 1.3. They are good things with the exception of the gear ratio change which will probably make fuel economy even worse than it is now - so there will be even more people bashing the RX-8 as a gas guzzler.
If anything, they should have made the upper gears longer, so that the engine does not rev 4000 when going 80 mph.

Other than the adding (2) more oil injectors that may be a blessing depending on one's personal opinion, the exterior and interior styling changes are not significant enough to make me jump to buying one. The steering column controls now look like a 350Z, I personally like the current styling better.

RPM is limited to 4k until engine warms up. The gauge will show indicated red bars above the 4k limit and will release up to the normal 9k redline... Did i mention the recaro seats? :)

Looking at this pic, it might be 5k... i thought i read 4k. Time will tell.


http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/mazda_rx8_09_1280_10.jpg

Type E
http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/6182/p1tu2.jpg

Type S
http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/3246/p2lb6.jpg

Type RS
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/698/p3ba6.jpg

Actually the type S actually looks ok... or maybe thats because i cant see the front.

After looking at many photos of the 09 rx8 i have to say that the only thing i really like about it are the new dials and moving redline!

Anybody notice no Oil Pressure gauge?

Mazda executive during planning stages of new RX-8.

"I want you to f*ck this car up." "Everything nice about the present RX-8, f*ck it up. I want you to take a good looking car and make it look like crap. Also, lots of plastic in the front, I love cheap looking plastic."

"Oh horsepower? Decrease that by say 6HP. No, I did not say increase HP by 60HP like some sane executive trying to boost sales would. Advertise a HP decrease, along with making the car look ugly."


rofl. i :love: cheap plastic.

No offense, but the original 8 is full of cheap looking plastic gimmicky styling itself. For instance, the gray strake things in the rear tail lights. I would have bought one years ago were it not for those lights. So to an outsider this one, though not a huge improvement, doesn't really look dramatically worse.
.

1.) i think most 8 owners cherish how beautiful and different and structural their taillights are.
2.) you didnt buy the car because of the taillights? lets be fucking realistic.
3.) outsiders are morons.
4.) you could always replace the taillights. youre delusional.

Beleive it or not, that oil pressure guage actually helped me once. Looks kind of funny without it. We don't know if it is the case yet, but those new and improved gear ratios better not make mpg worse. If it does, shame on mazda. They should know that is unacceptable for a car that already gets horrendous MPG. Do we have any date yet when these should start to show up?

RPM is limited to 4k until engine warms up. The gauge will show indicated red bars above the 4k limit and will release up to the normal 9k redline... Did i mention the recaro seats? :)

The seats look nice but would probably be uncomfortable for us somewhat "Larger people" of which I am a member.:lol:

Wow, those were the first photos I've seen of the Japan spec facelifted Rx-8. Where did you get the pics from?

Rotary Xperiment - Autoblog.com has some coverage from he Januarry LA? or Detriot show.. one of them was in Jan..


77mjd - poor Gas millage due to automatic gear ratios? you can always shift to 6th, at 70mph it's hovering in the mid 3500rpm range.. which is already pretty low. heck you can cruise in 4th gear at 60. :)

I know, I've seen all the pics from TAS and the Detroit show. These pictures, though, are different. "Type E, Type S, Type RS" are specific Japan spec trim grades, which means that this picture may have come from a brochure that's been leaked in Japan---which means production for the car would be starting up very very soon (if not already). That's why I wanted to know where the pics came from (and besides I am getting the Japan spec, so the sooner production starts, the sooner I get my car!!)

2009 Available Colors:

Diamond Gray Metallic
Velocity Red Mica
Aurora Blue Mica
Sparkling Black Mica
Sunlight Silver Metallic
Crystal White Pearl
Diamond Grey Metallic
Galaxy Gray Mica
Brilliant Black Metallic

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/3690/p445353jo2.jpg

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/445/545644pf6.jpg

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/3199/345445jf8.jpg

Hmmm...Aurora Blue? How close is that to winning blue? I wish they would bring back yellow.

no black. im pretty sure this is rare. a car manufacturer comes out with a new car model and DOESNT OFFER PLAIN BLACK?

Yet another gray!!! And it doesn't look as nice as Metropolitan Gray. BTW, others have been reporting that Galaxy Gray has been deleted.

Aurora Blue is the blue used in all of the R3 pictures if you want to see lots more pictures. Darker than Winning Blue. So sad about Phantom Blue being deleted discontinued after 2007.

no black. im pretty sure this is rare. a car manufacturer comes out with a new car model and DOESNT OFFER PLAIN BLACK?

What do you mean there is no black?! There is still "Brilliant Black Metallic" and new color "Sparkling Black Mica".

Man, I love the look of this car! I'm surprised how many people really dislike the front. I think the RX8 has always had somewhat confused styling, and i never really liked the front end. But now!... I do have to say I hate the plastic though.

You guys think switching out the gauge cluster and tail lights on an older RX-8 would work?

You guys think switching out the gauge cluster and tail lights on an older RX-8 would work?

u'll need to get the ecu/pcm... not sure if the wiring harness is the same even... there's quite a bit... not to mention the new ecu manages the OMP differently... so no that is a pretty heavy mod :)

not much of a 2009 fan myself. in all actuality, i like my '04 a lot better. hope at least the advancements under the hood and in the drive train are better.

I don't know... I still think the exterior changes look like a cheap body kit as opposed to a factory produced modification...

Also, I'm trying to be unbiased... but it's failing. I <3 my '05.

i love your new avatar:)

I was hoping Mazda would do a major re-design on the RX-8 and utilize their 1.6L rotary engine. From what i have read, the new engine resolves a lot of complaints we have with the 1.3 L i.e. torque and mpg. I have an 06 phantom blue GT. The lease is up May of 09 and i was hoping to get into a significantly re-designed RX-8. Looks like I'll just keep mine and purchase it at the end of the lease term.

Guys, just wait till the 16X gets released with whatever car, and then wait a year or so. Someone's bound to have wrecked their 16X car by then, and you can then do an engine swap!

"ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE: RX-8 R3
The 2009 RX-8 will offer a new R3 trim level. Providing the very best in rotary-powered motoring, the R3 hearkens back to the R1 and R2 packages offered on the mighty third-generation RX-7, and adds a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein® shock absorbers and front-suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam for a smoother ride, minimized NVH and greater suspension control. On the visual side of the R3 trim level, a rear spoiler, side sills and sporty front bumper were added to give an aggressive appearance, along with 19-inch forged, aluminum-alloy wheels with high-performance tires. Inside, the R3 includes a 300-watt Bose® Centerpoint® Surround System with AudioPilot® noise compensation technology, Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, front Recaro sport seats with leather side bolsters, leather-wrapped parking-brake handle and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System."

now, this, this is what I'm talkin bout

"ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE: RX-8 R3
The 2009 RX-8 will offer a new R3 trim level. Providing the very best in rotary-powered motoring, the R3 hearkens back to the R1 and R2 packages offered on the mighty third-generation RX-7, and adds a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein® shock absorbers and front-suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam for a smoother ride, minimized NVH and greater suspension control. On the visual side of the R3 trim level, a rear spoiler, side sills and sporty front bumper were added to give an aggressive appearance, along with 19-inch forged, aluminum-alloy wheels with high-performance tires. Inside, the R3 includes a 300-watt Bose® Centerpoint® Surround System with AudioPilot® noise compensation technology, Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, front Recaro sport seats with leather side bolsters, leather-wrapped parking-brake handle and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System."

now, this, this is what I'm talkin boutIn other words, it's a rebadged Shinka.

In other words, it's a rebadged Shinka.

That's not entirely true!

It has bigger, heavier 19" wheels and tires and don't forget the leather wrapped hand brake handle, come on!!

The Shinka didn't have ALL that did it? :rolleyes:

...but to be fair, it does have those nice seats... i want that (but not the car)

i like the rs model.

there actully doing a rs for the rx8!

motor different at all?

i also like the new seats that they come with. very little change but for a rx8 owner you can tell the difference.

also the rims look like the same rims as the 40th rx8..

when does the car hit the lots?

hmmmmm. check this.

look at the bottom of the page... it says 91 premium recommended now.. instead of 93? or am i wrong?...

lol, the shocks and crossmember are just recycled Shinka parts, bfd ...

NO! NO! NO!

The pics from the OP, I assume RS version, are just awful!
Cheap
Looks like those body kits kids put on every POS.
Needs a giant wing in the back to match the style!
I died a little inside after seeing these images.
Had to fight the urge to vomit!


Then I read a few posts down, and the clouds parted
The sun shined again (sort of)
After seeing the Type E version, I was "somewhat" hopeful.
Modest design change.
"seems" OK
Will need to see it in person.

One of the main reasons I bought my '04 was design cues.
I would NEVER buy the RS version I saw!

At least now it's finally official that Mazda was unable to get anywhere with this engine. For 2009 the best they can come up with is a new bodykit and the 4.777 FEED mod. They obviously didn't care too much about fuel economy for these new models because the more aggressive gearing is going to lower MPG. Yeah you'll have a little more pick up now but at the expense of your wallet. If you're unconcerned about fuel efficiency, why not just say fuck it and slap on a turbo anyway? Regardless, even after 5 years, they still couldn't produce a Mazdaspeed RX-8, which is all anyone ever really wanted. Sad. :tear:

^ agreed, + the R3 package is just a cynical marketing joke :)

They obviously didn't care too much about fuel economy for these new models because the more aggressive gearing is going to lower MPG.


the new tranny gearing allows for the same fuel economy rating

i guess this is how marketing works...put out a bunch of crap and make that the "standard". After that sells for a while put out a "new" product, call it the "high end" version and jack up the price......oh and to clarify, the 09 is the crap to which i am reffering

Every car maker does this crappy "transitional" model at the end of their production cycles. Who are they kidding with this "R3" without a torque increase? Remember the hidious looking Nissan Maximas just befor this current model? I'd wait till2010-11. I have a feeling the whole design will change then (I hope)

Beige color is butt ugly on the 8. Wish they had added additional gauges to the main cluster. There is plenty of room and it could use at least a voltmeter addition.

I still don't see anything on the MNAO site

Actually like the beige color, DO NOT like the brown. yup, BROWN is on the jp website for colors



EDIT: the brown may be sparkling black mica, but it looks brown on the webpage

I have to say, I think I like the styling of the 2009 R3 better than the current car. :o:

I'm not really liking the blue though--that's not the only color that the R3 is going to be available in, is it?

Also, is the Bose in the R3 any different than the current one?

And, finally, I wonder if they changed the dipstick position to make checking the oil easier?

The plastic mustache has to go.

I don't really like the styling in general. It is too busy.

I think the auto climate control will be nice.

-Mr. Wigggles

At least now it's finally official that Mazda was unable to get anywhere with this engine. For 2009 the best they can come up with is a new bodykit and the 4.777 FEED mod. They obviously didn't care too much about fuel economy for these new models because the more aggressive gearing is going to lower MPG. Yeah you'll have a little more pick up now but at the expense of your wallet. If you're unconcerned about fuel efficiency, why not just say fuck it and slap on a turbo anyway? Regardless, even after 5 years, they still couldn't produce a Mazdaspeed RX-8, which is all anyone ever really wanted. Sad. :tear:

They can produce it, they just don't want to sell it here.

And people don't just slap on a turbo because of voiding the warranty.

I honestly think modded it will look nice. The tranny and gearing changes, as well as the omp, bigger oil coolers, SEATS, etc changes are a big plus in my book. Will I trade mine in for an 09........ I dont think so........ but still haha

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/355/p1can4od20ol3.jpg

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/274/p2car8gzi6rd9.jpg

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/4563/p3ny9.jpg

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/7688/p4kp9.jpg

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/5391/p5caln04cooi3.jpg

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/8182/p6xx2.jpg

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/2742/p7yi6.jpg

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/2941/p8tc9.jpg

No offense, but the original 8 is full of cheap looking plastic gimmicky styling itself. For instance, the gray strake things in the rear tail lights. I would have bought one years ago were it not for those lights. So to an outsider this one, though not a huge improvement, doesn't really look dramatically worse.

If somebody is not a die-hard rx-8 fan they probably wouldn't even notice the difference, so I seriously doubt it will hurt sales. And in a couple years everybody will have adjusted to the new look just like every new model car that comes out.

I've hated every new Jetta model, but in hindsight the older ones always look worse. Its true of ferrari, porsche, even corvettes and audis. I can't remember the last time a new version of a car was released, and I thought, "wow, thats brilliant".

?? Charger and the Challenger...the older ones were the best!!

I was a Mopar fan back in the day. I even had a Mopar slot car track as a kid. But those cars were pigs on the road. They were all motor. They couldn't turn or stop. I'll enjoy driving a modern minivan more than a 1970 muscle car.

?? Charger and the Challenger...the older ones were the best!!

Yeah, that comment may have been inspired by beer. Though I do stand by my opinion that you have to give new styling some time before denouncing it. I was sure I would hate the new audi grill forever, but now the old models just look, well, old without that big honking nose.

anyone know when these are coming out to dealerships? can it be ordered already?


I was told during our 08 Dearler Auto show this week they'll be in the showrooms between July & Sept. Can't wait to see it. :ylsuper:

Yeah, that comment may have been inspired by beer. Though I do stand by my opinion that you have to give new styling some time before denouncing it. I was sure I would hate the new audi grill forever, but now the old models just look, well, old without that big honking nose.

OH, I'm with you jayk...When the new BMW 3 series came out I wasn't really impressed...I just liked the older bodystyle better, but after a cople of years, whenever I see the old 3 next to the new one, I"m like damn....that is nice. Same w/Audi. I've been an "autounion" fan forever...but the new A4 and A6....OMG, it's 10 times better looking than the old model to me. And daumn...the new R8...that thing is just freaking awesome. OH, is it me, or does the R8 look like the car that W. Smith drove in I-robot??

The current model RX8 is sleek and beautiful IMO. The lines flow really well, and it all works together nicely. Very organic styling, much like the last generation 300Z was in its day.

This new model does look very much like a parody of it's former self IMO. Almost like it's trying to compete with the STI. Way too "boy racer" for my taste. The front faschia is just AWFUL. It doesn't flow anymore, it's just jagged and tries too hard to be aggressive. The new steering wheel SUCKS. The new seats are OK and I like the larger exhaust tips. The rear of the car looks OK to me, but not better than the current gen.

I also thought it was supposed to have auto climate control? The photo doesn't seem to indicate this. There are only two features I miss on my 8. Auto climate control (a BIG let down) and auto-off headlights (which I'm fixing soon).

New RX8 = yuck. We'll see, maybe it'll look better in person. I can't believe Mazda is refreshing it, I guess it's a hold over until the Kabura or RX7 is released. 232HP wasn't stellar 4 years ago and it's not getting any better.

2009s are being ordered by the dealerships now!

Look who Mazda hit up on styling again. Check out the fog lights on the 911 Turbo.

http://www.porsche.com/filestore.aspx/normal.jpg?pool=germany&type=galleryimage&id=tu997-experience-exterieur-07&lang=none&filetype=normal

oh look who porshe is hitting up for styling

http://jalopnik.com/cars/assets/resources/2007/11/Audi-R8.jpg

oh snap someone has been copying the slats in the grill from acura

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/01/07/033257.1.jpg

look who porshe has been hitting up for fog light styling

http://www.onlyporsche.net/images/stories/2005/20050524_porsche_cayman_1.jpg

http://www.carsdb.info/images/hyundai11.jpg

oh and look at that side marker light- so derivative

http://www.onlyporsche.net/images/stories/2005/20050524_porsche_cayman_1.jpg

http://www.analogstereo.com/images/om/mazda_rx8.jpg

Zoom is on a roll :lol2:

and look mazda took that wheel style FROM A TRUCK!!

http://www.fallingpixel.com/products/2474/mains/lexus_RX300_1.jpg

AND mazda took an actual designer from Volkswagen http://media.ford.com/mazda/article_display.cfm?article_id=24708

2009s are being ordered by the dealerships now!

In the states or do you mean japan?

here in the states the dealerships are placing their first allocation orders.

im working on color charts , spec deck etc. should have them soon

thanks for the info zoom, any info on when it might be available for purchase?

and look mazda took that wheel style FROM A TRUCK!!

http://www.fallingpixel.com/products/2474/mains/lexus_RX300_1.jpg

That's no truck! It's a wibbly wobbily soundproofed living room couch on wheels with a kickass sound system.

2009s will arrive in dealers late may.

hmm, Ill take the steering wheel.

and tha gauges.

2009s will arrive in dealers late may.

Is that only in Oregon or what? As I stated before, my dealer told me they would arrive mid June - late June.

i dont like it start over

:fingersx: Here's to hoping the auto climate control can be retrofitted to the version 1's somehow...

??? It's a Sports Car. Who cares about auto climate control????

:fingersx: Here's to hoping the auto climate control can be retrofitted to the version 1's somehow...

I got to see an '09 in person last night. The car looks very nice. It has the body updates that the car badly needed. The front end is fantastic looking. Much nicer than the original. There was always something wrong looking about it though. I like the tail lights. I'm still a bit up in the air about the lower bumper area in back but it'll grow on me. It's not my favorite but not bad. I definitely don't like the generic Mazda steering wheel that they are using now. It's pretty ugly.

Under the hood it's hard to see anything. One thing you do notice though is that the oil filter is definitely not where it used to be which is a good thing. I didn't get any pictures of the car (we've seen them anyways) but overall it's a nice update and one which was long overdue. Many people's initial reactions are a bit harsh to most updates at first. In a few years this will be the RX-8 that is sought after and the old ones will just be the cheaper plentiful ones that had more issues. Nice job Mazda. Let's see the 2nd gen!

I thought about waiting for an '09, but I really don't like the new styling as much as the first gen. Plus there are so many kits available for the first gen that look better than the second gen (IMHO) anyway that I didn't see any reason to wait.

-my 2 cents

The following is my opinion, feel free to disagree.


Some mid life updates turned out good:

Last gen WRX eliminated the bug eyes (? year).
The 99-04 Mustangs looked better than the softer 94-98 models


And some have not been improvements:


C4 Vette in 91 went from concave rear with round lights to fat butt rear with squared off lights :icon_no2:
The NSX ditched the pop up headlight for fixed lights but the front end looked hidious compared to the original :icon_no2: :icon_no2:

Have to wait and see if the refreshed RX8 is for the better or worse.

The following is my opinion, feel free to disagree.


Some mid life updates turned out good:

Last gen WRX eliminated the bug eyes (? year).
The 99-04 Mustangs looked better than the softer 94-98 models


And some have not been improvements:


C4 Vette in 91 went from concave rear with round lights to fat butt rear with squared off lights :icon_no2:
The NSX ditched the pop up headlight for fixed lights but the front end looked hidious compared to the original :icon_no2: :icon_no2:

Have to wait and see if the refreshed RX8 is for the better or worse.


Hehe... personal taste is a funny thing.

To me:
WRX with bugeyes = Yuk
Mustang.. not sure. I don't recall
C5 vette is Far better than C4 or C6 (style wise) to me
NSX first gen front end was def better than the second version
Second gen RX8 to me looks like a bad attempt to look like it has an aftermarket body kit.

Again, just my 2 cents...

Does it really qualify as a "2nd gen"? It's more of a new series or minor "1.5" update in my opinion. Much like the RX7s.

??? It's a Sports Car. Who cares about auto climate control????

I've never been in a car that had an automatic climate control system as well dialed in as the traditional temperature adjuster. To me, auto climate is a negative feature.

Does it really qualify as a "2nd gen"? It's more of a new series or minor "1.5" update in my opinion. Much like the RX7s.

Yeah, I would agree with that. More 1.5 than 2.0. I was hoping for 2.0... But Mazda gave us 1.5... so I bought a 1.0 :)

Yeah, I would agree with that. More 1.5 than 2.0. I was hoping for 2.0... But Mazda gave us 1.5... so I bought a 1.0 :)I'd say it's more of a 1.2. :lol:

I got to see an '09 in person last night. The car looks very nice. It has the body updates that the car badly needed. The front end is fantastic looking. Much nicer than the original. There was always something wrong looking about it though. I like the tail lights. I'm still a bit up in the air about the lower bumper area in back but it'll grow on me. It's not my favorite but not bad. I definitely don't like the generic Mazda steering wheel that they are using now. It's pretty ugly.

Under the hood it's hard to see anything. One thing you do notice though is that the oil filter is definitely not where it used to be which is a good thing. I didn't get any pictures of the car (we've seen them anyways) but overall it's a nice update and one which was long overdue. Many people's initial reactions are a bit harsh to most updates at first. In a few years this will be the RX-8 that is sought after and the old ones will just be the cheaper plentiful ones that had more issues. Nice job Mazda. Let's see the 2nd gen!

Boy are you a fan BOY!


Your post is :fight: words. Best front end? If like happy faces.

I wonder if they give you a little toy with every buy.... Just like Mc Donalds.

The biggest killer is that plastic across the front bumper grille, on the standard model. If they offer an alternative grille than maybe....

Then the plastic around the fog lights and the design of the fog lights should have been done where they flowed better. An aftermarket replacement is definitely needed there too.

Lastly, Mazda could have scored points on the automatic by coming out with a semi-automatic or automatic twin clutch transmission.

Then they could have boosted the power rating of the automatic up to near 232 like the manual.

Somebody has to pop some of these Mazda executives upside their heads.

Standard front... which the plastic and fog light weirdness makes me want to puke a bit...

http://images.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/images/vehicles/upcoming/rx8/veh_upcoming_rx8_3.jpg

http://images.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/images/vehicles/upcoming/rx8/veh_upcoming_rx8_1.jpg



In terms of looks however, the Mazdaspeed variant is acceptable, if this is what comes out. Though the excess of plastic around the top of the fog lights, not the fog lights (which look cool) themselves, cause a slight twinge.


http://www.rx8france.com/forum/upload/mazda_rx8_ms01.jpg

A face you can live with....

http://www.rx8france.com/forum/upload/mazda_rx8_ms12.jpg

now the ms version I could tolerate... but the stock version is a$$. just something about it i dont like... especially those sidestrakes now with either a reflector or turnsignal built in? :vomit:

Boy are you a fan BOY!


Your post is :fight: words. Best front end? If like happy faces.

I wonder if they give you a little toy with every buy.... Just like Mc Donalds.

What's so bad about it? It's an opinion. In my opinion the RX-8 has always looked iffy at best! Something has always looked wrong about the RX-8 and now it all looks in harmony. In other words the car no longer looks heavy and slow. It looks lighter and more nimble. It's amazing how simple looks can give you that impression. This is how the car should have always been designed. Well, except for that damn steering wheel and maybe the rear bumper. They got the front end right though.

What's so bad about it? It's an opinion. In my opinion the RX-8 has always looked iffy at best! Something has always looked wrong about the RX-8 and now it all looks in harmony. In other words the car no longer looks heavy and slow. It looks lighter and more nimble. It's amazing how simple looks can give you that impression. This is how the car should have always been designed. Well, except for that damn steering wheel and maybe the rear bumper. They got the front end right though.

I agree RG, there was always something a bit akward about the geometery on the front end of the 04-08. The facelift has realy tightened up all the lines and created a uniform look/feel to the entire car.

I was planning on looking for an 06 copper red shinka in the next few years but I think I will have to change that to the brown mica 09!

This is all such a beauty contest. Some apparently like the new edits (weird thou it is to me), some not. RG I would say I almost totally am of the opposite opinion of what you feel, for, to me, the front now looks very heavy and overdone, it doesn't flow with rest of the car, and is so iffy as to make me not like the '09 RX-8 design overall anymore! And it is amazing how such small changes can give such a big change of impression.

And I like the rear and esp and the lights a lot. The only place we agree is on the bulbous steering wheel stolen from some parts bin I guess. And most would agree I hope that the overbite is hideous, if for no other reason than it almost forces a lic plate being hung there because it is so noticeable wo it.

Maybe they be able to satisfy more with the '10 redo, given that they can come up with it even!

There were the same reactions when the RX-7's got facelifted. It's just happening with another car. The 2nd gen RX-7 was facelifted in '89. You will still find people that don't like it or certain aspects of it but most would agree that it's the style that is the one to find if you really want an 2nd gen RX-7. The 3rd gen RX-7 got a facelift in 2000 or 2001. Many people hated it too yet you still see people go out of their way to import the bodyparts from Japan to do the conversion. That's just the way it goes. This car is no different. In a few years people will be trying to find wrecked ones to take body parts off of to install in their older ones.

I've never been in a car that had an automatic climate control system as well dialed in as the traditional temperature adjuster. To me, auto climate is a negative feature.

Whoever said "who cares about climate control in a sports car" must not care about things like decent stereo's, power windows or heated seats either. Although somehow the 350Z and corvette manage these features. Oh and the RX8 has climate control in Europe. So, I feel this is on topic because the NEW 8 has it and we don't.

I was in my gf's G35 this weekend and the auto climate control was uncooperative so I can sort of see your point. However, the nice thing is that in all cars equipped with the feature it can be turned off. So I don't see how having the option is a negative.

Also, the auto climate control in my Acura CL Type S was amazing. I can't believe how much better it was than the G35. I guess I'm just spoiled. The CL also didn't rattle the way my 8 does. Hmmm. I kinda miss my Acura now. There really is something to be said for Honda build quality (let the flaming begin.....)

As for the 8 refresh, while I haven't seen it in person (and that could very well change anyone's opinion), it just looks terrible to me. I feel the exact opposite of RG. The new model looks heavy and overdone- like a bad body kit from an old Battlestar Galactica prop. Everyone hates the steering wheel (although I bet the radio controls are easier to press). I'm not crazy about the new interior, but even if I were, the exterior just looks soooooo ricey to me. Like it's trying to +1 the STi or something. I think the lines of the original flow very well and it all looks organic.

I hope the people who don't care about climate control aren't using theirs! They'd better have removed it entirely for "weight" reasons like the RX-7 guys do. Otherwise it's a bit hippocritical to say "who cares". To have a car with all the creature comforts that still performs this well is a testament to a good design. It shows you don't need to have a stripped down tin can to have good performance, much like many older sports cars did. Look at the Mercedes SLR or Bugatti Veyron. Creature comforts to the max!

I find it ridiculous to rip the climate controls out of a race car, let alone a street car. How many races have you seen fog build up on the inside of the window. And you shouldn't care about getting that last horsepower or loosing that last pound in a street car.

now the ms version I could tolerate... but the stock version is a$$. just something about it i dont like... especially those sidestrakes now with either a reflector or turnsignal built in? :vomit:

I agree ,that sidestrakes make me vomit, and then, they took away the side markers ; WHTF, they should had keep the last sidestrakes and the sidemarkers ,that make the car looks even more sport ,,,,ho by the way the stock version sucks

I want to like it, but the designer in me simply sees so much out of place. The front bumper overbite and cut line that is now angled, bulbous headlight lens, large black molding, fender vent styled like so many others, rear tail lights that appear more of the "Altezza" style instead of the flowing design elements of the current front and rear lights, the open portion to the exhaust tips which now show more of the muffler, the parts bin steeering wheel, and the way the center console does not flow in a fluid motion from top to bottom.

I simply do not see the lines of the car flowing anymore. Too many curves, angles, openings.

whats with the plastic? so basically a vielside is required with this car?

There were the same reactions when the RX-7's got facelifted. It's just happening with another car. The 2nd gen RX-7 was facelifted in '89. You will still find people that don't like it or certain aspects of it but most would agree that it's the style that is the one to find if you really want an 2nd gen RX-7. The 3rd gen RX-7 got a facelift in 2000 or 2001. Many people hated it too yet you still see people go out of their way to import the bodyparts from Japan to do the conversion. That's just the way it goes. This car is no different. In a few years people will be trying to find wrecked ones to take body parts off of to install in their older ones.

I didn't really follow the RX-7 evolution much. To my eye the last ones were very nice looking, the early ones look ... sad & old .... for want of more colorful adjectives. That comparison doesn't work, it's not about the fact that it changed and I'm just not used to it.

It IS about style and flow, and immediate attractiveness to the eye.... attractiveness that is felt at 1st look.....and the fact that '09 lacks it. It plainly and simply is not 'beauutiful to behold'. It's lost it's magic to a large extent. Just like the redo of a great movie, or Coke II or whatever they tried to call it, it's a redo that lost it's mojo. It looks contrieved. It looks like an 18yr old kid who's into hotcar toys decided to photochop it.... It's overdone, a mismash of themes and shapes.

It has nothing to do with getting used to it.

It says that is the R3 trim level....I wonder what the stock package is going to look like

??? It's a Sports Car. Who cares about auto climate control????

A sports car should be superior all-around transportation. The 8 loses on acceleration, fuel economy, stock speaker quality and heavy wheel feel with the stockies, but wins by miles everywhere else for my needs. A 996 under warranty is still my first choice to drive for any distance on paved roads with up to one other person. Put the auto climate control at 69 and leave it there, and it stays perfectly comfortable in all conditions. It's not just about going fast, it's about being great at everything, including magic handling.

A sports car should be superior all-around transportation. The 8 loses on acceleration, fuel economy, stock speaker quality and heavy wheel feel with the stockies, but wins by miles everywhere else for my needs. A 996 under warranty is still my first choice to drive for any distance on paved roads with up to one other person. Put the auto climate control at 69 and leave it there, and it stays perfectly comfortable in all conditions. It's not just about going fast, it's about being great at everything, including magic handling.

I'm not entirely sure a sports car is about superior all-around transportation. It really depends on ones needs. For some a Jeep is superior all-around transportation. Subjectively I agree with you though. For *ME* a sports car is about superior all around transportation- with tons of features while also being a "drivers" car, but my friend who races Porsches on the pro circuit, thinks sports cars are about being track capable, like the new S2000 CR I guess, and he doesn't care about creature comforts.

I totally see your point and aside from the semantics, I completely agree. That's why so many people buy the 911's. Navi, dual zone climate control, heated seats- the works. Oh and it's one hell of a "sports car".

I can't wait to see the new 8 in person. I think it's incredibly ugly in the photos- but I thought the same thing about the original 8 when I saw it in the mags years ago. I was absolutely appalled at what had happened to the RX-7. When I saw it in person I did a 180 (or as Bush would say a "360"). It was love at first sight. Now, 5 years later, I bought one. Who knows, I could feel the same way about the rev 2. I just doubt it...but it has auto climate control DAMNIT.

Whoever said "who cares about climate control in a sports car" must not care about things like decent stereo's, power windows or heated seats either. Although somehow the 350Z and corvette manage these features. Oh and the RX8 has climate control in Europe. So, I feel this is on topic because the NEW 8 has it and we don't.

This is an unfair comparison. I don't like the automatic climate control options where you're forced to set a temperature number and then a computer calculates whether to blow hot or cold air for you; I quite like my AC and would never get a car without it. As far as I can tell, cars that have the automatic climate control feature won't let you default to the manual control type that allows you to choose whether you want hot or cold air. The beauty of the current system is that I get to choose the approximate range of the temperature air that is blowing out. I find automatic systems to be too distracting as it'll be hot one moment and then cold the next. I like my AC, but I like the older manual versions better.

Of course, there are some people that only seem to set their AC to full hot or full cold and I supposed for their climate control is a godsend. However, I use the full range of adjustment on the knob and find it to work much better than any automatic system I've been in, be they Lexus, BMW, Mazda, or otherwise. Granted in the RX-8, the adjustment is not as linear as some other cars out there, but it still suffices. I will say of the cars I've tried, Acura and Lexus had the best automatic climate system; BMW's was horrendous.

I'm not entirely sure a sports car is about superior all-around transportation. It really depends on ones needs. For some a Jeep is superior all-around transportation. Subjectively I agree with you though. For *ME* a sports car is about superior all around transportation- with tons of features while also being a "drivers" car, but my friend who races Porsches on the pro circuit, thinks sports cars are about being track capable, like the new S2000 CR I guess, and he doesn't care about creature comforts.

I totally see your point and aside from the semantics, I completely agree. That's why so many people buy the 911's. Navi, dual zone climate control, heated seats- the works. Oh and it's one hell of a "sports car".

I can't wait to see the new 8 in person. I think it's incredibly ugly in the photos- but I thought the same thing about the original 8 when I saw it in the mags years ago. I was absolutely appalled at what had happened to the RX-7. When I saw it in person I did a 180 (or as Bush would say a "360"). It was love at first sight. Now, 5 years later, I bought one. Who knows, I could feel the same way about the rev 2. I just doubt it...but it has auto climate control DAMNIT.

It really is the different strokes for different folks argument. A sports car to some is a stripped down roadster in the English sense of the word; manual everything with seats and a steering wheel. To others, it's mostly about style. Something flashy and impressive. Despite countless internet arguments, there is no real definition of a sports car.

As for me, I want my sports car to be a well handling machine that has the minimum of creature comforts I need; basically AC and a sound system. I don't need satnav or heated and powered seats as they're just extra weight to me, but I know some people would like them. More power to them, but I know what I want.

I don't see any need for climate control. Have humans became too lazy to..."Oh, it's too cold in here, lets turn the heater on." or "Oh, it's too hot in here, lets turn the AC on."...?

I don't see any need for climate control. Have humans became too lazy to..."Oh, it's too cold in here, lets turn the heater on." or "Oh, it's too hot in here, lets turn the AC on."...?

LOL. I hope you're kidding. That's not lazy, that's comfort. You want your seats to be comfortable right? And I'm sure you want your windows to open. If not, get a Lotus, they're pretty cheap. But the windows still open. Do you want your home to have climate control? I'm pretty sure you do...

My Acura had the ability to completely override the auto climate control so it became exactly like what we have in the 8. I could turn it off and just use the knob. The G35 is the same way- except the auto climate control sucks. BUT it can be turned off. I'd just like the option- that's all I'm saying. And the new 8 has it. Cool.

I have to say, the new Mazdaspeed kit looks very nice.

But part of that could just be that it's in silver, which is my preferred color for the RX8 anyway.

A sports car should be superior all-around transportation.

umm no it shouldn't, if I wanted all that I'll go buy an Accord/Camry/whatever or some other generic, boring commuter car that has no soul..
As far as the 2009 goes, I agree with rotarygod 100%, this car got exactly what it needed styling wise, it's just too bad they couldn't have yanked a tad more power out of the engine as well as that would have made it even more amazing. (I can live with the steering wheel too)

Atleast the warmth indicator is pretty cool. :scratchhe


I think buses use the same steering wheel. :puke:

Looking at this pic, it might be 5k... i thought i read 4k. Time will tell.


http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/mazda_rx8_09_1280_10.jpg

whattt..? do i see r,1,2,3,4,5,6..? reverse is in the front now..? lol

my 8 has auto climate control........its called my wife...

is that hot air only chancejat??? lol

the uk models for auto climate control, its handy on a warm day (a rare thing) here in ireland to have the air con/heater come on and off according to the set temp, and not have to muck about switching the fan on and off, or raise/lower temp.

i think the look of the new 8 will grow on us. i pretty much agree with what rotary god said. i also don't like the steering wheel and the rear bumper.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_car

i think the look of the new 8 will grow on us. i pretty much agree with what rotary god said. i also don't like the steering wheel and the rear bumper.

Man, styling really IS a personal thing.

Frankly, the rear treatment is the ONLY "improvement" in design that I see. When I first saw the '09 at the NY Auto Show, I was kind of relieved it didn't look as bad as it did in the photos. But in my eyes, the proportions of the new grille are way oversized, and they should have left well enough alone with the side vents. They look tacky and tacked on.

The problem with Japanese styling, in the main, is that they sacrifice proportion and line for sheer modernity. Same with the new Mitsubishis. No one can call them "beautiful" or "graceful." Europe still "gets" this better than almost anyone.

As far as the automatic climate control, it's a good thing. I would even call it a safety feature- no need to fiddle while you drive.

Here is a slight PS of the 09 version compared to the Audi R8. They look really identical in the front, even the fenders look the same! Even the name is almost the same RX8 & R8. :)

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6803/p1cad9lpbsmk2.jpg

lol that PS'd version of the rx8 looks strange.. but cool!

The Photoshop RX-8 looks better than the present facelifted 09 RX-8 one because it has a more symmetrical and clean look. The plastic "mustache" across the grille still looks nasty.

The Photoshop RX-8 looks like a nice reference point for an aftermarket front for the 09 RX-8.



Here is a slight PS of the 09 version compared to the Audi R8. They look really identical in the front, even the fenders look the same! Even the name is almost the same RX8 & R8. :)

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6803/p1cad9lpbsmk2.jpg

The Photoshop RX-8 looks better than the present facelifted 09 RX-8 one because it has a more symmetrical and clean look. The plastic "mustache" across the grille still looks nasty.

The Photoshop RX-8 looks like a nice reference point for an aftermarket front for the 09 RX-8.

To be honest, the PS version of the 8 doesn't look dramatically different than the facelifted 8 to me. Its kind of like they just stretched the front lip down four or five inches and put in a second horizontal divider in the oil cooler holes.

I like your Pshop better than the refresh, gratz!

EWWW :icon_no2: :icon_no2: :icon_no2: :icon_no2:

Sorry im a late chiming in here, but i was looking at picking up a RX-8 today. just figured i would see what the 09 was supposed to look like, and i would have to agree with RG. I like the new body style, but i think that blue makes it look a little off. well maybe a lot off. seeing something in a picture and in real life can be totally different.

So why is everyone so pissed about their fuel economy? It is a sports car after all.

One more thing, has anyone seen any update to the 16X rotary? All the info i can find was published in mid 2007. Maybe put it in the 2010 RX-8? It is new emissions year an all.

(sorry i had this all typed out better, but i killed the wrong tab and had to retype)

One more thing, has anyone seen any update to the 16X rotary? All the info i can find was published in mid 2007. Maybe put it in the 2010 RX-8? It is new emissions year an all.
lol, i should have held off a bit cause i found it!


The 16X may show up in a special version of the current RX-8, or Mazda may hold off until a new RX-8 bows in 2011.
http://www.autoblog.com/tag/16X%20renesis


(hmmmm, i quoted myself... thats gotta be illegal in 7 different countries)

A sports car should be superior all-around transportation. The 8 loses on acceleration, fuel economy, stock speaker quality and heavy wheel feel with the stockies, but wins by miles everywhere else for my needs. A 996 under warranty is still my first choice to drive for any distance on paved roads with up to one other person. Put the auto climate control at 69 and leave it there, and it stays perfectly comfortable in all conditions. It's not just about going fast, it's about being great at everything, including magic handling.

Those would be Grand Tourers. Pure sport's cars are simple and light like Lotus Elise/Exige's and earlier gen Miata's.

Those would be Grand Tourers. Pure sport's cars are simple and light like Lotus Elise/Exige's and earlier gen Miata's.

I'm not sure "pure sports cars" need to be defined as lightweight. I'd consider old camaros, firebirds, corvettes, or even most ferraris (and many other cars) pure sports cars and they are not lightweight. Lightweight is just one path to a pure sports car.

I'd say an absence of nonsense is my definition of "pure". The sport part is obvious.

I'm not sure "pure sports cars" need to be defined as lightweight. I'd consider old camaros, firebirds, corvettes, or even most ferraris (and many other cars) pure sports cars and they are not lightweight. Lightweight is just one path to a pure sports car.

I'd say an absence of nonsense is my definition of "pure". The sport part is obvious.Most of us would strongly differentiate between traditional light-weight sports cars and traditional heavy American muscle cars. Very different categories indeed.

I'm assuming that MS kit will only work with the 09s, yes? Shame. I like that a lot and if I'm getting an MS kit anyway might as well get the latest.

I'm assuming that MS kit will only work with the 09s, yes? Shame. I like that a lot and if I'm getting an MS kit anyway might as well get the latest.

i hate the round fogs on the new ms kit, should have the new squarish ones instead.

I do like those seats.....

i like it, front is kind of weird., and feels the sleek look of past rx-8s is gone.

personally, i am not liking this at all. It makes me sad... people might start shit talking the rx-8 more.

oh... and this is the R3 model shown. gross.

What's so bad about it? It's an opinion. In my opinion the RX-8 has always looked iffy at best! Something has always looked wrong about the RX-8 and now it all looks in harmony. In other words the car no longer looks heavy and slow. It looks lighter and more nimble. It's amazing how simple looks can give you that impression. This is how the car should have always been designed. Well, except for that damn steering wheel and maybe the rear bumper. They got the front end right though.

I disagree 100% on the changes. It looks bigger and clunkier, and more like the ugly new Eclipses. Even the gauges are ugly now in addition to the steering wheel.

The car was far more elegant before. It just hinted in the angular direction before, but retained some RX-7 character. That's out the window now.

The front is 100% ugly, especially the base mode. The Speed version is acceptable, mostly because it looks more like the original bumper. Still, as a whole the Speed version only has that pumped up last-gen Mustang look going for it. A bit overdone, with lots and lots of plastic stuck on everywhere.

Then again, a lot of people on here think the spoiler ruins the car, but like the extra clunky cladding, so there might be demand for the Steroid-Mustang look.

Also the new rear end has that awful ass up in the air look like the Neon and the Cobalt. The RX-8 avoided all these pratfalls before.

But they HAD to ugly it up so that the next-gen model will look far superior right?

They capitalized on some of their concept car design cues, but it totally doesn't mesh with the original design at all. Frankenstein monster it is.

Interesting note....while at Lime Rock Park I spoke with SpeedSource about the new RX-8 and they mentioned that they will be running a car based upon how the R3 model looks and not a seperate MS kit. Of course it'll be modified to accomodate the much larger tires.

Here we are inside the trailor in a discussion.

http://www.altspace.com/lrp08/images/PICT2523.jpg

flame suit needed or not, what the #$%& did mazda do to this poor car?! I think the new one looks hideous. I mean...seriously people.

They make a few goofy exterior mods and call it new and improved, while completely ignoring the one thing everyone has wanted out of it...MORE OOMPH.

If i still had my 8 i'd be holding onto it for dear life, cause i can honestly say that if I hadn't bought an 8 before, there's no way this one would have attracted me to it...in any way. Before it at least had the stellar looks to carry it throught, but now...yuck.

glad to see mazda's been listening to everyone's input...again. :stickpoke

flame suit needed or not, what the #$%& did mazda do to this poor car?! I think the new one looks hideous. I mean...seriously people.

They make a few goofy exterior mods and call it new and improved, while completely ignoring the one thing everyone has wanted out of it...MORE OOMPH.

If i still had my 8 i'd be holding onto it for dear life, cause i can honestly say that if I hadn't bought an 8 before, there's no way this one would have attracted me to it...in any way. Before it at least had the stellar looks to carry it throught, but now...yuck.

glad to see mazda's been listening to everyone's input...again. :stickpoke

No man... No.

Alas I must agree that if I were shopping today I wouldn't buy the RX-8.

But this is not unusual in the automotive industry. The original Datsun 240Z comes readily to mind. Every subsequent version further perverted the original simple elegance. Marketeers will always recommend slapping on some more/different plastic and calling it 'new and improved.'

On the plus side, most of the more popular options are now included in the base.

No matter to me; I'll have my '8 for a good long time.

I'm curious how the new gear ratios and the final drive gear feel in the new car.

It seems first gear is made quite shorter combined with shorter final drive.

Current North American gear ratio for MT:
1: 3.760
2: 2.269
3: 1.645
4: 1.187
5: 1.000
6: 0.843
R: 3.564
Final Drive: 4.444

Refresh North American Gear Ratio:
1: 3.815
2: 2.260
3: 1.536
4: 1.177
5: 1.00
6: 0.787
R: 3.603
Final Drive: 4.777

If it feels good, a tranny and final drive swap is in order. :)

The 2009 RX-8 is ugly. Plain and simple as that.

I dislike pretty much everything that they did on the outside. The exceptions are maybe the somewhat larger exhaust tips and perhaps the rear lights, but I'm not even sure I really like the latter enough. The rims are better.
Inside there are some good moves, but at least as many bad ones too.

I'm very happy that I have the earlier version and seriously doubt that the facelift will help sales much. We'll see.

I just got around to watching the old RX8-M3-Z TopGear segment (on utube) and

1. They're dead on that the 8 is the most fun car out there and easy to drive it fast

2. They said exactly the same thing about the Z-car lineage (I guess they lived it, as did I)

Alas I must agree that if I were shopping today I wouldn't buy the RX-8.

But this is not unusual in the automotive industry. The original Datsun 240Z comes readily to mind. Every subsequent version further perverted the original simple elegance. Marketeers will always recommend slapping on some more/different plastic and calling it 'new and improved.'

On the plus side, most of the more popular options are now included in the base.

No matter to me; I'll have my '8 for a good long time.

The 2009 RX-8 is ugly. Plain and simple as that.



So are the pre-2009 rx-8's if you ask me, too many little gizmo's and plasticky things stuck everywhere. Plain and simple as that. After seeing the big-mouth of the 2009's the pre-2009's now look like they just ate something sour and have their lips pursed.

The New 09 RX-8 has just been released here Today..

One thing I noticed is the color selection, we get Galaxy Grey and Brilliant Black, plus the new colors.

Even the GT is available in ALL the 8 colors.
You guys just get the Blue?

http://www.mazda.com.au/Models/Current%20models/RX-8/Colours.aspx

anyone know if any other colors are being made besides the ones on the website?

if its not on the website, chances are highly likely...they aren't making it. Heck they're already making it in more colors then they have just about any other year. I'd be happy to have that many to chose from now, IMO.

if its not on the website, chances are highly likely...they aren't making it. Heck they're already making it in more colors then they have just about any other year. I'd be happy to have that many to chose from now, IMO.

Mazda Japan are making them, it is just Mazda America decided to make the GT available only in Blue.
Take a look at the Australian Site and there are 8 colors available for the GT here.
I am assuming their site is correct?

Even the GT is available in ALL the 8 colors.
You guys just get the Blue?
Mazda Japan are making them, it is just Mazda America decided to make the GT available only in Blue.
No, according to the MazdaUSA website, for the GT, we have a choice of 5 colors, but Aurora Blue and Brilliant Black Clearcoat are only available on the R3, and Galaxy Gray is not available any more.

No, according to the MazdaUSA website, for the GT, we have a choice of 5 colors, but Aurora Blue and Brilliant Black Clearcoat are only available on the R3, and Galaxy Gray is not available any more.

Sorry, Australia's and the rest of the worlds GT is your R3,
Aurora Blue, Galaxy Gray, Brilliant Black, Sparkling Black, Sunlight Silver, Diamond Grey, Velocity Red, and White are available here in the R3 (Our GT) That is 8 Colors

Sorry, Australia's and the rest of the worlds GT is your R3,
Aurora Blue, Galaxy Gray, Brilliant Black, Sparkling Black, Sunlight Silver, Diamond Grey, Velocity Red, and White are available here in the R3 (Our GT) That is 8 ColorsAh. Well to answer your earlier question, we can get the R3 (your GT) in 3 colors: Aurora Blue, Brilliant Black Clearcoat, and Velocity Red. Personally, I think I would get the black because of the black plastic grille abomination, but I've yet to see Aurora Blue in person.

Sorry, Australia's and the rest of the worlds GT is your R3,
Aurora Blue, Galaxy Gray, Brilliant Black, Sparkling Black, Sunlight Silver, Diamond Grey, Velocity Red, and White are available here in the R3 (Our GT) That is 8 Colors

sweet as, so getting one in white.

Ah. Well to answer your earlier question, we can get the R3 (your GT) in 3 colors: Aurora Blue, Brilliant Black Clearcoat, and Velocity Red. Personally, I think I would get the black because of the black plastic grille abomination, but I've yet to see Aurora Blue in person.
Well the license plate or number plate covers 45% of that black muck!

Alas I must agree that if I were shopping today I wouldn't buy the RX-8.

But this is not unusual in the automotive industry. The original Datsun 240Z comes readily to mind. Every subsequent version further perverted the original simple elegance. Marketeers will always recommend slapping on some more/different plastic and calling it 'new and improved.'

On the plus side, most of the more popular options are now included in the base.

No matter to me; I'll have my '8 for a good long time.

Hue, I don't know how you do it but you speak my thoughts everytime.