Love this paragraph

Before we go any further, the numbers people are excused. If spec sheets turn you on and raw performance, handling, and other such numbers are the primary metric by which you judge a car, we have several articles right here at the top of the MotorTrend.com homepage featuring numbers cars that you may find more interesting. This is not a numbers car, nor is it a numbers story.



http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/1005_2010_mazda_rx8_last_drive/index.html

great quote!! :)

I just got that issue in the mail yesterday. I haven't had a chance to read it yet.

very good read tanks

Thanks for sharing! Very good read!

A satisfying read. Thanks for the post.

Good find...

Great quotes...last one is so sad...

Enthusiasts will argue that Mazda made their compromises in the right places -- namely, to creature comforts rather than sporting credentials. From that perspective, they're absolutely right because the RX-8 drives like a sports car twice its already high price. Really, you could call this car a bargain-priced exotic. It has all the right credentials: exotic engine, supreme handling, quirky styling, odd eccentricities and some livability compromises.



Like an exotic, you have to want the RX-8. If you're a fan of muscle cars with big power and bigger straight-line speed, you've come to the wrong place. The RX-8 is a sports car and it must be appreciated for what it is, not what the competition is. It's not the easiest car to live with every day, but if you sought out this car to begin with, you won't care because it will absolutely be worth it.



Randy Pobst was right when he told us "the RX-8 feels like wings bolted right to your arms." We can only hope they aren't made of wax.

i know , right? i wanna go hug my car- in fact im going out for a drive:)

i know , right? i wanna go hug my car- in fact im going out for a drive:)

I agree! Awesome article.

It's at least good to see that the 'last' drive review applauds the same superlative handling capabilities as the first drive edition.

Good article. That reviewer "gets it"!

It's so cool to go to motortrend.com and see my car on the front page. :wiggle:


I enjoyed the article, but I need to stop reading the comments because they always ruin it for me. The articles are good, but every other comment is the same old :wallbash:. (and not just RX-8 articles)

I think some people don't even read the articles. They just see the headline and post.

And how long have people been saying the 8 is too expensive? I can't recall hearing that argument until the past 6 months or so. I didn't do any cross-shopping or test driving, but I was under the impression that the 8 was pretty good value for money (unless you like lots of hp in which case you wouldn't want an 8 anyway).
at least in terms of fit,finish,interior, and overall-driving-experience, if not performance.

Rx8's expensive? I just got a brand new R3 for $25k...

good read

im gonna put this quote on my sig great article
Like an exotic, you have to want the RX-8. If you're a fan of muscle cars with big power and bigger straight-line speed, you've come to the wrong place. The RX-8 is a sports car and it must be appreciated for what it is, not what the competition is. It's not the easiest car to live with every day, but if you sought out this car to begin with, you won't care because it will absolutely be worth it.

Rx8's expensive? I just got a brand new R3 for $25k...

It may be cheap in the US. But RX-8s in Canada and probably in Europe are pricey. Fully loaded R3 costs about $45K CAD. To put that into perspective, an STi or Evo is $52K-$55K.

Love this paragraph

Before we go any further, the numbers people are excused. If spec sheets turn you on and raw performance, handling, and other such numbers are the primary metric by which you judge a car, we have several articles right here at the top of the MotorTrend.com homepage featuring numbers cars that you may find more interesting. This is not a numbers car, nor is it a numbers story.
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...ive/index.html

Sadly, the numbers people have won.

Rx8's expensive? I just got a brand new R3 for $25k...

So did I*. That's my point. If the RX-8 was 40k or 50k, I feel the complaints (and praises) would be the same.

needz moar powr!!1! (ok, I guess it wouldn't hurt)
mpg o noes!1!!% (it's a sports car)
stoopid it burn oil!@#!! (It's in direct exposure to flaming oxygen and gasoline. What did you expect?)

Handling and overall driving experience well above it's pricetag.
My favorite thing about the 8 is its hand-on-pavement steering feel.


*technically it was 27,8 otd, but still...

I just finished doing an oil change and other stuff to my 8 and feel like I did when I first got it. Tomorrow I'm gonna give it a wash and take a drive :D:

"the pedals were disappointingly far apart, making heel-toe work difficult"

Thats a first that I read that, Hell I actually think they are kinda close, sometimes when I clutch it my foot hits the brake as well, maybe thats because I have size 14/15 feet but come on... I think they are placed excellent...

Rx8's expensive? I just got a brand new R3 for $25k...

Yeah, the article mentioned at least twice that the RX-8 is overpriced, which mystifies me.

For one thing, does anybody pay close to MSRP for these cars? Mine listed at $31K and I paid $27K.

For another, even if you did pay list price, $32K for the RX-8 R3 is not unreasonable. A maxed out Miata will cost you that much.

I too paid $27k new for my '05 Shinka. I think Mazda's entire line is good bang for the buck, which is why I also own a Mazda 6.

Good nostalgic epilogue to the RX-8 story as it comes to its unceremonious end, may it live on in used car lots for eternity.

Awesome article. Oh and ultrataco, don't even let the comments get to you... because no matter what you're still gonna love your car every time you get into it. Whether it's a 5 minute drive or 11 hour cruise back to my hometown, I always forget something because all I want to do is get in and drive it right away.

Well written article. Favorite line:

"See that yellow warning sign suggesting a safe, reasonable speed at which to execute the next corner? Ignore it. The RX-8 will double it...."

^^^

I loved that one too lol, definitely going to throw that in my sig.

The good news from the article?

It doesn't have to be the last time. All he has to do is buy one of the last, and he will get that joy every single day the way we do :)

Good article overall. Kind of brings a tear to my eye. I know I still love my 8 and plan on keeping it forever.

A good read.
My fav quote from the article
The real story, though, is in the handling. The word "illegal" scarcely does justice to the speeds the RX-8 will allow you to attain on your favorite canyon road. See that yellow warning sign suggesting a safe, reasonable speed at which to execute the next corner? Ignore it. The RX-8 will double it with nary a hint of protest from the Bridgestone Potenzas

Fantastic write-up and I really think the author captures the true essence of the car. There are a lot of people, not just automotive journalists, that are "numbers" people who try to examine cars through the stats and you just can't do it. A true driver's car is about the experience.

That's why I was glad that I knew nothing about the RX8 when I bought it. I was looking for a turbo AWD car and this one just fit well and felt great to drive. I STILL have a blast driving it daily after 100,000 miles of ownership.

The con's were well stated: Drinks gas and oil like a drunken sailor, doesn't have a lot of torque nor is it super powerful. However, given the experience you have it makes those elements worth it.

The BHR team has routinely discussed the position of the RX8 within the automotive community and we really believe that the RX8 is still in the up-swing of respect and stance. People are really starting to take notice of it's capabilities.

"the pedals were disappointingly far apart, making heel-toe work difficult"

Thats a first that I read that, Hell I actually think they are kinda close, sometimes when I clutch it my foot hits the brake as well, maybe thats because I have size 14/15 feet but come on... I think they are placed excellent...

I'd have liked to see them a little closer together to make heel and toeing easier on the track. Then again, if I were a size 14/15 that would definitely not be an issue!

I also enjoyed this article a lot. Did anyone else wonder why this guy didn't just drop 2 or 3 gallons into the tank so he could actually enjoy the rest of his trip, rather than sweating out the last leg of the twisties because he didn't want to pay $4/gallon? :rolleyes: I know these guys probably don't make a ton of money, but c'mon . . .

^ I believe 5 mm is the minimum distance between pedal pads as human factors/safety eng'g dictated to preclude hanging up the feet in transition.

Most of them are freelance journalists who live published/paid article to article, so ....

I have this feeling that the next RX car wont be to my liking as much as the Rx8. I have this feeling that i am going to have to do an engine swap and throw in the new 16X or 16c or whatever it will be called...lol.


I bet that I end up moving to Florida, buying a 2006-2008 Miata as my daily driver to and from where ever, and making my Rx8 my rotary project car. You just watch and wait.

I honestly want another car that I can do 1/4 mile runs in but this really reminds you of your appreciation of having a well balanced refined car....great read

Great article, retarded comments as usual.

Had to laugh at the Porsche Boxster owner who said he didn't buy the RX8 because of reliability issues.

Not sure I agree that the cons were very well stated. With the higher-geared A/T I'm getting 24 mpg @ 75-80 mph on my daily 70 mile commute, and consuming about a quart of oil every 2500-3000 miles. Neither of those consumption figures seems disagreeable or extreme.

And I'm sick of hearing about the lack of a spare tire. Mazda gives you that option, just depends on individual priorities and usage. Yes, it takes some trunk space, but I throw most of my stuff in the back seats anyway. If I need extra room, I can remove the tire temporarily (but it hasn't been necessary).

Brought a tear to my eye.

makes me happy that they getting rid of it.. it was getting old.. Time for someting new and fresh

Great article, i too began to get a little misty eyed during the read.

I love my car, and plan on keeping my 8 forvever! She will always have a spot in my garage no matter what other cars I may buy!

I am glad too the main stream is giving respect the 8 finally deserves ,like the 3rd gen RX-7. The 3rd gen RX-7 and 7's before it blazed it own path in history, now the RX-8 is doing the same!

Long Live the Rotary!

Good read! Thanks for sharing.

It's sad to see the RX8 go, but it's not surprising. Hey, this makes owning one that much MORE unique.

Let the haters hate. I already think the RX8 holds a somewhat exotic feel about it, and it being discontinued will only contribute to that. Maybe THIS is what Mazda needed to do to make people love it!

I am so glad I got one when I had the chance. And I am also glad I waited until everything lined up, because it means I got one with all the bugs worked out of it.

(taps on his desk, just in case)

I am so glad I got one when I had the chance. And I am also glad I waited until everything lined up, because it means I got one with all the bugs worked out of it.

(taps on his desk, just in case)

+1 to that

^Yeah...I'm REAL happy for you two! (Taps his head against the wall as he continues to rebuild his tranny)

Love my rx8
Iv driven M3 and S2000, but still my rx8 more

I have a feeling this car will be more sought after it is discontinued. Since the "affordable" sports car segment is pretty much completely dead right now the 8 will be a huge performance bargain given you can usually find great deals on used ones. I'd bet anything there will be plenty of people who will wish they would have hung on to their 8 in the future...especially if the 16x doesn't make it and the rotary disappears again.

Which issue of Motor Trend is this because I have June and just recieved July... so???

It may be cheap in the US. But RX-8s in Canada and probably in Europe are pricey. Fully loaded R3 costs about $45K CAD. To put that into perspective, an STi or Evo is $52K-$55K.

Uh no. I see R3 going for ~$30k CDN funds. If my current 8 were to disappear due to accident or theft, I'd march right into my local Mazda shop and pick up a white R3.

Good article. Comments are as usual by folks who pile hate on the car due to misunderstanding it and have never driven the RX-8. Put a Mazdaspeed3 in an RX-8? The whole reason for the rx-8 and any rx-cars claim to fame is the wonderful rotary engine. In stark contrast, piston engines are so barbaric.

Uh no. I see R3 going for ~$30k CDN funds. If my current 8 were to disappear due to accident or theft, I'd march right into my local Mazda shop and pick up a white R3.

Good article. Comments are as usual by folks who pile hate on the car due to misunderstanding it and have never driven the RX-8. Put a Mazdaspeed3 in an RX-8? The whole reason for the rx-8 and any rx-cars claim to fame is the wonderful rotary engine. In stark contrast, piston engines are so barbaric.

Actually I'm in that camp too, and it's not hating on my part. I just think it would be a shame to see that awesome chassis go to waste for no other reason than the engine having a bad reputation.

^Agreed. The MS3 is a fun car, but for me, making to switch from the Speed3 to the RX8 was an easy move. Sure, I miss some aspects of the Speed3, but the RX8 is unlike anything else out there.

This article captures a rare look into what it means to drive this car. It's a good read for those who have fallen out of love with their RX8 and for those who are still waiting to fall in love with it.

Love my R3. I don't know about you guys, but there isn't really another car in this price category I'd care for. I could have bought a 2011 Mustang GT (had an '07 with 475bhp) or a 370Z but I don't think I would have the same grin on my face. Plus the RX-8 is so unique!

The handling and feel is priceless. Makes you feel like a driver 2x as good.

^Yeah...I'm REAL happy for you two! (Taps his head against the wall as he continues to rebuild his tranny)"Never buy the first couple model-years of a new car." One of the best pieces of advice I've ever gotten. While I've not had the luxury of acting on it yet (in all honesty, the reason I don't own a 2005 RX-8 is because I graduated college in '04 and promptly had to replace my '89 626 after a girl totaled it in front of my house), it's still a really good idea. Any time a new chassis comes out, there WILL be bugs. They just can't test things as much as they need to anymore, not if they want the market to still be there when the car is ready.

The rx8 does and always will have a very specific following of drivers, its something I was looking for when i bought my 8. A car and people that share the same passion as me. But I didn't realize how deep the soul of the rotary goes. Yes on paper our cars aren't the best, but the experience is like none other. It's funny because I'll go to car meets and people just don't have the same passion for their cars as other 8 drivers that I meet. I was glad to see motor trend wrote a great article highlight things that non 8 owners can't see.

Beautifully written article. Thanks for sharing. After 6 years and 134k miles, I still love driving my RX8 every single day.

Very good article. What if Mazda released the next rx7 or rx9 but it did not have a rotary engine in it...

For the cost of a new motor down the road which is alot cheaper than a new car payment, Im gonna hold the 8 for a long while. Nothing else looks like it or handles like it, its animae on wheels the ultimate Japanese styling expression to date. Supras, FDs, Zs or Lexus LFA etc included.

Very good article. What if Mazda released the next rx7 or rx9 but it did not have a rotary engine in it...

It wouldn't be an RX then... It'd be something else... Jeff don't you know what RX stands for? :lol2:

I know it signifies the engine but regardless of whats under the hood mazda said they are going to be releasing another rx-car in the future and if they cant get the engine to cooperate i would not be surprised if they dropped in a piston engine while keeping the rx name.

doubt it. It would then be a mx-7 or mx-9 if it were piston.

I know it signifies the engine but regardless of whats under the hood mazda said they are going to be releasing another rx-car in the future and if they cant get the engine to cooperate i would not be surprised if they dropped in a piston engine while keeping the rx name.

They wouldn't keep the RX name with a piston motor...hence the name "Rotary Experiment".

They wouldn't keep the RX name with a piston motor...hence the name "Rotary Experiment".


Haha told ya Jeff... :Peace:

I agree but i feel that if they cannot get a rotary engine to work they will have no problem dropping in a piston engine and for the business sake of it just keep the rx. Average consumer has no idea what it stands for but many "remember" the rx7 despite what exactly was under the hood.

Which issue of Motor Trend is this because I have June and just recieved July... so???

^^ Yeah that.

I agree but i feel that if they cannot get a rotary engine to work they will have no problem dropping in a piston engine and for the business sake of it just keep the rx. Average consumer has no idea what it stands for but many "remember" the rx7 despite what exactly was under the hood.


If Mazda makes an RX with pistons it will be a sad sad day imo. No way I would ever buy an RX without a rotary.

Thank you!

Which issue of Motor Trend is this because I have June and just recieved July... so???


+2 :Eyecrazy:

it's on the website

^^ Yes I know that but Id like to own it in Paper... so I assume this will be in a issue soon?

LOL, typos are funny sometimes, MORTOR TREND, the magazine for the bricklayer enthusiast ! Spelled wrong though.

Thank you for posting that, it piqued my interest in a RX8 even more. I am weighing the great positive attributes of the nice chassis, enticing high revving motor, and interior design, against the poor fuel economy, smaller boot, and fear of the unknown, it would be my first rotory powered car.

LOL, typos are funny sometimes, MORTOR TREND, the magazine for the bricklayer enthusiast ! Spelled wrong though.

Thank you for posting that, it piqued my interest in a RX8 even more. I am weighing the great positive attributes of the nice chassis, enticing high revving motor, and interior design, against the poor fuel economy, smaller boot, and fear of the unknown, it would be my first rotory powered car.

Just take it for a drive. If you are not convinced after that, then the car is not for you. It's either in your blood or its not...

I had a 2004 for a couple years and griped about the shitty mileage but a few years later I bought another Rx8 because nothing else really compares for the money.

Drive it.

I had a 2004 for a couple years and griped about the shitty mileage but a few years later I bought another Rx8 because nothing else really compares for the money.

Drive it.[/quote]

I have to agree even though I did not buy a 2008 when I had the chance.

The RX 8, came in second in my choice of cars. But if budget applied it would have been first. These are all 2008 models when I tested them.

1. 335i coupe
2. RX 8
3. VW GTI/ Audi TT
4 G 37 S
5. 350 Z
6. Mustang GT
7 Mini S

The 1 series BMW and the 370 Z came out after I bought my car.

I am so looking forward to a redesigned RX.

Im thinking Ill get a used R3 down the road after my 04 wears out, just wish the R3 came w/ a sunroof. I dont care about the nav or other things its missing.

This is where the numbers people who are still reading get to chime back in. Less than 21 mpg on the freeway? It may not be an apples-to-apples comparison, but when a 5.0-liter V-8 powered Ford Mustang gets slightly better EPA-estimated fuel economy with 412 horsepower on tap, the 1.3-liter 232-horsepower Rotary becomes a tougher sell at the same price point.

...

^^as CRH had just kinda mentioned in another thread.... its all about numbers. Cars, aftermarket parts, whatever...

Nice article, thanks. I really think it is a shame more people just don't take it for a drive. I have been a round a few haters until they actually were in the car and drove it. Then their opinions changed completely. I hope the car stays around in some form.

^^^ Same... lol its funny how people will continue to talk shit until they get in the car...

It's not a numbers car. Never was, never will be.

Cause there is no number that non-believers will accept that relays what it is like to drive this car.