On the info page(s) and preorder page. Now changed to 231ps, dont think the torqe has changed.

"All specifications shown may vary and may not be available in UK. To Improve Fuel Economy all European Mazda RX-8 models will be fitted with a small Boot Lip Spoiler. This is not an option."

"The Book" mentions the lip spoiler and the fact that it improves fuel economy.

Cheers
Oilman

I was actualy reffering to the "All specifications shown may vary and may not be available in UK" part.

They could try selling you a Reliant robin instead of what they've shown so far and hapily walk off with £100 of everyones cash. (£100k at least). I still think its bad form, bait and switch.

US hets 250hp, not even 250ps, real actual HP. 22hp more than us, least we get a bose stereo and a boot lip to make up...

And the steering wheel on the proper side:D

Cheers
Oilman

It's still not going to be a big deal (i hope!) to claim these 22bhp back.. and I doubt they'd have much hope in trying to write-off your warranty if you used Mazda parts (albeit from a US model) to do so.

Most likely it'll probably only be some form of restriction in the intake, or a different ECU map.


-andy-

Still think I'll be getting one, and hope depreciation doesnt hit us as hard as sugested.

If I could think of another purpose built rear wheel drive sporty car that seats 4 I'd be very interested. Even a focus RS with RWD would tempt me...

So, are those of you who have 240bhp written on their signature going to change it now then? :(

Let's wait and see what the UK road tests proper bring forth, we may all be pleasantly surprised:)

Cheers
Oilman

Originally posted by MarkW
So, are those of you who have 240bhp written on their signature going to change it now then? :(

No! I asked the rep about this at MotorDriveLive and he cheekily suggested that Mazda UK had never actually confirmed the power output before taking our money. I vehemently argued the toss about that (as is my way) and he didn't push it. Trust me though, even with reduced power the car is awesome and I'm convinced the power can be reclaimed.

What I don't understand is why the US and Japan (Who have far stricter emissions regulations) can have a higher powered model

If it is available out there what is the difference with the European model?

Does anyone know or is it all speculation?

Contigo - there was some talk of mazda specing the rx-8 to euro-4 emmisions which dont come into force until 2004/5 and are stricter that califonia's current rules.

Yes, it seems that as this car will be on sale then Mazda wanted to ensure the car would meet those standards from day one.

However I don't know how the law would apply here.

Currently cars sold before a certain date don't have to meet some of the current Euro emission levels. Therefore as we are purchasing our cars before Euro 4 becomes mandatory we may be able to run them at Euro 3 levels.

It all depends on the wording; Car manufactured before Euro 4 date. Car manufactured to meet Euro 4 standards. Car capable of meeting Euro 4 standards, with some lead time to get any necessary work done.

I don't claim to be an expert in these matters, but the recurring factor in press reviews seems to be total paranoia on the part of Mazda when it comes to discussing economy figures.

How much of an impact could a power drop have on mpg?

Also, are you likely to see the kind of power increases you experience with a properly run in Scooby, which may make the launch power a fairly moot point.

lastly, (I promise) there seems to little agreement about insurance group, could this be a ploy (purely written spec wise) to beat the group 17 rating. (I seem to remember Subaru being accused of doing something similar at launch of the original Impreza)

With the sepecifcation change am I correct in thinking the option for leather seats has changed to:

"Leather seats, Power seat driver, Lumbar support, Seat Heater"

or was it always the case?

Chris

Originally posted by c170673
With the sepecifcation change am I correct in thinking the option for leather seats has changed to:

"Leather seats, Power seat driver, Lumbar support, Seat Heater"

or was it always the case?

Chris

It was always the case.

I don't think any of the options have changed at all.

Shahpor