Reading the way this forum is going - it saddens me a bit.
There is much negativity :-(

I know the lack of info has been frustrating (for me as much as anyone) but we were not told to expect anything ! It was £1000 and they would let us know when they had a release date.
The book and the show info (which we now have) are a bonus.

The 19hp issue. Yep - A shame. But Mazda do not want to do this , it is our own laws that have forced this upon us. If it is that big a deal, then get it modded. As I have said , there will be plenty.

I am still dying to get this car.
I mean , lets get a grip - 231bhp is going to be no slouch.
You want bonkers performance ? Buy an STi or an EVO.
You rate image above actual prowess ? Buy a TT.
You want a hot hatch ? Buy an RS focus.

Point is , the RX is a unique product.
INHO it is a joy to behold. The way the design has utilized the benefits of the tiny rotary is a credit to the designers. The freestyle doors are amazing.
For me - the draw is the engine. I *love* rotaries and it will be wonderful to get behind the wheel of one again. I guess some of you will love it , some of you will hate it - but then the issue lies with yourself and what you want from a car.

The comparisons I have been reading on the forum lately quite frankly - are not really valid. Yes we know we can go as quick in a Seat Cupra or a FocusRS etc but that is not really the point is it ?
These cars are modified shopping wagons. i.e. a common or garden hatchback designed for running to the shops but with a big engine and bigger wheels banged on.
They will always be a conversion of something that was designed for a different purpose.

What the RX is folks , is a designed-from-the-outset sports car with some (not all , I grant you) of the practicalities of a more sensible vehicle. It knows what is important - it has 50:50 weight distribution , a lightweight and powerful engine with incredible smoothness and 9000rpm capability. It is RWD - do not underestimate this in a world of front wheel drive mundane.
Add the massively impressive spec , the alloys , the climate , the Bose system and sell it for £22K.

That ladies and gents is the bargain of the decade.

That is also why I am still in love with my RX and cannot wait.
If it takes to september , so be it.
This car is already amazing - and good things come to those who wait !

Sermon over.

Morgan.

HERE, HERE!!!

You can get off your soapbox now;)

I couldn't agree more, I WANT MY RX8!

It's still the only car for me as my "sporty family man" wish list still applies and what else provides it at £22000?

Besides, look at the book that you've all been reading, it's a "drop dead gorgeous motor car".

Thank god for the boys at Ford and Mazda who had the balls to build it as it was very nearly the end of the rotary.

Not cancelling my order, there's nothing else that grabs me like the RX8. The others have a lot of catching up to do:p

Cheers
Oilman

Originally posted by oilman
I couldn't agree more, I WANT MY RX8!

Yes, but you're getting a red one which is automatically faster than a Titanium one so you won't notice the power decrease as much!!! ;-)

I've been away from the forum for oh 2 months now, as I've been away on business.

Guys, as Morgan says this is the performance car bargain of the decade. Take a look at the glossy RX8 book we've all got and notice the attention to detai these Mazda boys have gone to, the design, body shape all down to the ergonomic way of opening the unique rear suicide doors.

This car is not built on anothers' floor pan to save money, there is no compromise on this car where regulations allow. You won't find the centre console or vents on your mums shopping car, this car is a one off, a truely engineered sports car.

tweak it if you want, you'll probably get 500 bhp out of the engine and it'll still be reliable, kit it up and personalise it. Mazda have thought of this and want you to do it, to make the vehicle more unique than it already is, but don't put it in the same league as an Audi TT, a Seat Leon or a Golf, cause its more than that. Even the Nissan. This is a 4 seater 4 door sports car, the first , and we've all got front row seat.

Don't forget that feeling you had when you parted with your £1,000. It's only an extra 6 weeks away.

You could change if you've made the wrong choice;)

Oilman

Originally posted by oilman
You could change if you've made the wrong choice;)

Oilman

Already changed once (from blue) so I'll just have to take the hit.

Nice one Morganrogers.

As you pointed out you have had the advantage of knowing the rotary and this is a majot selling point. I don't and its all a bit in the air (reviews are mixed as you know).

Fully appreciate your enthusiasm though, takes me back 3 months!!

rael.l

My question is this;

Usually the states (esp california) has tougher emissions than the uk, so how come we are down?

Given the car is lighter than the 225 TT I have, I dont think it will be a slouch. I dont need anything quicker than the TT. Just so long as the fuel consumption isnt diabolocal, and the low torque too bad. ....

Apparently new 'Euro4' rules are more severe than California.
Seems that although they are not coming into force for a couple of years , the RX8 already complies....

Hence the posts concerning 'getting it back'. For example if the change is electronic , it may be a simple ECU swap to bring your RX back to US/JAP spec with no risk to the engine !

Originally posted by tinck
This is a 4 seater 4 door sports car, the first , and we've all got front row seat.

Its hardly the first, the Sierra cosworth from 85 would keep up with an RX-8 in passengers and performance no problem, even weighs less I think.

Its a shame Mazda are pushing us into 2004/5 performance instead of lowering it at the time. But I'll still be getting one despite my sensible side warning me off a little...

No -

The sierra cossie (although a fantastic car) was a conversion.
The sierra was conceived as mundane , family transport and the cossie was a conversion of this.
No way was it conceived from the outset as a sports car. That is the crucial difference.

Read the first post on this thread and substitute 'RS focus' for 'Sierra Cosworth'. It is the same thing....

M.

PS - I used to love cossies ! truely fantastic cars....

Good said Morgan, totally agree!

One point: Here they could not sell a not Euro4 compliant car, everbody is looking on this. If you don't comply you have to pay higher taxes (or earlier, just: more) and this will hurt.... mazda is doing o.k. to make it Euro4 compliant. BTW: What about the standard engine, does it still have it's 192 PS????? I want this one (very badly).

maybe we all just want too much from the car?