I have been following the development of the RX-8 through this forum for almost a year now but finally decided to comment. I have limited knowledge of cars but have learned a tremendous amount via this forum. It has finally come time for me to part with my 1991 Integra and I had considered most of the cars that have been compared to the RX-8 on this forum.

There have been so many discussions about why the car is great and what needs improvement and why it is better or worse than the G35 coupe, 350z, etc... However, I think that one of the most overlooked attributes about the RX-8 is the stunning exterior styling.

I realize that most people on this forum want a car that performs and god knows that I do too, but I also want the car to be a head-turner. The WRX and EVO VIII would seem to fit the bill as perfomers but I don't think anyone would stop just to stare.

I also realize that styling is totally subjective and while the other cars out there like the G35 coupe, 350z and even the 330 look nice, none compare to the flat-out gorgeous design of the RX-8.

I know for myself, the 1st time I saw it / drooled all over myself, I knew that it was one of the nicest looking cars I have ever seen. The fact that it is functional as well, with the 4 seats and suicide doors was just icing on the cake.

In summary: this car is not, nor will it ever be the replacement for the RX-7. However, as it has been said before, it may not be the best at any one thing, but it is good at everything. In my humble opinion, I would disagree with that statement as it relates to the cut-above styling of the RX-8. The first thing that makes all of us love a car is the first look at it and I find it hard to believe that to many people on the street won't stop what they are doing to find out what sweet machine just passed by them!

yep, road and track awhile ago said the rx8 was the best looking car to ever come out of japan

I'm with you! I love having a head turner, which is what my car is like now. It may not be the fastest, but its styling cues get attention. Buying a car should be based on the all-around package, not just because of one aspect...which lately seems to be how much friggin torque the RX-8 has.

yeah the first time i ever saw the evolve i thought "damn that's a nice looking car!!" then when i saw it again as the rx-8 it was even better looking!! that's when i started trying to find out every little bit of information i could and i found this sight. it really is a beauty:) Welcome to the board 8jay8 what took you so long?:p

Originally posted by tribal azn
yep, road and track awhile ago said the rx8 was the best looking car to ever come out of japan

No argument here! :D

And if you haven't seen it in person yet- just wait!! It is AMAZING. I still can't figure out how anyone could ever call it ugly-but each to his own :)

Welcome, 8jay8!

And if you haven't seen it in person yet- just wait!! It is AMAZING

We have noticed those of you who have seen the RX-8 in person agree it even looks better than the photos suggest. Can any of you give the rest of us some clues on WHY it looks so much better 'in the flesh' ?

It looks sleeker, and smaller, in person- that's the best way I can describe it. Almost looks like some kind of cat crouching back and getting ready to leap. And being able to actually touch it and sit in it probably didn't hurt my perception of it either.

I completely agree. The car is gorgeous from all angles. :D

The mags even say the same thing. Photos do not do the car justice. It is a must see! I think is was Bowanna who said a long time ago that the the mid tone colors of Red & Titanium show off the curves the best.

The recent Car & Driver comparo said that the cars looks are not reproduced well in photos. They said even after they had seen it in person that photos of it did not give it the same profile. They also commented about the front fenders and they said how they are much more dramatic in person. I can't wait to see mine!! :)

I've always found the RX-8 to be a gorgeous car in photos... but she's much better looking in real life!

I find that all of the RX's look better in person. The 93-95 (FD) RX-7 looked OK in photos... but when you see one in real life, it's AMAZING!!! Mazda's cars just don't look as good in photos as they do in real life!

Just my thoughts...

The car looks amazing in the photos -- but in person it is even better. I think the main reasons are: Perspective -- in pictures you just can't see how small this car is -- especially for the inside room it provides. Also can't tell how low slung it sits.

Another reason may be the paint colors -- many threads have already addressed the colors but you just can't tell in the photos how deep and vibrant the colors are (especially the Vel Red, Titanium and Nordic Green) The Red and Green mica have incredible gold mica flakes that add a depth and dimension to the paint. The Titanium looks very very classy IMHO and has a deep silver metallic sparkle similar to the mica in the Red. This just doesn't get captured in the pics. The Titanium tends to look a little dark and maybe bluish, the Red can appear orangey or dull in the photos but in person it is a totally different story. Under the lights the Red mica sparkles like a jewell there is so much gold appearing almost under the paint (little like a really deep candy apple red paint job which has gold coat under the red except Vel Red has the gold flakes in the paint layer itself).

I saw and sat in the car at the L.A. autoshow and could only describe it as perfection at a stand still. I was pretty well sold on it before seeing it in person but that was just the nudge I needed to push me over the edge.

For those that have not actually sat in the car, it has a distinctively sports car feel. Everything seems to be in the perfect position, not to far away, but not right on top of you. And as for the back seat, there really is sufficient room. I am 5'9" and sat in the front passenger seat with it about half way back. My friend is 6'2" and he was sitting in the rear seat behind passenger and said that it did not feel cramped.

The car is truly more striking in person, both inside and outside. I was sold on the velocity red after seeing it in L.A. as the color was flawless and brilliant. My only concern is that it was under the lights. I wonder if the lights have a similar affect as they do on diamonds, that being tend to make them sparkle. I hope the beauty of the color is not lost outside in the sun and away from the lights of the showroom.

Sadly ... I'm one of those that only have the photos to drool over and the info from this forum to dwell on. I can't wait to sit in one and take it on a little drive - but I'm going to have to wait for the RX-8's to hit the local dealerships, here ...

:p

I understand that there will be an RX-8 coming to the Dallas Auto show at the end of this month - but you won't be able to sit in it ... (I"m kind of wondering what's the point of paying to go there when I can wait alittle longer and vist my Mazda dealership?)

:(

So it's up to everyone, here, to keep me informed.

:D

Please!

Originally posted by 8jay8
The car is truly more striking in person, both inside and outside. I was sold on the velocity red after seeing it in L.A. as the color was flawless and brilliant. My only concern is that it was under the lights. I wonder if the lights have a similar affect as they do on diamonds, that being tend to make them sparkle. I hope the beauty of the color is not lost outside in the sun and away from the lights of the showroom. Did you not see the Velocity Red on TV (Car & Driver, Motor Week) - I was stunned at how great the colour looks in sunlight - better than any photo of it indoors that I've seen.

Here's a picture that I think shows some of the color and depth of the Velocity Red. It's yummy!

Originally posted by RXhusker
Another reason may be the paint colors -- many threads have already addressed the colors but you just can't tell in the photos how deep and vibrant the colors are (especially the Vel Red, Titanium and Nordic Green) The Red and Green mica have incredible gold mica flakes that add a depth and dimension to the paint.
RXhusker - did you actually see the Nordic Green in person? I've not heard of anyone seeing this color. Did it look green, green, or more of a black, green (if that makes sense)?