The latst issue of Autoweek has a very interesting article on how some automakers are monitoring enthusiast websites to catch the buzz on what direction their products should take.

I thought you'd be interested in this passage:

"Currently, the research firm is evaluating buzz surrounding next year's Mazda RX-8. Much like the 350Z, the RX-8 has an enthusiast following and Mazda is particularly interested in collecting data on the car's strengths, weaknesses, potential, and acceptance, says Mazda spokesman Kevin Everhart.

A perusal of enthusiast sites such as rx-8forum. com and rotarynews.com should give Mazda a good read. One enthusiast suggests that the prototype "doesn't look enough like the 7," another laments the shade of yellow shown in Detroit is rumored unavailable on the production versions. Yet another begs Mazda to "just accidentally 'leak' a tidbit here or there to keep the rotor-heads fed."


I remember some of those comments. Any of the authors want to take credit?

So if they're watching (reading), I guess we shouldn't be shy to speak up and let them know what's on our minds.

i posted this a few days ago in the lounge, but this works too. if mazda is watching this is for them.

"Hi i am a MP3 owner who loves the car, but is also pissed about the Mazdaspeed protege. If I knew that was going to come out i would have saved my money and bought it. And no im not trading in my MP3. its mine now you cant have it back. :p ."

Originally posted by freekwonder
i "Hi i am a MP3 owner who loves the car, but is also pissed about the Mazdaspeed protege. . :p ."
hey..how does the car handle?..i was reading a mag. article and there was a handling test with 7 supercars and the mp3..it finished last..but it came close!

i havnt had the join of autox yet. but from what i can tell from the back roads its great. usually the signs say 35 and i do 70 no problem. if the car had more power, it probably would have done a lot better in that test.