http://roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=39&article_id=1627

Speed Magazine, Availible on Oct 26.

"Renegade Rotary
SPEED Editor Sam Mitani gains exclusive access to Mazda's super-secret RX-8. With its specially-designed Mazdaspeed suspension improvements (shocks and springs, anti-roll bars) and supercharged rotary, this is one mean sports car, lapping Willow Springs faster than a Porsche Boxster S or the Nissan 350Z."

:eek:

http://roadandtrack.com/assets/image/10152004105747.jpg

http://roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=39&article_id=1627

Speed Magazine, Availible on Oct 26.

"Renegade Rotary
SPEED Editor Sam Mitani gains exclusive access to Mazda's super-secret RX-8. With its specially-designed Mazdaspeed suspension improvements (shocks and springs, anti-roll bars) and supercharged rotary, this is one mean sports car, lapping Willow Springs faster than a Porsche Boxster S or the Nissan 350Z."

:eek:


Interesting, especially this part - supercharged rotary

:eek: :eek: :eek:

:D SWEEEEETTTTT

What's that - a hood scoop????

wow ... can't wait to see that!

DAMN.. finally. a post with some evidence!!

I was going to cry if it was another bogus thread.....

Great find!!

It's my new avatar! Looks like it was M12's first post - your right - great find. Can't wait toll 10-26-04 now!

What is Speed though? I have not heard of this magazine.. Is it different from Road & Track?

This should be my new avatar.... haha

http://roadandtrack.com/assets/image/0927200418252285.jpg

OK.. back on topic.. but damn..

Great find!!! I will look for that magazine on Oct 26. :D

..but damn is right Dave!

Seems we have missed the first issue! New magazine just for us :)

F@#*ing sweet !!!!! thank you "m12"!!! sam mitani has been the llucky journo to be rthe first to drive each version of the * i believe. glad he was the one to get the scoop here.

woooot!!

Great find!!! I will look for that magazine on Oct 26. :D

So does this mean it will be in news stands and is a seperate mag from R&T?

kind of like a special edition?

That's what I'm talking about! Party! Reverse the curse, not, sorry boston fans.

yes its a sepeate new magazine from the folks at R&T available on newstands where ever R&T is sold.

yes its a sepeate new magazine from the folks at R&T available on newstands where ever R&T is sold.

Speed is a sweet magazine for tuners and sports car enthusiasts, it's similar to a regular road and track magazine but without the SUV and other silly articles, and a little more in depth numbers and stuff.

http://roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=39&article_id=1627

Speed Magazine, Availible on Oct 26.

"Renegade Rotary
SPEED Editor Sam Mitani gains exclusive access to Mazda's super-secret RX-8. With its specially-designed Mazdaspeed suspension improvements (shocks and springs, anti-roll bars) and supercharged rotary, this is one mean sports car, lapping Willow Springs faster than a Porsche Boxster S or the Nissan 350Z."

:eek:

http://roadandtrack.com/assets/image/10152004105747.jpg :eek: :eek: :eek: Oh baby! I think my heart just skipped a beat. I know what my next car will be. :D

Sam is the man! He also was first to sample the yellow prototype RX-8 at Mazda's proving grounds, long before the other mags. Mazda must like him and R&T. That looks like a very cool issue. They've also got an article on the SpeedSource Grand Am RX-8, which has won 4 races this year and has chance of beating BMW for the championship in the last race.

interesting how mazda australia and now this car both show up around the same time sporting forced induction, makes you wonder if there was a competition within mazda corp to see what each division could develop. notice they both have the blacked out headlight covers and nobody else seems to have seen them before.....hmmmmm

Damnit... and all we get is a teaser! I want the whole article!!! :D

Man oh man I hope the offer a non-warranty voiding retrofit kit...

interesting how mazda australia and now this car both show up around the same time sporting forced induction, makes you wonder if there was a competition within mazda corp to see what each division could develop. notice they both have the blacked out headlight covers and nobody else seems to have seen them before.....hmmmmmYes an interesting coincidence. But the new Mazdaspeed body kit looks way better than the old one for me. Combined with enhanced suspension tuning and a factory engineered FI solution, I'll take the Mazdaspeed one over the Aussie effort. This little teaser is just what Mazda needs to keep the spot light and interest on the RX-8.

:eek:

*note to self: pick up SPEED mag next week*

Yes an interesting coincidence. But the new Mazdaspeed body kit looks way better than the old one for me. Combined with enhanced suspension tuning and a factory engineered FI solution, I'll take the Mazdaspeed one over the Aussie effort. This little teaser is just what Mazda needs to keep the spot light and interest on the RX-8.
where are you seeing anything about a new mazdaspeed kit? all i see is
" With its specially-designed Mazdaspeed suspension improvements (shocks and springs, anti-roll bars) and supercharged rotary "

If you look very closely at the photos (I know they are small), you will see the front spoiler is a different design. The rear spoiler is also different and there's a rotary shaped hood scoop as well.

Look at the photo... specifically around the oil cooler ducts, side skirts, and rear underside of the car. (wing is different too)

Bigger picture..... worse quality, look at the front, and the spoiler

Definitely not a seport. Good find bro'. :)

The car looks promising, and the fact it's supercharged opens up new doors for yours truly. ;)

I like the new kit a little better too. Although, I want to see that hoodscoop in more detail and those fog lites have to go.

Great find though.

Instead of the black headlight covers, I hope they do a clear lens with body colored backing like the Ferrari 360 Modena and the new Corvette. Looking closer at the photos, it even looks like the rear diffuser is new too.

Ferrari style headlights would look great, and i agree the rear diffuser does look different.

Diffuser or wing? It's kind of hard to see the diffuser.

Hopefully the supercharged RX-8 will be released outside of the japanese market , at a reasonable price ????

cheers
michael

Hopefully any kit will be released... This is killing me.

If you look very closely at the photos (I know they are small), you will see the front spoiler is a different design. The rear spoiler is also different and there's a rotary shaped hood scoop as well.


Different design yes, is it a mazdaspeed design or not well who knows. The bold print said Mazda's Super Secret RX-8 not Mazdaspeed RX-8. It is a stunning design for the kit but IMO i think we should wait till we get a bit more info about it before making any speculations.

The front end looks very similar to racing beat's front end w/o the cross bar in the middle.
Also note the black head light and tail light masks. Those look sexy.
There's more! The rear end is a solid white as well and it's got euro style mirrors.

Very sexy.

Different design yes, is it a mazdaspeed design or not well who knows. The bold print said Mazda's Super Secret RX-8 not Mazdaspeed RX-8. It is a stunning design for the kit but IMO i think we should wait till we get a bit more info about it before making any speculations.True. Until it's officially released, everything is speculation. But as it's a Mazda factory car, I assumed the new body kit is either Mazdaspeed or simply Mazda. Mazdaspeed had several kits over the years for the FD RX-7.

Regardless if it's Mazdaspeed or Mazda, I love it!

THE SIDEskirts seem to flow alot better into the wheel arches. almost like its made that way and not just added on. maybe its just me?!? and the rear side right behind the wheel well looks catches my eye as being different but that could be because its all one color. is the front the same as the "mazdaspeed 2" body or is it also different? either way i am liking this look more than the original mazdaspeed kit.

Damnit... and all we get is a teaser! I want the whole article!!! :D

Man oh man I hope the offer a non-warranyt voiding retrofit kit...
Amen Brother Man RX-8 enthusiest type person also known as Omicron.. I have a lot of time put into my 8 modding it so far and really don't want to sell it then buy the supercharged one.. a reliable bolt on kit, even if it doesn't fall under the warrenty, is number one on my list if this rumor pans out to be true.. lets just hope it's not 5 years down the road..

Hopefully the supercharged RX-8 will be released outside of the japanese market , at a reasonable price ????

cheers
michael

Well this cat is out of the bag.... unfortunately due to this R&T article/scoop, we were unable to display this bad boy at SevenStock this year. We had it all ready to go, but they pulled the plug on us, the day before the event. It was understandable, but still a dissapointment.... for all those that attended SevenStock, it was right behind a few doors!! ;)

The car does have a one-off body kit, including scoop and unique body treatment. It has actually been in development for a 1 year +. This is something that the Mazda R&D boys here in the USA (including MazdaSpeed NA) have been working on, so if it ever makes production, it will be available in the USA. It's still only a concept study.

btw, It looks pretty good in person too!! :D

-Bern

wait a second. So you saw this car, in person, and you didn't take pictures?

Does anyone else think that its cool that it has the white paint on white rims look of the Ann. Ed. of the FC made in '88? I think its sweet!

i bet berny did... when R&T dudes weren't looking ;)

Wow great find ... supercharged .... sign me up ... looks great .... Bern you're teasing us ... bet you have more info to release once the Speed article is out?

This should be a stickey

Well this cat is out of the bag.... unfortunately due to this R&T article/scoop, we were unable to display this bad boy at SevenStock this year. We had it all ready to go, but they pulled the plug on us, the day before the event. It was understandable, but still a dissapointment.... for all those that attended SevenStock, it was right behind a few doors!! ;)

The car does have a one-off body kit, including scoop and unique body treatment. It has actually been in development for a 1 year +. This is something that the Mazda R&D boys here in the USA (including MazdaSpeed NA) have been working on, so if it ever makes production, it will be available in the USA. It's still only a concept study.

btw, It looks pretty good in person too!! :D

-BernMore details please! How much hp/torque? What kind of supercharger? Potential target release dates? etc. etc...

Well this cat is out of the bag.... unfortunately due to this R&T article/scoop, we were unable to display this bad boy at SevenStock this year. We had it all ready to go, but they pulled the plug on us, the day before the event. It was understandable, but still a dissapointment.... for all those that attended SevenStock, it was right behind a few doors!! ;)

The car does have a one-off body kit, including scoop and unique body treatment. It has actually been in development for a 1 year +. This is something that the Mazda R&D boys here in the USA (including MazdaSpeed NA) have been working on, so if it ever makes production, it will be available in the USA. It's still only a concept study.

btw, It looks pretty good in person too!! :D

-Bern

As you are most likely aware Mazda motorsport have also created a forced induction RX8 here in Australia and it was shown at the sydney motor show they said that it was a concept car but would not be going to be available here in Australia .
They were hoping to get 270kw and a huge 350 nm :D

http://www.mazda.com.au/currentnews.asp?articleZoneID=3225

cheers
michael

Well this cat is out of the bag.... unfortunately due to this R&T article/scoop, we were unable to display this bad boy at SevenStock this year. We had it all ready to go, but they pulled the plug on us, the day before the event. It was understandable, but still a dissapointment.... for all those that attended SevenStock, it was right behind a few doors!! ;)

The car does have a one-off body kit, including scoop and unique body treatment. It has actually been in development for a 1 year +. This is something that the Mazda R&D boys here in the USA (including MazdaSpeed NA) have been working on, so if it ever makes production, it will be available in the USA. It's still only a concept study.

btw, It looks pretty good in person too!! :D

-Bern


:eek:Got proof ? lets see a bigger better photo of it since it is going to be on newsstands nationwide anyway. :D

I wonder if this was the car that was at Racing Beat during the focus group. They had an 8 there that was covered but definitely had a hood scoop bulge and the rumor at the time was that it was supercharged.

Cool find! Thanks!

I'm quite eager to check it out on newstands...

I wonder if this was the car that was at Racing Beat during the focus group. They had an 8 there that was covered but definitely had a hood scoop bulge and the rumor at the time was that it was supercharged.

So, does this mean we were all looking at a blown 13B sitting on the porting bench at Racing Beat during Sevenstock7, that was part of the testing for this car??

OMFG

.... for all those that attended SevenStock, it was right behind a few doors!!

Which doors?? If I only had my cloak of invisibility with me! :cool:

Please, please, please let this be sold in kit form as well....

Well, it looks like they finally did it. I was waiting for this. Now I just have to wait a little longer and I can purchase a FI RX-8.

Ill take two.

i'll have some fries with that ^

I wonder if this was the car that was at Racing Beat during the focus group. They had an 8 there that was covered but definitely had a hood scoop bulge and the rumor at the time was that it was supercharged.

You said t I didn't!! ;)

-Bern

So, does this mean we were all looking at a blown 13B sitting on the porting bench at Racing Beat during Sevenstock7, that was part of the testing for this car??

OMFG

Well... you were looking at a blown something, but that it was for this particular program, I know not. I will say, and I'm quite surprised, that many didn't see, or pay attention to, the pics of this car up on the board at the SevenStock Racing Beat open house. There were a few shots of this car in plain site! Right in front of everyones faces!!

-Bern

wait a second. So you saw this car, in person, and you didn't take pictures?

I wasn't allowed to take pics or speak about it... on the request of my Mazda friends. :)

-Bern

:eek:Got proof ? lets see a bigger better photo of it since it is going to be on newsstands nationwide anyway. :D

Proof of what?? ;) See my previous post.

The R&T article will have as much information as Mazda wants to let out on this ride. Again, this program (vehicle) is still only a concept study.

My guess... +/-300 hp

-Bern

What on earth is this to do with MazdaSpeed? :eek:

Another supercharger story...

Subscribed to thread. I'm pretty sure, that if this comes out, Mazdaspeed will probably offer a retro-fit kit. It was offered for the Protege, in that you could get all the components of the Mazdaspeed Turbo kit designed by Callaway. Now I will say this: the Mazdaspeed Kit for the Protege was nothing compared to what several aftermarket tuners turned out. In other words, I'd be more interested in alternative options, however, you most likely will be able to have one installed by the dealer, and retain factory warranty. The same is true for Mazdaspeed Miata parts.

I'd be willing to bet that even if Mazda doesn't offer a retro-fit kit, the aftermarket tuners will eventually get their hands on one, and if nothing else, improve its design. There are several Proteges running turbos from flyinprotege.com and hiboost.com that will blow the doors off any factory tuned Protege.

will this mean that there will be an engine management system already set up to take care of the FI? so if they do offer it as a kit, i'll have to replace my ecu as well?

wow..........................this car looks so good! i cant wait to see it in person.

As you are most likely aware Mazda motorsport have also created a forced induction RX8 here in Australia and it was shown at the sydney motor show they said that it was a concept car but would not be going to be available here in Australia .
They were hoping to get 270kw and a huge 350 nm :D

http://www.mazda.com.au/currentnews.asp?articleZoneID=3225

cheers
michael

lock they are aware- there is a story about it on the rotarynews site;)

Zoom44, Rotarygod, Ajax, Kari, Icemastr, TheDosDog

We should have snooped harder while at Racing Beat that wonderful day - it seems that there was a lot more treasure to be found out there than we knew about. That engine on the porting bench MUST have been one that Jim was testing to see what kind of boost the 13B could take for this project.

if it comes out for an 06 release, im trading in. forget a kit!

Well this cat is out of the bag.... unfortunately due to this R&T article/scoop, we were unable to display this bad boy at SevenStock this year. We had it all ready to go,
-Bern

so that's what you hinted about in the 7 stock section thread? this one? (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=36513)

M12 who are you? Your Join Date: 10-15-2004 - the same day as this new thread post, and it is still your only post.... Are you a secret agent man? Maybe you look like this: :cool:

it wouldnt surprise me that racing beat had pictures. Like i said, the car's front end is very racing beat and yes, they did mention blowing up an engine while supercharging. They couldn't give us any details on it either.
I do remember asking the younger guy who was running the engine dyno what the output was at when it blew was and he said he didnt know off hand but that it ran fine at 280+ hp. I dont know if he slipped up saying that, but who knows.

M12 who are you? Your Join Date: 10-15-2004 - the same day as this new thread post, and it is still your only post.... Are you a secret agent man? Maybe you look like this: :cool:Very perceptive. Also, that side view pic that was posted by M12 can’t be found on the Road&Track teaser page for SPEED, but seems to be the property of R&T. Hmmm... was this story leaked to us on purpose?

If Mazda is reading this, here’s my wish list for a US-spec Mazdaspeed RX-8:

- Make it fast (~300 hp+), so the RX-8 will take a back seat to nobody. But make it reliable please (not another FD)!
- Keep the weight as is, or even lessen it if possible. Don’t lose that lightweight feeling!
- Love the body kit on the white prototype and the hood scoop is cool! Fog light treatment needs a little work.
- Prefer a head light treatment like the Ferrari 360 Modena with a body colored backing. Don’t care for the black out look. But smoked covers on the rear lights would be cool.
- Don’t need to mention the handling, ‘cause I know Mazda/Mazdaspeed will get that right.
- Would like to see a racier interior with Mazdaspeed bucket seats and carbon fiber trim. Would also like to see a more snazzy Mazdaspeed shift knob, the current one is so plain & boring.
- Oh, and one last thing, bring back a special edition yellow color for this car, so I can trade mine in. :D

If you build it, they will come...

M12...hmmm... M12 is a cluster of stars in the galaxy, Noble makes an M12 gto super car, m12 is also a multimedia educational program but what M12 is not is telling us more about this RX8 and its pandoras box of treasures. pictures are linked to road and track so this person must work for them, probably having a good time watching all our posts squirming around speculating answers to our own questions, c'mon this is almost like going to a strip club..nothing but teaser's not any pleezer's.

Very perceptive.

thank you! :p kevin!! :D

Also, that side view pic that was posted by M12 can’t be found on the Road&Track teaser page for SPEED, but seems to be the property of R&T. Hmmm... was this story leaked to us on purpose?



well it's not a leak per se since it is up on their website, more of a heads up from the inside:) you know i looked around for the second pic and cant find it except here;)

c'mon this is almost like going to a strip club..nothing but teaser's not any pleezer's.

well there's this one place, where this one girl.......... :eek:

I don't buy this Bullshit...



















NOT! Damn! Finally a "coming up" thread that gets us all excited without the flamers throwing torches! Woohoo! I actually like that kit better than the current MS kit. And that scoop, well it's not clear, but how is it opening? I remember there was a thread here that was collecting for new hood scoop designs. Would this scoop be for an intercooler a la STi? or an intake?

Big smile! :D :D :D

:d

- Make it fast (~300 hp+), so the RX-8 will take a back seat to nobody.

what if it doesn't have a back seat at all :eek:

...you know i looked around for the second pic and cant find it except here...

C - It's also linked from R&T:

http://roadandtrack.com/assets/image/10152004105747.jpg

what if it doesn't have a back seat at all :eek:Then they might as well go all the way and introduce a pure sports 4th gen RX-7 or call it RX-9. Would be pretty lame having the rear free style doors without back seats. But I want a Mazdaspeed RX-8 to be an RX-8, and that means rear seats to me.

Amen Brother Man RX-8 enthusiest type person also known as Omicron.. I have a lot of time put into my 8 modding it so far and really don't want to sell it then buy the supercharged one.. a reliable bolt on kit, even if it doesn't fall under the warrenty, is number one on my list if this rumor pans out to be true.. lets just hope it's not 5 years down the road..You betcha! :D

And I like the rear spoiler/wing better than the current one to... looks to be a good compromise between the factory spoiler/wing (which I like pretty well) and the current MS one.

Wow great find ... supercharged .... sign me up ... looks great .... Bern you're teasing us ... bet you have more info to release once the Speed article is out?

This should be a stickeyWhy? It's staying on top all on it's own...

My guess... +/-300 hp

-Bern***DROOL***

Wooohooo!!!

...If Mazda is reading this...Of course they are!

was this on the board that showed the various development-stage RB body kits?

I don't think it looks at all like the Racing Beat kit. It looks more like an evolution of the Mazdaspeed RX-8 front bumper with a touch of the old face lifted '99-'02 RX-7 mixed in.

Zoom44, Rotarygod, Ajax, Kari, Icemastr, TheDosDog

We should have snooped harder while at Racing Beat that wonderful day - it seems that there was a lot more treasure to be found out there than we knew about.

well damn we all looked at the board with the focus group pics!! with the various designs for body kits. we remarked about how the final design and one or 2 of the others looked as if they COULD BE THE NEXT evolution "STOCK" body style.

which just didnt make the leap

i want it

I don't think it looks at all like the Racing Beat kit. It looks more like an evolution of the Mazdaspeed RX-8 front bumper with a touch of the old face lifted '99-'02 RX-7 mixed in.

See it now?

Nope, sorry I don't. Heck, I can photoshop my own front bumper to make it look like that too, that's cheating. Anyway, the RB bumper has a sharper squared off edge to the front nose, while the white prototype seems to have a softer more rounded edge. IMHO, I believe the body kit is a US Mazda/Mazdaspeed design. If anything, Mazda is probably getting RB's help with the supercharger testing.

Nope, sorry I don't. Heck, I can photoshop my own front bumper to make it look like that too, that's cheating. Anyway, the RB bumper has a sharper squared off edge to the front nose, while the white prototype seems to have a softer more rounded edge. IMHO, I believe the body kit is a US Mazda/Mazdaspeed design. If anything, Mazda is probably getting RB's help with the supercharger testing.

I dunno. We saw the RB bumper first hand at RB and it was very smooth. They also noted that it may not be the final design. I see the resemblance but mostly it's because i've seen it firsthand and know how the edges actually looked.

That doesnt look like a new spoiler. It looks like the MS spoiler at its highest setting. I just set mine up like that. Its to dark to take pics outside, but ill take pics tomorrow.

M12 who are you? Your Join Date: 10-15-2004 - the same day as this new thread post, and it is still your only post.... Are you a secret agent man? Maybe you look like this: :cool:



Haha....secret agent. Sorry, I have no connection to Road and Track or Mazda.
Im just waiting for the next car that will meet my requirements and I would like that car to be the Mazdaspeed RX-8. I was just browsing the internet and found something that might be the mazdaspeed rx-8 but I guess it might not be.

I guess we will find out on Oct 26 ( or hope we can get more information prior to that *cough*Bern*Cough*).

-M12
Possibly Future Mazda RX-8 Nut. :D

Haha....secret agent

-M12
Possibly Future Mazda RX-8 Nut. :D


I sir am forever in your debt.

Hmmm... Just a thought that the RX-8 fetured in that article is supercharged, wonder if they are working off of the factory ECU but just fine tuned it. Makes me wonder if all of the problems that aftermarket companies are having with the ECU is do to Mazda intentionally making the ECU hard to alter so people would have a tough time cracking at it? If someone doesn't perfect the ECU soon I might think about selling mine and getting that 8 in the article. I love the 8, but my preference is more power. We'll have to see what that article has to say about the engine management.

Here is a pic the my MS spoiler on the high setting.

You could be right. Hard to say, because the photos of the white car are so small.

But the wing looks to be a slightly different shape with the sides tapering down a bit more than the current MS one. From this front shot, to my eye, it looks a little more square-ish compared to the current MS or factory wing.

I guess we'll all have to wait for this next issue of R&T's SPEED magazine to find out.

Hmmm... Just a thought that the RX-8 fetured in that article is supercharged, wonder if they are working off of the factory ECU but just fine tuned it. Makes me wonder if all of the problems that aftermarket companies are having with the ECU is do to Mazda intentionally making the ECU hard to alter so people would have a tough time cracking at it? If someone doesn't perfect the ECU soon I might think about selling mine and getting that 8 in the article. I love the 8, but my preference is more power. We'll have to see what that article has to say about the engine management.


no need to sell yours, the real value in a OEM FI model is that the aftermarket can reverse engineer the ECU, or hell just buy the MS ECU and retune the car that way. What I want to know is what was done if anything to the engine, such as seal upgrades, etc....

That's true brillo I really didn't even think of it that way.

The article doesn't matter much to me because it'll be at least another year until it comes out and I can't wait that damn long.

So, they said it beat a 350z on track (which I've read that stock can do that) but a new Porsche boxster S, 0-60 in 5.2 I wonder how well the handling is on the box compared to the mazspd 8.

Pretty impressive to say the least, I hope it hits the states in a nice quantity sometime soon. :)

So, they said it beat a 350z on track (which I've read that stock can do that) but a new Porsche boxster S, 0-60 in 5.2 I wonder how well the handling is on the box compared to the mazspd 8.

Pretty impressive to say the least, I hope it hits the states in a nice quantity sometime soon. :)

Willow Springs is in the US. This is a Mazda North American Operations car.

must... resist.... doh! NICE! my wallet's gonna take a beating once this hits production...

Willow Springs is in the US. This is a Mazda North American Operations car.

is it going to be made here? that would be surprising.

Who knows where it will be built. It may never become a factory production car. Right now it's a one off concept car.

Mazda's R&D center in Irvine CA helped to design the Miata, 3rd gen RX-7, RX-8, and many other Mazda cars. Just because the car is designed in the US, doesn't mean it will be made here. Most likely Hiroshima.

But Mazda also likes to have these friendly bake offs between their various divisions. We've seen the Austrailian effort announced, next comes the US version, for all we know there's another version being developed in Japan. Mazda may then take the best effort or parts of each and craft the final version.

Mazda's R&D center in Irvine CA helped to design the Miata, 3rd gen RX-7, RX-8, and many other Mazda cars. Just because the car is designed in the US, doesn't mean it will be made here. Most likely Hiroshima.

But Mazda also likes to have these friendly bake offs between their various divisions. We've seen the Austrailian effort announced, next comes the US version, for all we know there's another version being developed in Japan. Mazda may then take the best effort or parts of each and craft the final version.

This is true, but the friendly bake-offs are usually only for new full production models, not Hi-Po versions of existing models. The Autralians have always had a penchant for creating Hi-Po models prior to other parts of the world. They created the limted edition Bathurst FD's and they also did a limited run of turbo MX-5 (miatas) before the MS Miatas here in the states.

The reality of this RX-8, is that it's a study for MazdaSpeed NORTH AMERICA.... not unlike the MazdaSpeed Protege program. :)

-Bern

How about some larger images? I know there is already one posted in this thread, but look at these - same grainy exposure blown up a little. :p

Where's the driver?

heres the cover of the new magazine. now there are 3 pics.

sweet..... I cant wait until this comes out.. thankx for posting.

heres the cover of the new magazine. now there are 3 pics.Yes, but still 3 very tiny pics. Thanks for finding the cover. I think it's a little clearer from the cover pic, if one zooms in, that the rear wing is different and not the current MS one at its highest setting.

i think i wanna get smoked lenses on my 8 now! rx-7 style

Please please please please let this get released as a warranty approved MS kit.

please.

please (this last one is from my car, she wants a supercharger...)

I bought the magazine today. They are claiming about (estimated) 275 hp & 200 lb.-ft. of torque, and .5 sec. faster than stock. They strapped 245/35/19's on the front & 275/30/19's on the back. WOW ! They tested it at Streets of Willow which is about 1 1/2 hrs. from LA. I driven it, and it is a great track.

I actually asked Jim Mederer if they have tested any FI'ed on the RX8, and he graciously told me that they had a SC'ed Renesis. I asked him how much they were getting, and he told me about 285 hp. No problems.

Fanman rules! We are not worthy...

What make of tire I wonder? Those are huge sizes. :p

So Jim had his own SC8? Or is this the same one?

I bought the magazine today. They are claiming about (estimated) 275 hp & 200 lb.-ft. of torque, and .5 sec. faster than stock. They strapped 245/35/19's on the front & 275/30/19's on the back. WOW ! They tested it at Streets of Willow which is about 1 1/2 hrs. from LA. I driven it, and it is a great track.

I actually asked Jim Mederer if they have tested any FI'ed on the RX8, and he graciously told me that they had a SC'ed Renesis. I asked him how much they were getting, and he told me about 285 hp. No problems.

No problems? Why the heck are they not producing it then?

They would have so many customers and be first to market....?

.5 second faster? That's it? The question now becomes at what cost would the kit be to get the .5 second faster speed and would a big wad of $ be worth this improvement?

It's the torque we are after - right? that's almost a 20% increase

I've been trying to find this darn magazine, but nobody sells it... is it availible in the US? I looked so far at Borders Books and Barnes & Noble.. but they haven't heard of it.. the only place that has something called Speed is amazon, and that's $63 for 6 issues because it's an aussie publication.

I bought the magazine today. They are claiming about (estimated) 275 hp & 200 lb.-ft. of torque, and .5 sec. faster than stock.

This is 0-60 or 1/4 mile?

.5 sec is a decent improvement-- 14.0sec to 13.5 sec or 5.5sec to 5.0sec--also we don't know how the car is launched--if it is a .5sec improvement with a standard launch and not a 8,000 rpm drop then that is remarkable.

Sounds pretty much like what Petit did for improvent also. Falls in line with the Blitz kit too.

When I hear .5 I think 1/4 mile. Is this correct? Something like a 13.9? The big question is price and possible release as factory approved. Also curious about dyno curve and redline. All these superchargers put the power right about where I think it should be, but I am not so sure about paying $5k. If it was emissions legal in California and factory quality I would consider it a lot more though.

$5k for .5 second and 20 ft lbs of torque? Me thinks that is verrry near the point of diminishing returns.

$5k for .5 second and 20 ft lbs of torque? Me thinks that is verrry near the point of diminishing returns.

Who said anything about $5K? There is no price for the MS setup. The $5K myth about the Pettit kit is wrong also. They are quoting $3.6K for their low boost setup.

And how do you know where your current torque is? I thought we were at 159 ft. @ 5500 RPM. Thats 200 - 159 = 41 ft lbs more not 20.

It's the torque we are after - right? that's almost a 20% increase

He probably didn't read your earlier response correctly. 20% increase in torque.

I bought the magazine today.

Hey Fanman, do you have access to a scanner?

I've been trying to find this darn magazine, but nobody sells it... is it availible in the US? I looked so far at Borders Books and Barnes & Noble.. but they haven't heard of it.. the only place that has something called Speed is amazon, and that's $63 for 6 issues because it's an aussie publication.

yeah where can you get this thing? I've been looking around as well and I can't find it.....

I was hoping for 300 HP but nonetheless, i'm still excited

It is supposed to be available on news stands right next to the regular issue of Road & Track on Oct. 26th. Fanman got a copy early somehow.

I was just at my local Mazda dealer looking at a silver '04 RX8 and the dealer mentioned that a turbocharged RX8 should be released by next summer. I know you shouldn't believe what dealers say but does anybody know anything about this? I love the styling of the car but it is so underpowered and this could be a def. solution.

^
^
^
:rolleyes:

no, we know nothing about it.... that's the problem :D

I was just at my local Mazda dealer looking at a silver '04 RX8 and the dealer mentioned that a turbocharged RX8 should be released by next summer. I know you shouldn't believe what dealers say but does anybody know anything about this? I love the styling of the car but it is so underpowered and this could be a def. solution.

I would not beleive a single thing that a salesman will tell you. Trust me - I am in sales myself. We will say anything to hook your interest before we make our kill.

Underpowered my ass - wanna go for a ride? It is all a misconception - this power thing. Do you want to go straight and fast? If so, buy an STI or an EVO. You will look like a refrigerator with a beer opener on the trunk. My 8 is has plenty of power for me thank you. This car is built for long winding roads with LOTS of turns. It is a sport car, not a dragster.

I would not beleive a single thing that a salesman will tell you. Trust me - I am in sales myself. We will say anything to hook your interest before we make our kill.

Underpowered my ass - wanna go for a ride? It is all a misconception - this power thing. Do you want to go straight and fast? If so, buy an STI or an EVO. You will look like a refrigerator with a beer opener on the trunk. My 8 is has plenty of power for me thank you. This car is built for long winding roads with LOTS of turns. It is a sport car, not a dragster.
Exactly, if I wanted straight line quick, I'd strap myself to the nose of a bullet and ride a crotch rocket motorcycle.. Not much can keep up with the 8 on a twisty road...

I just hope that the extra weight in the engine compartment from the forced induction stuff doesn't throw off the weight distribution and hamper the handling

It was just estimated in the mag, but they said about 5.5 sec. 0-60 (from 6.1 sec.), and 14.0 flat@100 mph (from 14.5 sec.). No estimate of additional cost. They listed the tire as Bridgestone Potenzas, but not which models.

Nice additional article on Mazda Grand Am Cup cars

I have access to a scanner but I'm not sure how to add pictures on my posts (call me technically illiterate)

I agree with Nemesis, don't believe a word a salesman says. You can tell they are lying, because their lips are moving. If anything my purchase experience with my RX8 taught me that salesman have none of your interest at heart, they just see you as a paycheck.

Exactly, if I wanted straight line quick, I'd strap myself to the nose of a bullet and ride a crotch rocket motorcycle.. Not much can keep up with the 8 on a twisty road...

I just hope that the extra weight in the engine compartment from the forced induction stuff doesn't throw off the weight distribution and hamper the handling

Obviously for some the power is adequate but when compared against similarly priced competitors the RX8 is the runt. Many agree that the RX8 is underpowered and would welcome a bump in power...hell if it had 280+hp I'd probably be in an RX8 rather than the EVO.

Also, you don't need 50/50 weight distribution for good handling. The EVO does fine with 60/40 and Porsche does fine with 40/60.

Please correct me if I am wrong.. but doesn't having 50/50 weight distribution dramaticaly help with understeer/oversteer? sorry for getting a bit off topic

Obviously for some the power is adequate but when compared against similarly priced competitors the RX8 is the runt. Many agree that the RX8 is underpowered and would welcome a bump in power...hell if it had 280+hp I'd probably be in an RX8 rather than the EVO.

Also, you don't need 50/50 weight distribution for good handling. The EVO does fine with 60/40 and Porsche does fine with 40/60.

As an 8 owner i would certainly like a little extra hp/torque. However, 50/50 disty is a bit of a holy grail - it does make for a better handling car. Are the EVO and Porsche poor? Not at all. But you can bet if the engineers could make them 50/50, they would.

I actually asked Jim Mederer if they have tested any FI'ed on the RX8, and he graciously told me that they had a SC'ed Renesis. I asked him how much they were getting, and he told me about 285 hp. No problems.

MANY OF US SAW one of the tested sc'd renesis engines at racing beat. well the housing anyway. it did have a problem that we have discussed at length.


No problems? Why the heck are they not producing it then?

They would have so many customers and be first to market....?

2 reasons

a. there is/was aproblem
b. they are still at work cracking the ecu for engine management. their goal is to write maps to the stock pcm.



I just hope that the extra weight in the engine compartment from the forced induction stuff doesn't throw off the weight distribution and hamper the handling


the suspension has been retuned- no doubt with weight distribution in mind.

What does it cover?

I was just at my local Mazda dealer looking at a silver '04 RX8 and the dealer mentioned that a turbocharged RX8 should be released by next summer. I know you shouldn't believe what dealers say but does anybody know anything about this? I love the styling of the car but it is so underpowered and this could be a def. solution.

I am a Mazda Salesman. I've been one for only 2 weeks, but none the less I am one. I got the job because of my 8. Anyway, that's a lil off subject. There are ALOT of stupid salesman in the car business. However, there is a turbo mazda coming out early next summer. It's just a mazdaspeed Mazda6.

yeah bane we know about the MS6 already. the problem is the salesmen going around telling people there is a turbo 8 coming out next summer- when we know there isnt.

The RX8 is definately underpowered. I know the car really wasn't engineered to be a dragster; but neither is any car that is mass produced. You all say that car is so much fun to drive, and it is pretty fun, but torque is a great thing to have. It can make a great handling car even more fun to drive. The STi was more fun to drive because it never once lost traction or anything, has loads of torque, and handles very, very nicely. I just wish Mazda did turbocharge the RX8 because it does have very nice styling. I guess I got my hopes up for nothing...

maybe you did emfollin.

The RX8 is definately underpowered. I know the car really wasn't engineered to be a dragster; but neither is any car that is mass produced. You all say that car is so much fun to drive, and it is pretty fun, but torque is a great thing to have. It can make a great handling car even more fun to drive. The STi was more fun to drive because it never once lost traction or anything, has loads of torque, and handles very, very nicely. I just wish Mazda did turbocharge the RX8 because it does have very nice styling. I guess I got my hopes up for nothing...
uh oh, here come the ....

http://phpmywebmin.josh.ch/_uploads/j0sh/fire.gif

It's going to happen, a turbo and/or a supercharger will be here for us one day - we just have to be patient - that is a virtue I guess :)

M12 - I bet you are having a blast reading this thread. See what you started! A supercharged Renesis must be fun to drive. Sam Mitani - if you are sitting next to M12, have a beer on me!

Don't think a SC will significantly throw off the weight distribution. SCs + accessories arent that heavy.

Patience is definately a virtue. Something I do have really have... And I love assholes who cannot let someone voice their opinion and just flame them. I did not come on here to bash the RX8 but to voice my opinion and try and get the opinions of RX8 owners.

Patience is definately a virtue. Something I do have really have... And I love assholes who cannot let someone voice their opinion and just flame them. I did not come on here to bash the RX8 but to voice my opinion and try and get the opinions of RX8 owners.
I agree everyone should have the right to voice their opinion. However, when you come on a board and make a statement such as the one above (with 3 posts total) some members will label you a troll and flame. That internet forums for you.

For me... different strokes for different folks. If the STI is your thing.. cool. The 8 is underpowered..your opinion. I love care, handling and the power, but I would love to throw a SC/Turbo on it.

My advice, tone it down a litlle bit. (maybe edit out the @sshole part)
Show some respect, and this board will give it right back.

Enjoy the forum and Welcome!;)

Obviously for some the power is adequate but when compared against similarly priced competitors the RX8 is the runt. Many agree that the RX8 is underpowered and would welcome a bump in power...hell if it had 280+hp I'd probably be in an RX8 rather than the EVO.

Also, you don't need 50/50 weight distribution for good handling. The EVO does fine with 60/40 and Porsche does fine with 40/60.

Given a choice between a having a SC or not, the answer is pretty obvious. I did look at the EVO, but the interior and exterior is not my cup of tea, no matter how much horsepower it has. Also 50/50 is the best. I had a 911 Carrera, while it was nice, and handled very well on the track (I had the factory stage 1 sports suspension), I also had a chance to drive the Boxster S and thought that because of the mid engine, near 50/50 weight balance the handling was better.

It's going to happen, a turbo and/or a supercharger will be here for us one day - we just have to be patient - that is a virtue I guess :)


Patience may be the only virtue that will wait itself for us to attain....

Or will it?

Damn it, hurry up and tell me!

Best part is the carbon fiber flywheel.

Can't wait to get one of those.

Why do people keep using an evo as a reference when talking about straight line acceleration? An evo kicks ass going forward, turning, or stopping. It does all of the above with lots of grip, power, and brake. It does it for the same price of a 8. It does not project the image or type of fun I was looking for, but I would really not resort to belittling what is one of the best performance deals around.

I love my 8, but why are people so afraid of power? My 8 kicks ass. Power would only make it better. I would also pay more for it with more power. It does everything right, but it would do more so with more power. I am lost on why that is not such a simple statement?

I totally agree with 'murix' and 'cam.' I just can't justify $30000, not having much power, and still getting 15-20 MPG. Has Mazda addressed the fuel economy for '05 or is that just a side effect of rotary.

MS Supercharger...woot doesn't even begin to cover it.

Hmm... I wonder if the intercooler is a rotor-shaped top mount like Subaru... could explain the hood scoop.

The bodykit... I'll agree. I like it better than the current MS kit.

BTW there is a special 1 year Anniversary MS RX-8... limited to something like 150 cars.

Hmm... I wonder if the intercooler is a rotor-shaped top mount like Subaru... could explain the hood scoop. The bodykit... I'll agree. I like it better than the current MS kit. BTW there is a special 1 year Anniversary MS RX-8... limited to something like 150 cars.


私の名前はケビンである。私はあなたの友人で非常に嬉しい。

An intercooler top mounted? Let's ask Fanman if he could pry more Jim Mederer knowledge...

Cabin san... sorry Kevin san

I guess I should never change my English name to Katakana either.

Has Mazda addressed the fuel economy for '05 or is that just a side effect of rotary.

Side effect...... at least the economy on the 8 has improved over past rotaries. :)

私の名前はケビンである。私はあなたの友人で非常に嬉しい。

An intercooler top mounted? Let's ask Fanman if he could pry more Jim Mederer knowledge...

Didn't talk to him in detail. Just asked him if they had done FI, and he said they had. I asked him how much they were getting out of it, and he said about 275 hp. I asked him if they had any problems with FI, and he said no, everything was going well, no problems. I didn't know they had the car there. I was just assuming they had a Renesis engine on the bench, with the SC attached to it. If it is a factory job. I just hope it is a little more like 285 hp, not 275 hp. 50 hp is decent. I would seriously think about trading in the "regular" RX8 (or at least going hog wild and doing the SFR turbo upgrade). It seems that "in house" aftermarket projects have always been very conservative with hp ala the MS Miata, or the fact that TRD SC's usually only boost hp by 40-50 hp (& 4 psi), etc. Give me 50 hp (under warranty) and I would be a happy man.

From the magazine, they have a rotary shaped intake on the hood. Don't know if it is functional or not. They have the picture from the front of the car several times, no appearance of a front mount IC.

Subscribed to thread. I'm pretty sure, that if this comes out, Mazdaspeed will probably offer a retro-fit kit.

Hope you're right Shao.. cause man that would be SWEET!

I'd like a serving of 300HP please.. thanks!

Cabin san... sorry Kevin san

I guess I should never change my English name to Katakana either.

It was supposed to say Kevin not Cabin :eek:

What automotive area does it cover? (E.g., imports and motosports, etc.)

Well Hopefully this will be a go for 2006 production????huhhh??? what do ya think???
If it is then I will return my lease and take a new deal on that new baby.

Given a choice between a having a SC or not, the answer is pretty obvious. I did look at the EVO, but the interior and exterior is not my cup of tea, no matter how much horsepower it has. Also 50/50 is the best. I had a 911 Carrera, while it was nice, and handled very well on the track (I had the factory stage 1 sports suspension), I also had a chance to drive the Boxster S and thought that because of the mid engine, near 50/50 weight balance the handling was better.

Porsche GT3 weight dist: 38:62 (F:R). The GT3 is the best that Porsche has and arguably one of the best handling cars on the planet. 50/50 is not needed. Good suspension tuning is. 50/50 is nice but it is not necessary for good handling.

It was supposed to say Kevin not Cabin :eek:It reads like Kevin to me, or Kebin to be exact. But as there's no "vi" in Japanese, "bi" is close enough.

ケビン = ke bi n

But, we're getting way off topic here...

Rb Did Have A Problem- Like I Said Before You Could Easily See The Problem On The Rotor Housing.

Porsche GT3 weight dist: 38:62 (F:R). The GT3 is the best that Porsche has and arguably one of the best handling cars on the planet. 50/50 is not needed. Good suspension tuning is. 50/50 is nice but it is not necessary for good handling.

I agree with you to a point, but that is why people have praised Porsche so much. It's a horrible idea, perfectly executed. On their previous versions of the 911's the handling was scary at best with massive oversteer. Through the years they have improved it to the point where with their PSM, and massive tire grip they can control it to a certain extent. But the Porsche is about the best out there right now that still has the substantial weight imbalance. The Mitsu. is able to control it to a certain extent because of their AWD, and Yokohama ADVAN tires, though I have seen people lose it a bit around the track even with these measures. The Boxster S was still a more neutral ride when I drove it. Even Road & Track had an article a few years ago with a Boxster S & Turbo and Steve Millen & other R&T drivers commented that the Boxster S was an easier ride. The Turbo, even with AWD & PSM can be a handful around the track that requires attention. 50/50 is still ideal, look at the 2004 S2000, or the NSX's they are great track cars because of the chassis balance. Can a 60/40 or 40/60 car be made to handle well, yes, but ideally 50/50 is still the best (that and appropriate size tires).

I agree. :beer:

(of course I had to end up on the next page)

The RX8 is definately underpowered. I know the car really wasn't engineered to be a dragster; but neither is any car that is mass produced. You all say that car is so much fun to drive, and it is pretty fun, but torque is a great thing to have. It can make a great handling car even more fun to drive. The STi was more fun to drive because it never once lost traction or anything, has loads of torque, and handles very, very nicely. I just wish Mazda did turbocharge the RX8 because it does have very nice styling. I guess I got my hopes up for nothing...


That's funny...my S2000 has even less torque and I think it's even more fun to drive than my RX-8...go figure.

But, back to the topic...how sweet this will be if there is a Supercharger in the future!!!!

Here is what Mazda says:

http://rotarynews.com/?q=node/view/466


Enjoy,

-Bern

ooh thanks bern!

"This car is not for general sale now or in the future."

So, looks like Pettit Racing is going to get some orders after reading that, if we want to supercharge our cars that is. It's too bad MNAO does not want my aftermarket FI money that I will spend one day.

I had a chance to skim through the new speed mag at work today and it had a white supercharged 8 with white rims and a hood scoop on the cover. They estimated performance (0-60) at 5.5 sec. I don't remember reading any real concrete stats or prices. It seemed like it was built by mazda but I'm not really sure. Anyone have any more info on this car?

WOW that is all I can say......
This was posted three threads below yours
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=42108

Cool! Could you scan the article for us please?

you actually read the article? it isnt due on shelves until 10/26

the car isn't for sale... maybe the parts will be? :rolleyes:

IIRC, didn't they say the same thing about the Mazdaspeed 6 back in 2002.......

"This car is not for general sale now or in the future."I wouldn't read too much into that statement. Of course that particular car isn't for sale, it's a concept/study car. But Mazda must have something up their sleeve, they just aren't ready to "officially" announce things yet.

If Mazda is going to make an AWD Mazdaspeed 6 with 270hp. They are going to have come out with a Supercharged 8, other wise very few people will buy an 8. They just wouldnt make any sense.

The 8 will still weigh about 400-500 lbs less then the Mazdaspeed 6...all that body cladding, AWD drivetrain, "bonus options" adds up really fast weight wise. And as most of you know, weight is a big part of performance.

Thats why those old damn civics dominate the crap outta the autox circuit. 120 hp sure isn't alot...but when your car weighs 1700 lbs it is :).

Sorry about the repost, I had actually read that thread before but never the first page so I did not know it originated from the same article. We had the mag on the shelves yesterday even though it doesn't come out until the 26th (?) It really doesn't go that in-depth but it will make you drool and you will probably have trouble sleeping at night from the excitement it will cause (hoodscoop + supercharger = mmmmmmmmm). There was also a two or three page article on RX-8 race cars. Anybody got a scanner cause I don't...

no worries kc- merged yours with this.:)

Hey Guys, Read the new speed mag today,good article.. They say it's a Eaton supercharger w/ intercooler feed from the hood scoop. You have to see this hood scoop it looks to me like they cut the existing design curve out and replaced it with this layin scoop.
The power seems alittle lower then I thought should be, at 275bhp and 200lb torque, But I bet we can tweak it alittle..

Also I like how thay did the back spoiler, it's silmilar to my mazdaspeed spoiler but without the bottom piece that goes across the whole trunk. And the the rear bumper changed I like it.The front bumper, fog lights and side rocker panel change , and I like..

It's a good article, of course there's never enough info for me on this subject.

i need some help with posting the picture of my car

If Mazda is going to make an AWD Mazdaspeed 6 with 270hp. They are going to have come out with a Supercharged 8, other wise very few people will buy an 8. They just wouldnt make any sense.

Yes, but remember that the MazdaSpeed line of cars has been limited to very small production #'s. So I speculate that the MazdaSpeed-6 will follow this same thinking. I'm sure that a MazdaSpeed-3 is not far either.

-Bern

i still think that mazda is moving in a different direction with mazda than most people think. imo they are moving towards a different mazdaspeed than people are used to. i see them expanding Mazdaspeed into a second "brand" like honda/acura, toyota/lexus etc but with an emphasis on peformance intstead of luxury. i believe this next batch of Mazdaspeed cars will be less " limited production" than in the past.

I think the MS3 will be sweet.

Guys,
RN.Com has Mazda's attention on this topic, and if you have an opinion, idea, or comment for Mazda, please leave a comment over at the RN.Com story at:

ADD A COMMENT - MazdaSpeed RX-8 Concept (http://rotarynews.com/?q=comment/reply/466#comment)

We'll make sure it gets over to the Mazda folks who need to see it. Public pressure does wonders to move things! :D

-Berny

i still think that mazda is moving in a different direction with mazda than most people think. imo they are moving towards a different mazdaspeed than people are used to. i see them expanding Mazdaspeed into a second "brand" like honda/acura, toyota/lexus etc but with an emphasis on peformance intstead of luxury. i believe this next batch of Mazdaspeed cars will be less " limited production" than in the past.

The problem with OEM Hi-po (MazdaSpeed in this case) versions is usually the emissions standards that an automotive company has to deal with in the USA. There are emission tier quotas that the companies must meet in order to be able to sell higher emissions vehicles, and Mazda unfortunately does not have a small entry level SUPER DUPER LOW EMISSIONS, SUPER HIGH VOLUME selling vehicle to be able to offset a high production run of hi-po versions. This is an unfortunate (depending on how you look at it) reality of producing and selling cars in the USA. Just my take from being exposed to the auto industry some....

-Bern

I think the MS3 will be sweet.
My understanding is that some of the "concept prototypes" are handling better than a stock FD and are almost as fast! :eek:

-Bern

Sweet!!!!! Actually that kinda sucks. Now 3's are going to be faster then 8's. Thats just not right.

no doubt the 3 is a sweet machine and the MS3 will only be sweeter:) and bern while hi-performance does include higher power there are other things. for instance a truck with better off-road capabilites( i think the aussies said something like this too) anyway just an idea. although they have already stolen my ideas in the past so they will probably steal this one. ;):)

no doubt the 3 is a sweet machine and the MS3 will only be sweeter:) and bern while hi-performance does include higher power there are other things. for instance a truck with better off-road capabilites( i think the aussies said something like this too) anyway just an idea. although they have already stolen my ideas in the past so they will probably steal this one. ;):)

I understand the "hi-po" term and the many ramifications of its meaning, thanks. I wasn't trying to get into semantics here, though. This was just a general term I recklessly bandied about for the purpose of this specific discussion, and hopefully it was understood in this context. I didn't mean to cause any international confusion! :confused: That's why I specifically tried to state, in parenthesis, that this was in particular to the MazdaSpeed discussion. I will try and use a more specific term in future discussions and topics! :p

So zoom44, "Hi-po" (high performance), per your experience here on this forum = expanded cabalities beyond OEM, in any sphere of automotive performance, correct?

Always looking to learn and understand! ;)

Cheers,

-Bern

this thread seems to have absorbed many other sub-topics, can whomever purchased the magazine maybe just post some pics ? thanks.

I understand the "hi-po" term and the many ramifications of its meaning, thanks. I wasn't trying to get into semantics here, though. This was just a general term I recklessly bandied about for the purpose of this specific discussion, and hopefully it was understood in this context. I didn't mean to cause any international confusion! :confused: That's why I specifically tried to state, in parenthesis, that this was in particular to the MazdaSpeed discussion. I will try and use a more specific term in future discussions and topics! :p

So zoom44, "Hi-po" (high performance), per your experience here on this forum = expanded cabalities beyond OEM, in any sphere of automotive performance, correct?

Always looking to learn and understand! ;)

Cheers,

-Bern

shaddup bern:)!! you know i wasnt trying to argue semantics with you. or teach you anything. i wouldnt dare;)i just wanted to explain that i didnt mean just power/speed to the other folks:) and im not answering your question because i think you are trying to trick me into saying soemthing you can use against me later:p

shaddup bern:)!! you know i wasnt trying to argue semantics with you. or teach you anything. i wouldnt dare;)i just wanted to explain that i didnt mean just power/speed to the other folks:) and im not answering your question because i think you are trying to trick me into saying soemthing you can use against me later:p

Just messing with you my man!!!! you caught me!!! :D

Now where is that heck is that SPEED story?!?!?! Some one post it already! I wanna see Mitani's article... I tried to get a preview but no dice!


Off topic... funny story on Mitani. We were waiting at an airport, after a press deal once, and the airport security at check-in searched him like he was Usama Bin Laden himself.... shoes, luggage opened, everything... I thought they were going to cavity search him!!! :) it pissed him off to the Nth degree!!!! and I just strolled through. and all this that we were at small regional airport getting on a commuter flight :D Even the big boys have bad days!


-Bern

It's out now! I just picked up a copy from Barnes & Noble. Definitely worth the money and agree with all the people who wrote in to the editor for support.

Without further ado, here are the scans. Sorry for the partitioning. It's the only way to zoom in to the details and still fit into the size requirements. There are 11 pics altogether. Please wait until the upload is complete before posting.

Part 2:

Final scan from the article. Enjoy! :)

as my buddy shaggy would say " ZOIKS!!!!!" :eek:

The last article in #196 says only 250hp and 165lb-ft! I can't see how the performance gain is so signifigant unless the stock hp number is around 200.

I think I am gonna cry all over again...

thanks for the scans downshift :)

So, is the staggered setup better or not?

The last article in #196 says only 250hp and 165lb-ft! I can't see how the performance gain is so signifigant unless the stock hp number is around 200.

Those are the specs from the NA MS RX8 that they are thinking about introducing to America. In the article itself they say it is an estimated 275 hp, & 200 lb.-ft. of torque.

Those are the specs from the NA MS RX8 that they are thinking about introducing to America. In the article itself they say it is an estimated 275 hp, & 200 lb.-ft. of torque.

Let us hope it is a typo because first of all those are not the stock rating, and second everything else in the column is listed for the mazdaspeed. It even lists the engine type right above the hp as two rotor supercharged rotary.

it was just a mistake or they were quoting the only HP MS numbers they had

Thanks a LOT for the scans!!!!

Sounds like it is a one off concept car. MazdaSpeed is still MazdaSpeed we used to know.

The only good thing is that they know there is potential in this car. When the RX-8 is racing with forced induction, I think then it is time to change over.

Force induction will be the future - just have to wait.

Remember my word: 5 years from now you will see a lot of modded RX-8 with turbo and supercharger with different sort. All with different set-up and all are reliable. Every want the car: MazdaSpeed, Mazda Supercharge or the base model to build it up yourself. There will be a facelift to go with the supercharged version. And the now supercharged current model RX-8 will become a rare classic.

The last article in #196 says only 250hp and 165lb-ft! I can't see how the performance gain is so signifigant unless the stock hp number is around 200.R&T's SPEED mag featured Japan's MS RX-8 in their premier issue from last spring. I bet the typo in the specs sheet was because they were doing some cut and paste from their last issue's spec sheet and forgot to update this issue's HP & TORQUE figure to 275 hp/200 lb.

In the article itself, it clearly says 275 hp and 200 lbs of torque.

What I'm more worried about was Sam Mitani's conjecture that we could see something like this in the US Mazdaspeed RX-8 or possibly the next gen. RX-8. Next gen!!?? I can't wait that long!

P.S. I love the way the mazdaspeed logo is engraved in the side skirts, but the rear diffuser area still needs some work IMO.

Thanks for the great posts. If MS hears enough positive comments about this car, you can bet they will market it.

this is all great but I would rather see more info on a retro fit kit of the SC for my car or at least some hint from MNAO releasing a factory SC for the car.

hmmm .5 inch drop... sway bars on both ends... it sure as hell sounds like the racing beat suspension package to me... the MS coilovers are more of a drop then .5 inches. They must have used RB springs? and koni yellows? (since they say koni yellows are the best shocks with their springs)

It's great to see finally something from NAMO but the numbers really don't look that impresive. I just picked up the magazine a few hours ago, and the look of the car is nice, but estimated 275 bhp, and in the specification box on the left side of the article, it states est. 250 bhp.

I'm not so excited about a S/C RX8. I don't really like the fact that FI will be stressing the engine all of the time. I would rather have an easier control of boost, and when I wanted it, not all of the time.

But that's just what I would like, not what everyone will like.

Thanks for the great posts. If MS hears enough positive comments about this car, you can bet they will market it.

Thanks to those few who left comments... a WHOLE 5!!! We're hoping to get a little more input for Mazda, from forum folks on this RX-8 and the story!

Please leave comments, good/bad at:

http://rotarynews.com/?q=node/view/466#comment


Cheers,

-Bern

This was the first I have heard of it.... Post a new thread and I am sure tons more people will sign up and leave comments..

I just did.

This was the first I have heard of it.... Post a new thread and I am sure tons more people will sign up and leave comments..

I just did.

done... thanks for the idea!

-Bern

Ahhhh excellent..don't know where i've been for the last 2 weeks..how could i of missed this thread. MUAHAHAHA time to spend some overseas pay and get some FI..now if only it was for sale:( lol oh well it's great to see them doing it. Soon it wil be available..(if not MS then petit's or others wil bring them out). sweet time to drive fast around the twisties with 3 of my closest friends :D

Just read the magazine. Sounds like a nice car. Kind of conserative with an estimated 275hp and 200lb/ft. But that slight power bump combined with a shift in the powerband and a bunch ao suspension upgrades and the car sounds like its real easy to drive fast.

Oh, and I really like the side skirts.

Just picked it up myself today at lunch. I hope they are estimating conservatively this time, it needs to make +/- 300hp. Especially after reading the Crossfire/350Z S Tune/Boxster S comparison in the same issue.

where do i get mine :)))

I know!! I am going to go and look for it after work :)

Just picked it up myself today at lunch. I hope they are estimating conservatively this time, it needs to make +/- 300hp. Especially after reading the Crossfire/350Z S Tune/Boxster S comparison in the same issue.


I read that too and my sentiments exactly^. Crossfire SRT got 1st, Boxter S 2nd, 350z 3rd btw. Crossfire smoked both, go MB. But remember those are $50k cars not $30k.

You are right but cetrainly the MS 8 would probably not go for $30, probably more like $40 or something.

You are right but cetrainly the MS 8 would probably not go for $30, probably more like $40 or something.

I highly doubt it, that's why the FD wasn't a huge seller. It's price point was there to compete with Porshe's and the like. If and when a FI RX-8 is set to market, I would expect it to start in the mid 30's.

where do i get mine :)))
I think somebody earlier stated they bought it at Barnes and Noble.

Yes, but remember that the MazdaSpeed line of cars has been limited to very small production #'s. So I speculate that the MazdaSpeed-6 will follow this same thinking. I'm sure that a MazdaSpeed-3 is not far either.

-Bern

A V-6 is rumored for the MS3.

A V-6 is rumored for the MS3.

Rumor only.... turbo I-4 is the ticket! They already have it in the MS-6, why not use it for the MS-3?!?! ;)

-Bern

Just messing with you my man!!!! you caught me!!! :D

Now where is that heck is that SPEED story?!?!?! Some one post it already! I wanna see Mitani's article... I tried to get a preview but no dice!


Off topic... funny story on Mitani. We were waiting at an airport, after a press deal once, and the airport security at check-in searched him like he was Usama Bin Laden himself.... shoes, luggage opened, everything... I thought they were going to cavity search him!!! :) it pissed him off to the Nth degree!!!! and I just strolled through. and all this that we were at small regional airport getting on a commuter flight :D Even the big boys have bad days!


-Bern

now that's funny :D

If they'd just go ahead and toss in AWD and a turbo on that 2.3L I will buy it when I get our next car. As for the SC'd RX-8, they are planning well to intro that car in '06 just about the point when most people are in "equity position" on their current cars and will have a tendency to trade more easily.

I know that I plan on keeping my 8 indefinitely. This car would be a great addition to the garage. I'm happy with the car in it's current state by more power and freshened looks are a must.

I'd like to see the car offered in an orange color that is close to the Lava Orange on the 6 and the 3.

Auto climate controls and nu-buck or suede seats would be kick ass as well.

Bern

Maybe you would like to point out to Mazda that APS have a Twinturboed a 350Z putting out 325kw and 525nm 280kw at the rear wheels this will hopefully get them to get the RX8 Mazdaspeed up to the same level :D or start loosing some potential customers for the mps RX8 .

cheers
michael

Michael, I have talked to APS yesterday that they will let Alan Horsley do it for a while. They are not keen on taking another project since they have not finished with the Z yet.

Taka

Taka

I got the information from the Motor magazine november issue where they implied that its a finished project , i would scan it but i dont know how nor do i have a scanner .
cheers
michael

Well they have to finialise the product before going on sale ... I think that is what he meant.

I was really impressed with the company - the office area and the workshop looks very pro. The only comparable thing I have seen is the Porsche garage in Porsche centre Melbourne.

Hmm I read the scanned article posted, and I feel that the 250 est crank horsepower should be a little higher considering the car is supercharged. I feel that I could more easily and more reliably obtain 250 hp without forced induction. I would like to see numbers closer to 300+.

where did you see the scanned article?

Page 14 or 15

Bern

Maybe you would like to point out to Mazda that APS have a Twinturboed a 350Z putting out 325kw and 525nm 280kw at the rear wheels this will hopefully get them to get the RX8 Mazdaspeed up to the same level :D or start loosing some potential customers for the mps RX8 .

cheers
michael

Forgive my ingnorance, but what it APS??? And if it's Australian, what does it have to do with a RX-8 MazdaSpeed North America product? I doubt that a 350Z tuned to that level, would ever be sold here in the USA under the Nissan or Nismo banner.... so I see no worries for Mazda NA to loose potential clients to the APS 350Z.

I think that if Mazda Australia brings out their limited edition turbo RX-8, then there might be a nice duel in Oz ;)

-Bern

Forgive my ingnorance, but what it APS??? And if it's Australian, what does it have to do with a RX-8 MazdaSpeed North America product? I doubt that a 350Z tuned to that level, would ever be sold here in the USA under the Nissan or Nismo banner.... so I see no worries for Mazda NA to loose potential clients to the APS 350Z.

I think that if Mazda Australia brings out their limited edition turbo RX-8, then there might be a nice duel in Oz ;)

-Bern
Bern
The company name is Air Power Systems run by Peter Luxon and the Twin turbocharger has been designed for both the USA and the Australian market , so the USA aftermarket will definetely be able to get the kit .

cheers
michael

We need more power.

I highly doubt it, that's why the FD wasn't a huge seller. It's price point was there to compete with Porshe's and the like. If and when a FI RX-8 is set to market, I would expect it to start in the mid 30's.

$40 in 1995 is a lot different than $40 in 2008-2009. The FD was not a huge seller for a variety of reasons, only one of which was it's price.

hmmm i dont' care what decade you are living in....40k is a lot of money. But i suppose everyone has different definitions on what is or is not expensive

Everytime I ask someone who is oogling the car what they think the car costs, the inevitably say $40 or $50k. When I tell them that it was $28K (pre-order) they fall over in disbelief. Is 40k lots of cash, sure, but if the public already has a conception that the car is 40-50 anyway for a "base GT model", then a 39,999 price point for a sc hp version would be easy to set. IMHO

Realistically if Mazda priced the car under $40 grand I think it will be a seller. People pay almost $40 grand for a freaking Mustang Cobra.

For Christ's sake it's a Mustang they're like assholes, everybody's got one.

Bern
The company name is Air Power Systems run by Peter Luxon and the Twin turbocharger has been designed for both the USA and the Australian market , so the USA aftermarket will definetely be able to get the kit .

cheers
michael

Ok, thank you for the clarification and info! So this is a aftermarket thing then... Well GReddy , HKS, and others already have FI kits here in the USA for the 350Z.

But a discussion of APS (aftermarket) vs. full OEM MazdaSpeed North America vehicles is apples and oranges... in this topic.


Cheers,

-Bern

Bern

Maybe you would like to point out to Mazda that APS have a Twinturboed a 350Z putting out 325kw and 525nm 280kw at the rear wheels this will hopefully get them to get the RX8 Mazdaspeed up to the same level :D or start loosing some potential customers for the mps RX8 .

cheers
michael

Michael,

Like Bern said you are comparing Apples & Oranges.

1) The 350 Z has been out for 1 year longer than the Mazda RX8. I think by this
time next year you will have several kits out for the RX8. The 350Z does have
several aftermarket kits available to it including the HKS Rotrex, Vortech SQ, ATI
Procharger, Greddy twin turbo all putting out about 325 whp. What is
interesting is that HKS has come out in their test and said they could get
another 100 hp from their kit with a full exhaust & turning up the boost, but the
VQ engine can not handle it. At about 350 WHP major engine strenthening
needs to be done. The RX 8 will have the Speed Force Racing Turbo kit out
soon preliminary #'s will be around 300 whp & 200+ lb.ft. torque at the wheels.
Somebody pointed out that Greddy may be making a kit for our car. Petit
Racing, & Blitz are looking to introduce superchargers.

2) Almost no factory tuner FI unit will ever match an aftermarket tuner hp. The
simple reason is that they need to work under the manufacturer's warranty.
If you see an SC'ed MS RX8, chances are the hp will be around 275-280 hp. If
you have ever checked out all the factory tuners/manufacturers you will see
their units usually have less hp than some of the aftermarket tuners. From
SC'ers from TRD, to MS Miatas, etc you usually see a 40 hp gain, when
aftermarket tuners claim/produce 2X that. The tuners are on the edge of that
engines potential, and if you blow the engine, you are SOL. Many times the
tuners warranty their parts against defects, but not the manufacturer's parts
(i.e the engine), while the factory tuners do. If you blow up the engine they
cover it under warranty (if you did not race it, or something like that). The only
time I have seen an aftermarket tuner cover the engine was Stillen, but even
then they offered that under their Stage 2 (not their more aggressive stage 3)
kit, and it cost several hundreds of $. Many people on the 350Z board have
speculated on a Nismo SC'er, but the #'s would be about 50-60 hp, not the
100 that several aftermarket tuners have acheived.

Fanman

Thanks for your interesting input . :D

cheers
michael

All that talk of power is nice but how about a different body type.
There was talk about a RX-8 Coupe and making the MS RX-8 a coupe would give it a (hopefully) lower weight.

Combine that lower weight with a firmer suspension and more hp from a NA rotary would be nice. I myself would prefer a NA engine over FI but if they cant get the NA rotary to around 275 hp, then I would prefer FI.

hmmm... Just remember, the RX8 we all drive now started out at 250 hp... This would be great, but I'm not counting on it making production. Even if it did, I don't see enough people spending that kind of money on it. If they can get 50 - 75 more horespower and 40-50 ft/lbs of torque for about 3-4,000, then I could see it happening. I am expecting the fact that it has a "Super Charger" on it to raise the price 7k, but probably only 25 hp. One more question... what are they going to do to the motor to help turn that super charger? Everyone knows that a Super Charger is going to lug the motor at take off.

Don't mean to sound so negative, just had some thoughts.

Does anyone know which stores carry it? (It was not in my local Albertson's.)

Thanks.

I got my Speed mag at borders book store.