I went to my local dealer to day and was asking about the RX-8 and the preorder stuff and they pulled out this "specification deck" paper work, long story short I got a copy of it. It has some good information in it that some people are asking about.

1. Black gauges with chrome bezels and white lettering, Blue LED concealed meter lighting with red nighttime gauge illumination.

2. antenna is in the rear glass

3. MT has aluminum foot pedals and foot rest, AT does not

4. It does list things like: front air dam, side sill extensions, front spoiler, rear spoiler with brake light, side spoilers, etc. but has a dash meaning not availible, but to me that means they will be later because these papers are not complete yet either.

5. Automatic headlamp leveling will be availible with a "package". not sure if it is in one of the current packages or not.

6. Rear window / Front door glass is heat absorbent glass

7. single CD changer is standard as well as "modular". 6-CD changer (modular) has a dash by it, and cassette player (modular) has a dash as well. maybe a dealer option when we take delivery this summer.

8. has rear heater ducts.

9. front side-window demisters.

10. nobody has asked that I've seen, but the pictures don't show it: the cigerette lighter (for cell phones and stuff) is located in the center console not by the audio.

11. Tilt steering

12. Ignition key illumination

13. ISO FIX child seat anchor

14. Engine immobilizer security system AND alarm system

15. Curb Weight lb. : AT 3,051 to be confirmed
MT 3,011 to be confirmed

16. turning circle: 17.4 ft

17. EPA Mileage, City/Highway Fuel Economy (estimated): 24.2

18. and of course, Trunk volume: 75.8254 gallons????


This is my first post, I thought I would try to bring something to the table. If these questions have already been answered please be kind :) The packet is 13 pages long, most is already common knowledge, if you are wondering about something else I will see if it's in there just let me know.

Would love to see a scan of that :)

I have a Tiff file of it. don't think it will post very well :confused: I will see what I can do about posting the pages in the next day or so

Originally posted by IGOZMZM
15. Curb Weight lb. :
AT 3,051 to be confirmed; MT 3,011 to be confirmed "I GO ZooM ZooM" thanx for the post. I can see why Mazda is trying to drop 12lbs before it officially gives the wieght. there is a huge psycholigical difference in having a car that is under 3000lbs.

Let's hope they don't have to resort to shrinking the gas tank by a gallon or so.

If you can email me the file at shayaanf@mazdaworld.org (this address), I'd be happy to get it posted online.

Thanks very much!

Originally posted by IGOZMZM
18. and of course, Trunk volume: 75.8254 gallons????


That's approximately 11 cubic feet, compute using some very quick, crude conversions........

Not too shabby at all!

Originally posted by IGOZMZM
5. Automatic headlamp leveling will be availible with a "package". not sure if it is in one of the current packages or not.


Good info!

Automatic headlamp levelling is usually provided with Xenon HID headlights, since proper aiming is more critical with those. So, my guess is that this item is part of any package that includes the HID lights.

Regards,
Gordon

The law states that if you have Xenon lights you must have automatic leveling as well.

Originally posted by IGOZMZM
I went to my local dealer to day and was asking about the RX-8 and the preorder stuff and they pulled out this "specification deck" paper work, long story short I got a copy of it.
;) :D
2. antenna is in the rear glass
YES! :)
11. Tilt steering
Too bad it doesn't telescope also .. :(
15. Curb Weight lb. : AT 3,051 to be confirmed
MT 3,011 to be confirmed
Well we all hoped for around 2850 MT Base.. 3000 is a little hefty for me..

Originally posted by IGOZMZM
Curb Weight lb. : AT 3,051 to be confirmed
MT 3,011 to be confirmed

:mad:
That really sucks. I really hope that's not true...

Originally posted by m477

:mad:
That really sucks. I really hope that's not true...

I believe it when it run over me.

Some great info here - thanks and welcome.

My take:

5. Auto-leveling headlights probably included with the Xenon headlight packages (required in Europe?)

13. Is ISO FIX the same as LATCH? I thought all cars after Sep 2002 had to have LATCH seats in the back.

16. This is turning radius rather than diameter (circle) - so turning circle is 34.8'.

17. If only...

Originally posted by pelucidor
5. Auto-leveling headlights probably included with the Xenon headlight packages (required in Europe?)
Yes, at least in Germany it is definitely required.

Originally posted by IGOZMZM

18. and of course, Trunk volume: 75.8254 gallons????


This is about 10.14 cubic feet.

page 1

page 2

page 3

page 4

page 5

page 6

page 7

page 8

page 9

page 10

page 11

page 12

page 13

3011lbs, That sucks

I mean damn Mazda there has been all of the talk about 2830 lb and then we get 3000lb. That is going to be a major issue for people considering the lack of grunt, torque, the RX-8 has. I guess we'll see after the 16th when they are tested at Laguna. Hopefully some hard numbers will come from there. Gives me major reservations on my pre-order.

I don't know if this is true but could the euro, japanese version only weigh the 2830 lb and then American units weigh more what would be the overall cause of that?

On page 12 it shows the torque to be 216 is that a typo or is thing is for real? Because if we are getting 216 lb/ft of torque wouldn't that more than enough make up for the weight? I'm so confused:confused:

Hey I didn't make the numbers up, I just posting them :) I don't think this thing is 100% up to date because of the those things. I did like that it answered some of the questions that had zero info before. Obviously it's incomplete because it doesn't have the gear ratio's, etc. if I get another updated copy I will post it as well :cool:

Originally posted by rotisserie
On page 12 it shows the torque to be 216 is that a typo or is thing is for real? Because if we are getting 216 lb/ft of torque wouldn't that more than enough make up for the weight? I'm so confused:confused:

It doesn't specify the units for torque, but 216 Meter-Newtons = 159 ft-lbs, so I'm assuming that's what they mean...

I think the torque is in Newton Metres?

He he.. too slow... :)

Did anyone else notice that they list a coolant temp gauge and a water temp gauge? Is that a typo?

A thought on the weight. I don't know if any manufacturers do this but could this listing for weight be the heaviest model of the 8. For instance the Grand Touring package will weigh the most so maybe they listed its weight.

As I could see the Grand Touring package weighing at least 100lb more than the base cloth.

Good point fritts. It would probably be to their advantage to state the lowest possible weight of any variation though.

Regarding the weights listed; I can feel my automatic getting even slower by the minute! Couldn't they at least give me an aluminum brake pedal to make me feel better?

The info does look a little sketchy, so we can only hope they'll be able to eliminate a little more weight without omitting something vital. Hey, that engine cover would save a couple ounces...

It was noted to become an accessory in the future. So is there a tire repair kit included? also, is there a jack?

Originally posted by red_base 95
It was noted to become an accessory in the future. So is there a tire repair kit included? also, is there a jack? There is a jack included, just no spare. The sales people at the L.A. Autoshow were trying to figure out where the spare was located on the car. I informed them there wasn't any.

Nobody has mentioned the speedo only goes to 140mph (digital so not obvious) according to these specs. This is more than sufficient for my needs but a long way short of the car's potential.

Originally posted by Puppy1
There is a jack included, just no spare. The sales people at the L.A. Autoshow were trying to figure out where the spare was located on the car. I informed them there wasn't any. these guys should get on this forum and read up a little. so they don't have to be continually embarrassed buy us!!

Originally posted by zoom44
these guys should get on this forum and read up a little. so they don't have to be continually embarrassed buy us!!





I agree with you 100%. I can't stand dumb ass salesman who don't know their product. Its reasons like this that I may transfer from my local Dodge dealer to sell Mazda's. The local salesman here are clueless about Mazda's future products. They definetly don't know shit about rotarys either!

Originally posted by pelucidor
Nobody has mentioned the speedo only goes to 140mph (digital so not obvious) according to these specs. This is more than sufficient for my needs but a long way short of the car's potential.
Why do you think that the speedo is limited to 140 mph? Like you said its not so obvious.

The sales people at the L.A. Autoshow were trying to figure out where the spare was located on the car. I informed them there wasn't any.
The tires are runflat according to the guy at the Detroit Auto Show. The jack is located nearest to the trunk release on the floor (on the "Mystery RX-8")

Strider-

Originally posted by ZoomZoom

Why do you think that the speedo is limited to 140 mph? Like you said its not so obvious.

Refer to the Page 7 image. Speedometer info is under Guages and Warning Lights - 140mph.

Originally posted by pelucidor
Nobody has mentioned the speedo only goes to 140mph (digital so not obvious) according to these specs. This is more than sufficient for my needs but a long way short of the car's potential. Frankly, I would be surprised if the car could go that fast before hitting a "speed governor".

---jps

Originally posted by IGOZMZM

10. nobody has asked that I've seen, but the pictures don't show it: the cigerette lighter (for cell phones and stuff) is located in the center console not by the audio.
[/B]

Here is your cigarette lighter. I took this at the L.A. autoshow.... hoping to find enough room to stick a DIN size CD player in there.

http://ironchef.info/qqq/rx8/console.jpg

Nice pic Ironqqq,

I hope somebody didn't steal the shift knob though.

Brian

Originally posted by Sputnik
Frankly, I would be surprised if the car could go that fast before hitting a "speed governor".
---jps
Why? Even my Prelude can hit 150.. well indicated 240km/hr.. Why would the 8 have a lesser top speed? Unless it's geared for lower top speed I guess..

Originally posted by red_base 95
It was noted to become an accessory in the future. So is there a tire repair kit included? also, is there a jack? From the Press Kit, page 79:
Inclusion of a puncture repair kit eliminates the need for a spare tire, allowing greater trunk depth.
(My emphasis).

Originally posted by Quick_lude

Why? Even my Prelude can hit 150.. well indicated 240km/hr.. Why would the 8 have a lesser top speed? Unless it's geared for lower top speed I guess..

The 6spd in the RX-8 is geared toward nosebleed. If it can be run in a vacumn, it will go to 180+.

Originally posted by Quick_lude
Why? Even my Prelude can hit 150.. well indicated 240km/hr.. Why would the 8 have a lesser top speed? Unless it's geared for lower top speed I guess.. It's not a matter of performance or capability. Alot of carmakers are putting in governers nowadays to limit the top speed of the cars (most which I've heard of are over 100 mph). I wouldn't be surprised if one was put on the RX8.

---jps

I hope it doesn't have one. How would they sell this car in Europe? I know there are governors.. but imo that's idiotic. Who chooses at what speed it's set? What if I need more power/speed to get out of a dangerous situation and I hit it? Could I sue them? It's an unlikely scenario I know but it could happen..

Speed limiters can always be bypassed or bumped up, if you are interested it going faster than most limiters are set from the factory than you shouldn't mind spending a little money to get the computer reprogrammed. My 328 now is limited to 132mph and the new M3's are still limited to 155mph but both of which can be gone for about $350 and with that you get better ignition timing and fuel curves to boost power and throttle response. The best thing about having technology to set a speed limiter is that somebody has the technology to get rid of it and make the car faster than it could have been in the first place.

Originally posted by pelucidor


Refer to the Page 7 image. Speedometer info is under Guages and Warning Lights - 140mph.
Thanks for the information!

Originally posted by pelucidor


Refer to the Page 7 image. Speedometer info is under Guages and Warning Lights - 140mph.

To limit the Speedometer display to 140 Mazda would program it to only go that high. If it is a digital LED type display, then it would probably go to at least 199.

Originally posted by Quick_lude
I hope it doesn't have one. How would they sell this car in Europe? ECUs are going to have some minor changes between different regions (to handle different octane levels, for one). And it wouldn't be difficult to change that in the programming. ...I know there are governors.. but imo that's idiotic. Who chooses at what speed it's set? What if I need more power/speed to get out of a dangerous situation and I hit it? Ya know, the Grand Prix I owned had a governer at 124 (or was it 127... some odd number like that), and a friend's full size GM pickup was limited right around 100. Frankly, 99% of the drivers out there driving those vehicles faster than those speeds is a dangerous situation.

---jps

Yes I realize that.. Especially if the car comes with all season tires that aren't capable of sustained 180km/hr+ speeds. But in this case it's a sports car with Z rated tires capable of 240km/hr+ Hell my Prelude with Z rated rubber and upgraded brakes can cruise at 200km/hr all day. Why govern a sports car? :confused: