Just doing a little research...

very aggressive

I like to make a statement

I fall under the aggressive category. I like the modified look and to make a statement like mikeb, but I'm not into mega-flashy. IMO the MazdaSpeed, Carisma and Ings-net front ends look great. The Veilside D1-GT is a little overboard for my taste.

Front bumper - 1) RE-Amemiya, 2) Fujita Racing
Side skirts - Factory Appearance Package
Rear Diffuser - Run Racing
Rear Spoiler - 1) Mazdaspeed, 2) Run Racing

i'd say i was semi aggressive

personally i like the auto exe

Tube top and panties.

The reason why I started this thread is because I'm in the process of making a new bodykit for the RX-8 (as well as the G35 Coupe and 350Z this year). I have made 2 bodykits for the guys on a Maxima forum already. My partner owns an RX-8 and I'm purchasing one soon and we figured we should make a new kit for it. I have seen some prices for the RX-8 bodykits and I'm in shock of how expensive they are. and to top it off almost all of them are made of of fiberglass. I'm making bodykits out of poly-urethane from now on because it's stronger and basically can last the life of the car. We're designing some bodykits right now but we value what people think (even if they like the car as is). So we give you guys thanks. Keep on voting.

I don't think the Mazdaspeed front or sides can be improved upon, but I'd like to be proven wrong. They look simple and clean, they flow with the lines of the car, and they don't look like tacked-on plastic crap.

Now if I were a pretty good artist/sculptor who was looking to differentiate his product from the hordes of gung-ho tupperware-clad more-scoops-and-fins-than-Robocop looking kits, I tell you what I'd go for...more of an Italian look. The car has some definite Italian influence from certain angles. See the front lip in the appearance package + rotary accent for an example. It looks sorta like a Maserati. Maybe take a look at some classic Ferraris and whatnot and see what you can come up with. Especially the back end, it needs the most work, and the Mazdaspeed rear isn't all that great. I'd like to see if someone could rid the car of the black plastic, especially on the back bumper. Perhaps replacing the entire bumper would be the way to go; not just the little undertray.

Spoiler: Personally, I think a sort of "ducktail" spoiler (see Viper GTS hardtop rear) would look cool. Especially w/ the Mazdaspeed kit, which already makes the car look vaguely Viper-ish. It might be hard to pull off without looking tacky though. Maybe a complete 1-piece trunk lid replacement, with this molded in?

http://www.cadinfo.net/editorial/ferrari-2.jpg

http://cyberechos.creteil.iufm.fr/cyber9/Sports/ferrari/ferrari%202.jpg

http://p-car.com/reviews/993vsviper/viper.jpg

very suttle lip kit for me..

MAZDASPEED FOR ME

Originally posted by MaxxTuningUSA
The reason why I started this thread is because I'm in the process of making a new bodykit for the RX-8 (as well as the G35 Coupe and 350Z this year). I have made 2 bodykits for the guys on a Maxima forum already. My partner owns an RX-8 and I'm purchasing one soon and we figured we should make a new kit for it. I have seen some prices for the RX-8 bodykits and I'm in shock of how expensive they are. and to top it off almost all of them are made of of fiberglass. I'm making bodykits out of poly-urethane from now on because it's stronger and basically can last the life of the car. We're designing some bodykits right now but we value what people think (even if they like the car as is). So we give you guys thanks. Keep on voting.

You nailed it here, IMHO. All the current kits are too damn expensive, too radical to have mass appeal, or both. And fiberglass is not the best choice either.

Here's what I'd like to see.

A complete kit including front, rear, and side sills for around $1000, in ABS plastic or polyurethane. I also think they'd sell better if you had the pieces pre-painted. Only Mazdaspeed does this now, and is just a bit too overdone, ESPECIALLY when you consider it'll run over $3000 in total.

I'd like to see a kit that's just slightly more (design-wise) than the factory appearance package. A nice front lip that's not too much, a bit more than the factory appearance lip, but still subtle and not too low. A rear bumper that is along the lines of the RE-Amimiya one only incorporating a rotary accent, and most of all, thinner side sills than anyone is making so far. Mazdaspeed sills are the closest to right, but still looks a bit too big. They also need to not rob too much ground clearance.

Hope this helps.

I agree with many of the sentiments here. $2000 -$3000 is too much to pay for unpainted fiberglass or painted plastic. A painted plastic kit for $1000 would definitely be an attention getter.

In terms of style... I'll admit that I do like the Mazdaspeed kit a lot, however, I'm not so much about the "boy racer" look anymore. Something sporty... something more than the bottom stock model, but nothing too tacked-on looking. A thin line to walk. I prefer the styling of the autoexe kit because it seems somewhat more subtle when compared to the Mazdaspeed kit (particularly the rear end).

How about a front that is somewhere inbetween the Mazdaspeed and the current BMW M3... something that incorporates foglights (as the majority of owners will have them). Have the rear fill out into a full bumper replacement with no crappy gun metal gray or black like the Mazdaspeed kit. The rear spoiler could be a ducktail/lip kind of affair, but you may need to make a new trunk lid for this... if so go carbon fiber before fiberglass.

Keep us posted on how things progress!

AUTO EXE all the way

Originally posted by Omicron
You nailed it here, IMHO. All the current kits are too damn expensive, too radical to have mass appeal, or both. And fiberglass is not the best choice either.

Here's what I'd like to see.

A complete kit including front, rear, and side sills for around $1000, in ABS plastic or polyurethane. I also think they'd sell better if you had the pieces pre-painted. Only Mazdaspeed does this now, and is just a bit too overdone, ESPECIALLY when you consider it'll run over $3000 in total.

I'd like to see a kit that's just slightly more (design-wise) than the factory appearance package. A nice front lip that's not too much, a bit more than the factory appearance lip, but still subtle and not too low. A rear bumper that is along the lines of the RE-Amimiya one only incorporating a rotary accent, and most of all, thinner side sills than anyone is making so far. Mazdaspeed sills are the closest to right, but still looks a bit too big. They also need to not rob too much ground clearance.

Hope this helps.

I agree. Make something slightly more aggressive then the factory appearance package, make it work with the front and rear polished rotary accents, make it not kill ground clearance, and make it out of plastic. Comming painted would be a nice touch.

right now i'm looking at getting the factory front air dam, factory rear triangles, and mazdaspeed side skirts

Auto Exe!!!

Originally posted by pr0ber
...right now i'm looking at getting the factory front air dam, factory rear triangles, and mazdaspeed side skirts That's EXACTLY what I've been considering.

I guess "great minds" work alike. We also have an RX-8 and a '03 Mazda 6S. :D

Thank you all for voting. Due to your feedback (small yet satisfying) our first RX-8 Urethane Bodykit will be of a Moderate Design. The designs will be under review this week. We'll see you in a couple of months with our kit.

I'd vote in the poll but the definitions are too subjective. So far, the best IMO that I've seen is the Mazdaspeed. R-Magic is second, although I kind of like the appearance package w/ spoiler too. I would call that ranging from aggressive down to moderate...but I don't know if anyone would agree. I absolutely hate everything Veilside has ever even thought about doing, but that's just me.

Coming painted would be huge. Fitting "like factory" would be even better. I hate seeing those words "Some fitting may be required."

jds

cool website

Coming painted would be huge. Fitting "like factory" would be even better. I hate seeing those words "Some fitting may be required."

Oh yeah... this is second only to the fact that almost no one wants a fiberglass kit. Make the damn thing fit like it came from the factory.... take some time and have some pride in your product. Cutting corners to lower the cost only makes for a cheap product that no one will buy (particularly after someone has and complains).

Another kit that has caught my eye is the INGS+1 kit. The front with the Evo IV- like flares on the sides sucks. If that had only smoothed that out flat... I'd get that whole kit (minus spoiler) in hybrid aero.

So... in terms of looks

1. AutoExe
2. INGS+1
3. Mazdaspeed

Originally posted by MaxxTuningUSA
Thank you all for voting. Due to your feedback (small yet satisfying) our first RX-8 Urethane Bodykit will be of a Moderate Design. The designs will be under review this week. We'll see you in a couple of months with our kit. Can we get a sneak peek, since we gave all this feedback? :D

i luv the mazda speed minus the rear diffuser god is it ugly heh go around what mazda did and thinner side skirts and i think u will havea winner with a real rear end

Coming painted would be huge. Fitting "like factory" would be even better. I hate seeing those words "Some fitting may be required."

We never offered "shipped painted" on any of our products due to the fact that it wouldn't be cheap and we couldn't be responsible for scratches the paint during shipping. I would love to offer it but too much of a hassle. I would just find an awesome bodyshop in your area and just have it done there. We have a few great bodyshops here in Northern, NJ we can refer you to if any of you guys are close.

cool website

Thanks man. I was bored yesterday so bought RX8Power.com and started playing with it.

Oh yeah... this is second only to the fact that almost no one wants a fiberglass kit. Make the damn thing fit like it came from the factory.... take some time and have some pride in your product. Cutting corners to lower the cost only makes for a cheap product that no one will buy (particularly after someone has and complains).

One of the first things that popped into my head when I decided to start my own brand was "Quality" and it had to be made out of Poly-Urethane. All of the bodykits that come out of Maxx Tuning will be made out of urethane. That's why we are going to "Guarantee Fitment" on all of our urethane kits and "Warranty" them against manufacturer defects. We take pride our products and I'd rather have it released a month or two later than scheduled to work out ALL blemished and ensure a perfect product made to last forever.

...sneak peek...

Noooooo... :D ... Don't worry. Have faith. I haven't failed others that I've worked for. My designer has gone to art school, has good taste, and can draw his head off (he freehanded the cartoon skyline on the wall in my store). We're trying to keep it Moderate but not copy anyone elses design. It'll be a challenge but I'm sure the finished design will be hot. It'll be on my RX8 when I get it and I don't put ugly stuff on my cars.

Just to give you guys an idea about me and my shop. My name is P.J. and I'm the president and owner of Maxx Tuning USA. I've owned and managed the store for the past 2 years and things are only getting better. I'm 22 years old and a Nissan guy, but I'm also a sucker for rotary power. If you guys need something (doesn't all have to be for an RX8) shoot me an email. I can get my hands on almost anything.

We never offered "shipped painted" on any of our products due to the fact that it wouldn't be cheap and we couldn't be responsible for scratches the paint during shipping. I would love to offer it but too much of a hassle. I would just find an awesome bodyshop in your area and just have it done there. We have a few great bodyshops here in Northern, NJ we can refer you to if any of you guys are close.

I can understand that. No problem... that kinda thing would have just made it a little easier for us, but better than dealing with it getting chipped and having to ship it back to you or something.


One of the first things that popped into my head when I decided to start my own brand was "Quality" and it had to be made out of Poly-Urethane. All of the bodykits that come out of Maxx Tuning will be made out of urethane. That's why we are going to "Guarantee Fitment" on all of our urethane kits and "Warranty" them against manufacturer defects. We take pride our products and I'd rather have it released a month or two later than scheduled to work out ALL blemished and ensure a perfect product made to last forever.

I hope you didn't think I was insinuating that your products aren't quality. Rather, conversations have come up about RotaryExtreme's MS bodykit, Ebay kits, and this other company who makes a $500 MS bodykit... I just wanted to make it clear without pointing fingers at anyone that fitting like Mazda made without us having to do any cutting or adjustment is... how do you say it in English... obvious? common sense? (atarimae for those who can speak Japanese). No one wants to spend $1,500 or more on a kit that requires them to "trim" their car or the kit for it to fit.

I'm very happy to hear that you are an all Poly-urethane man. :D Fiberglass may be lighter, but doesn't last forever... and that really is the issue since most of us don't race and some have many pounds of stereo equipment in their cars anyway. Anyway... I'm glad to hear that you're taking such pride in your products... can't wait to see the kit.


Noooooo... :D ... Don't worry. Have faith. I haven't failed others that I've worked for. My designer has gone to art school, has good taste, and can draw his head off (he freehanded the cartoon skyline on the wall in my store). We're trying to keep it Moderate but not copy anyone elses design. It'll be a challenge but I'm sure the finished design will be hot. It'll be on my RX8 when I get it and I don't put ugly stuff on my cars.

Just to give you guys an idea about me and my shop. My name is P.J. and I'm the president and owner of Maxx Tuning USA. I've owned and managed the store for the past 2 years and things are only getting better. I'm 22 years old and a Nissan guy, but I'm also a sucker for rotary power. If you guys need something (doesn't all have to be for an RX8) shoot me an email. I can get my hands on almost anything.


So you're 22? Pretty young... how did you get your company started... if you don't mind my asking.

A Nissan man eh? So how do you feel about the Renault takeover? I felt like crying... Renault is such a piece of shit... even Europeans hate it (some French included). Look at what they did to the Skyline... I'm divided... the overal shape and profile aren't so bad, but... I dunno about the details of the body. At least the coupe looks better than the sedan. Everything else Nissan produces in Japan just looks like ass now.

I happen to be a Ford and Nissan man that is converting to Mazda. My father and I are long time Mustang fans, and Ford trucks... they've been the best in the industry. Nissan... always loved the Z and the Maxima. Fell in love with the GTR. My first car was a '91 Sentra SE (wanted an SE-R)... that car was tough and saved my life when I went spinning off the road into the trees. Not a scratch on me, but the poor car was totaled. I still feel like crying everytime I remember it. My converstion to Mazda began with the Familia S-Wagon (Protege 5 to you americans) and continued on with the Atenza (Mazda 6), the Demio (JDM only), the RX-8 and the Axcela (Mazda 3). I've been a long time RX-7 fan... since the first gen, and the remaking of the whole Mazda line has just stoked the flames of my passion. Damn these are some good looking cars. Ford's designers should take a note from them. The only thing Ford seems to have done right is the new F-150, the '05 'Stang and the Ford GT.

Now back to your regularly scheduled programming...

What do you think about the new Chrysler ME412 coming out? I think I found the car of my dreams. On the good side - "850 HP... 850 LB-FT... 0-60 in 2.9 sec... 10.6 1/4mi @ 142 MPH stock... 7-Speed Transmission... Top Speed of 248 MPH...:eek:" On the bad side - "MSRP $450,000.00...:("

Here's a link for anyone who hasn't heard of it or seen it
Chrysler ME412 (http://www.germancarfans.com/News.cfm/NewsID/2040105.001/mercedes-benz/1.html)

Originally posted by MaxxTuningUSA
What do you think about the new Chrysler ME412 coming out? I think I found the car of my dreams. On the good side - "850 HP... 850 LB-FT... 0-60 in 2.9 sec... 10.6 1/4mi @ 142 MPH stock... 7-Speed Transmission... Top Speed of 248 MPH...:eek:" On the bad side - "MSRP $450,000.00...:("

Here's a link for anyone who hasn't heard of it or seen it
Chrysler ME412 (http://www.germancarfans.com/News.cfm/NewsID/2040105.001/mercedes-benz/1.html)

That is a seriously badass car. Although... it would have made more sense to make a Ford GT, Moderna 360 competitor... oh well. I overal like the lines even though they are a little Diablo-esque. That engine power is crazy, but... if Ford dropped in the test V10 they have been running in 'Stangs... basically the Cobra V8 with two more cyclinders attached to the end and put on the supercharger from the Ford GT... I think we'll see about the same horsepower (well at least close). If Ford dropped on quad turbos... dual sequential systems... oooooh!

I'm looking soon to trade my wifes 02' Titanium S/E Miata for a silver RX8(with child now, but keeping my 01' miata). I believe the RX8 needs a ducktail rear spoiler(not another wing), and a "Garage Vary" miata, RX7 type front spoiler.

The nicest looking front bumper I've seen is the Feed Bumper. IMHO It by far looks better than any of the other kits out there, even better than the Mazda Speed, but that's just me, and this is a very subjective topic.

OverLOAD

AutoExe's trunk lid is a ducktail spoiler, but you'd be replacing your trunk lid with a FRP one...

Just playing around with PhotoShop, here are two of the ideas I was toying with:


http://www.spectrummarcom.com/files/rx8/body-kit-1.jpg

http://www.spectrummarcom.com/files/rx8/body-kit-2.jpg

And, thank you for using urethane! Around here, my front bumper will take a lot of beating.

I like the bottom one... an interesting design. The only thing is that there is something lacking in the front bumper design. Perhaps it needs to have the middle opening made a little taller and the little vent on the side... hmm... it's ok as is, but what about something more AutoExe shaped?

Nice bud! As Japan8 said, I really like the bottom one, and especially like the side sills. Those are by FAR the best I've seen so far. If you make them, I'll buy a set. :D

Can you do me a favor though? Photoshop those side sills onto a factory appearance package, eg, front lip, rear flares, rear spoiler, and those side sills. Thanks!

Originally posted by Omicron
Nice bud! As Japan8 said, I really like the bottom one, and especially like the side sills. Those are by FAR the best I've seen so far. If you make them, I'll buy a set. :D

Can you do me a favor though? Photoshop those side sills onto a factory appearance package, eg, front lip, rear flares, rear spoiler, and those side sills. Thanks!

Yep that's the one!:D And I agree on the side sills... those are the best design I've seen yet.

I've got it... for the small vent on the side of the front bumper, why not try two of the "Shark's gills" (if you get my meaning) instead... I think that might do it.

I edited the front bumper side "brake vents". I did the shading all wrong before, but this is more of what I had in mind:

http://www.spectrummarcom.com/files/rx8/body-kit-2.jpg

I think it helps.

Originally posted by Omicron
Can you do me a favor though? Photoshop those side sills onto a factory appearance package, eg, front lip, rear flares, rear spoiler, and those side sills. Thanks!

PM or email me a starting pic you would like me to use and I will do it.

I see now. With the correct shading it looks much better. Me likey. The only reaon i mentioned something about the size of the opening in the front of the front bumper is that the stock and average aftermarket bodykit has been keeping the space above the opening to a minimum is seems.

Anyway... I like the design!

Originally posted by Rampant
PM or email me a starting pic you would like me to use and I will do it. Wow, that is some good stuff there!

Originally posted by Japan8
I see now. With the correct shading it looks much better. Me likey. The only reaon i mentioned something about the size of the opening in the front of the front bumper is that the stock and average aftermarket bodykit has been keeping the space above the opening to a minimum is seems.

Anyway... I like the design!



Don't forget, I am pretty sure the JDM 8 doesn't have the front bumper support we do, so they can get away with that. Besides, I think it makes it look a little out of propotioned with a huge front opening. Just my taste though -- I was just giving MaxxTuning some ideas I had.

True... I did read that about the front bumper support... not missing, but JDM is thinner than USDM...

I can't wait to see what MaxxTuning comes up with...

MAXX

I'm in Manhattan and come to Nothern NJ all the time- I'd love to visit the shop when you have a kit ready.

There are already people who have cloned the Mazdaspeed kit (a direct mold) selling at a very agressive price- though I dont know what thiers is made of.

ANyway- my advice is to take a total departure- as you know there are like 15-20 kits it seems- and none of the really appeals to me that much (though the mazdaspeed and autoexe are my top choices if I had to choose one)

Think classic design- the other posts are right- the car has an italian feel- not a japanases one- and I think all the kits take it too much in the Japan direction.

I say just aument what is there- keep the lines the same- flowing- without drawing attention to itself- that is why I chose no spoiler- I like the lip or ducktail look, but every damn car has a spoiler today- and I think the RX8 needs another look (ie not a mini Supra) - this is what I think will be a distinctive and succesfull kit.

just my 2 cents.

damn rampant..... you're really good with that photoshop stuff. At first glance (without reading what you wrote) I said "damn who makes those kits" lol

hey maxx site looks good... btw, heres my input. i think someone else mentinoed this.. make space for the stock fogs! i have em and dont wanna loose em. that is actually 1 reason im lookin for a lip kit. so i dont loose the fogs

We were actually thinking of using bolt-on inserts to go into the vents to hold stock fog lights if the customer desired to keep them. Best of Both Worlds.

Digressing just a tad but I have to agree with overLOAD on the FEED front bumper, embelished enough to look aggressive but clean, flows w/the car.

$0.02

tygrr

auto exe is really tight

FEED front and side skirts, Rotary Extreme Mazdaspeed knockoff C/F Wing and rear diffuser, possibly the C/F hood depending on color...