Check out the last paragraph:-

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_index.php?cp=1&page=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autoexpress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fa e_news_story.php%3Fid%3D25475

".........Sources also suggest a hot edition of the forthcoming 2 supermini is on the way, as well as an updated RX-7, which will use the new RX-8's floorpan. This lightweight two-door is set to establish itself as the flagship of the series, and it will be powered by the 350bhp unit due to debut in the RX-8 MPS."

276bhp,turbo,four wheel drive mazda6?! maybe i could talk my wife into that. we could use a car like that when we go skiing. if it is less than a WRX.
350bhp rx-7?! now that is a HALO car!
and an RX-8 to rival a Porshe! just hopefully not in price!;)
MPS must be what they are calling Mazdaspeed over here.
this RX-8 is sounding more and more like the start of a revolution at Mazda! if they actually build all of these, it is going to be a fun ride. talk about raising the performance bar, there will be alot of other companies playing catch up.

That's true... TVR seem to do well in the UK with 400+ BHP sportscars, and I'm sure Mazda can put more into it than TVR.

Yep. MPS is Mazda Performance Series in Japan, formerly Mazdaspeed, which is now the American program(s) for performance-oriented Mazdas, parts and accessories. Mazdaspeed basically died in Japan in the mid-nineties.

Gentlemen start your engines….

And on that note, are there any ladies in this forum. It seems that every forum I’ve been to have ladies but I cannot remember seeing any in here. Do the ladies not like rotary engines? I know they love the Miata.

Why does everyone say they know that "ladies love the Miata?" I DO like it, it's true (because I've actually driven one, not because it's a "cute" car), but I know almost NO women who drive them- it's all men around here! ;)

Anyway, yes, there are women in here- I've been reading every single post here since february- I just don't post that often, because while I know more than most people about cars, I don't know enough to participate in a good deal of the discussions on here!

I love the RX-8 (loved the RX-7 too, but wasn't old enough to even drive one during its prime), and I'm doing all I can to learn about the rotary from you guys. I still haven't quite got the whole torque thing yet (no, Rich, that's not a request for another explanation- I'm just a bit slow sometimes) but I'm learning. The only real thing that will hold me back from getting one is whether or not the seat is adjustable enough for me to reach all the pedals!

:)

First I must set the record straight, I LOVE the Miata! I was just about to purchase the 2002 Yellow SE until I saw the rx8 at the car show.

But around Toronto you see about half of the Miatas around town being driven by women, nothing wrong with that but it is a fact.

And on the not so serious side, why did Mazda put those holes below the pedals?

Answer: So the “Ladies” can still drive their Miata with their high-heals still on! :D :D :D :D :D

Welcome to the forum and please do not be afraid to voice your opinion.

*grin* Sorry about that- I'm just so used to hearing the Miata called a "girl car" that I get a bit defensive sometimes. I must admit I was about to buy the Miata too- in fact, I had my heart set on either the special edition from last year in the BRG or that AMAZING gunmetal color from this year- UNTIL I found out about the RX-8.

As much as I like the Miata, I wanted more power (I'm a speed freak too, and I as I said before, I loved the RX-7) but I didn't want a car that everyone else had, and I wanted one that had amazing handling- which ruled out 99.9% of the affordable so called "sports cars" out there. I was going to settle for just the handling and go for the Miata- but how can you resist the RX-8??? It's got more power, supposedly the same great handling, it fits more people, and the interior is just cool looking! And if anyone was wondering why I want one, that's it in a nutshell.