Going to motoexpo on Tuesday.... [Archive]

GarySargent

06-02-2003, 07:38 AM

I've just got back from MotorExpo!

They have a blue RX8 - its a Japanese spec though not UK.

Looks even better than in the pictures - I strongly advise you to go and have a look if you are dithering! Seemed to have a very large crowd around it - more than most cars. Everyone was saying they thought it looked great and were very surprised at the low price.

One of the reps there told me Mazda were putting all the specs for the UK model on their website this Friday (6th June), including insurance group and 0-60 times.

He said the reduction in power was due to CO2 emissions.

The spare tyre (if you buy one seperately as its not standard) clamps to the roof of the boot. He said it was "fairly expensive".

They were allowing people to sit in the car.

I'll try and get some pics uploaded tonight. If you're going along make sure its a nice day as the car is outside on the grass!

GarySargent

06-02-2003, 01:11 PM

As promised pics from MotorExpo!...

http://www.garyspictures.co.uk/rx8

Stu C

06-02-2003, 03:34 PM

sorry for late reply morganrogers

yup - a 6'3" person will do just fine as a test! :D

Good luck and I'll be back tomorrow night to see wot you think

stu

Stu C

06-02-2003, 03:36 PM

oops - missed contigo's reply to tall folk in the RX8.

Whosoever tries it, I'll be reading this tomorrow

Cheeers

stu

copperband

06-02-2003, 04:21 PM

Gary,

Nice pics mate.
I must admit the blue is a lovely colour shame its not available at launch.Mind you i love the yeloow as well:)

Ed

Lensman

06-02-2003, 04:56 PM

Right then, here (http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5141) are some of my images from today.

IMPRESSIONS:

The Mazda staff were almost spot on today, much improved from Millbrook. They were polite, pleasant, helpful and kind. Particular thanks to the woman who obtained a new RX-8 brochure for me and sent someone to find me to hand it over.

The car looks nicer in sunlight than the darkness of the Millbrook foyer, the blue is sparkly. The interior didn't look as good as it did in the dark but then it wasn't the leather seats so I'm biased.

I stood around the car for a long time and just listened to the passers by: the vast majority were very impressed and one man in particular was astounded when a Mazda rep told him the price. "For that!" he exclaimed, expecting it to cost a lot more.

The Mazda reps were fairly knowledgeable but would bullsh*t with the best of us when cornered. I couldn't resist correcting one who was happily telling a punter about the triple rotor engine (for example).

This time my pre-order status got me immediate access to the interior (thank you delightful Mazda woman rep, you were great!) and I made a point of trying a gear change with the handbrake applied: no problem, it's not in the way.

I opened some of the cubby holes and the plastics are a tad flimsy in places. I sat in the 350Z again, there's no contest about the exterior which the RX-8 wins but the interior may well go the the Nissan for quality if not style and you all know what's been said about that Nissan interior right? Don't get me wrong though, the RX-8 looks good inside but it's no Mercedes Benz.

I had a discussion with a male rep about the ride height. He firstly claimed that it was because the wheels were 17". I pointed out that the car only comes with 16" and 18" rims. Then I noticed the tyres were 18" and pointed that out too. Then he decided it must be because the car has never been driven and the dampers haven't had time to settle... yeah, right!

I also asked a Mazda dealer who was looking at the car about getting the power back. He said that it was bound to be possible but that dealers won't do it and that it will void the warranty. Hmmm...

Surprise of the day was shared between noticing that the roof is idented in the middle (nice!) and that the rear lights have LEDs in the side strips. Both of these can be seen in my images.

Finally, Formula Woman was being heavily promoted. Two FW reps were pouncing on passing ladies and trying to sign them up. I asked what channel it'll be on and to my horror they claimed ITV! Not until 2004 though - but eek!!!

I still badly want the RX-8 and can't wait until September.:(

brothervoodoo

06-02-2003, 05:16 PM

Originally posted by Lensman
IMPRESSIONS:

Surprise of the day was shared between noticing that the roof is idented in the middle (nice!) and that the rear lights have LEDs in the side strips. Both of these can be seen in my images.
[/B]

Thanks for sharing your impressions. As for the indented roof, I remember reading in a past thread that this trait continues even with the sunroof as an accessory (nice to know the lines of the car continue to hold true). "JSG" posted some nice sunroof pics in his "Day out in the mountains" thread. Though difficult to see the indent, maybe JSG could make final confirmation...

morganrogers

06-02-2003, 05:24 PM

Wow- great piccies !
Really looking forward to tomorrow now... Hope weather holds.

Great to see cloth seats at last - have seen next to no pictures of them. Looks to me like they dont have the nasty plastic backs of the leather ones , but that could just be the angle of the pics. Will check it out tomorrow I guess.

Gosh - how exciting. A real RX8 at last....
I was going to wait until mine arrived. Mine to be the first I saw and all that , but I just cannot resist !

M.

PS - Dont let nice Mazda rep start me on Formula b****y woman (aggghhhh)

morganrogers

06-03-2003, 08:46 AM

Just got back...

Well - I have now seen an RX8 for real.
And the verdict is.... WOW !

This is one of the most beautiful cars I have ever seen. The lines of the front wings are just wonderful.
However excited I was before - it is now greater !

Not much to add to the extensive coverage elsewhere in this thread , other than -

- Tall folks. Worry not. I am 6'3" and this car was great. Even my tall hair did not touch the ceiling.
- Cloth seats folks - Cloth seats are fine. The edges (like the leather) are ribbed (for your pleasure , presumably...) and the smooth bits in the middle was like grey velour. Very supportive , very comfortable.
- The dash - Way cool. Almost black so you cannot see the dials until you turn on the ignition. How they do it , I just dont know. pretty cool though.
- The bulge in the driver footwell is utterly insignificant. If you did not know you would not notice.
- The door are just so cool.... Plenty headroom in back. Legroom what you would expect.

A couple of other things worth mentioning.
There were quite a few people about , and alot of manufacturers. Guess which car had the most attention ?
Seriously , in the area the car is in there are Ford , Porsche, VAG, Nissan , and several others. There were as many people around , in , under the RX8 as there were in total on the other stands. Seriously. The public love this car. Stick that in you resale value. The residuals are gonna be great.
Also , poked round the 350Z. Looks better in reality. Did not attract the same interest as the RX though....

So - all you regulars (you know who you are) rest assured. This is going to the *the* car to have believe me.

A very happy Morgan.
:D :D :D :D :D

GarySargent

06-03-2003, 08:55 AM

Just to back up everything Morgan said. I loved the pics of the car but seeing it for real make me love it twice as much.

And yesterday also it easily had the biggest crowd. In comparison the "Street Ka" stand next to it was almost empty.

AndyPearce

06-03-2003, 09:30 AM

Originally posted by morganrogers

- The door are just so cool.... Plenty headroom in back. Legroom what you would expect.

What did you expect though (not much?) The space in the back is a major issue for me (well for the people who I lift share with actually :p) so do you think a couple of 6 foot plus passengers would have a comfortable enough journey of over an hour each way? The pictures you got of the side with the doors open didn't leave me the impression of much room at all - would the passenger seat move forward much too give each passenger reasonable space?

Originally posted by GarySargent
And yesterday also it easily had the biggest crowd. In comparison the "Street Ka" stand next to it was almost empty.

Now there's a big surprise:p ;)

MarkW

06-03-2003, 09:48 AM

Well Ive booked Friday off now, so after all these glowing reports Im going to have to go along myself and see it in the flesh :)

I hope it wow's me as much as the yellow car did at the motorshow last year, but by all accounts it will. :D

On a more practical note, how has everyone travelled to Canary Wharf. Is it worth driving and parking, or train and tube?

Simon

06-03-2003, 11:26 AM

Driving and parking are easy if you come down the M11 from the M25 and then either take the A12 or keep going on the A406 until you reach the A1020 via City Airport etc.

However, do not consider trying to get down before 9.30am or leaving any time after 4pm cos the Canary Wharf area rapidly clogs up.

There is plenty of parking at Cabot Square, Canary Wharf (£lots) or on Aspen Way (£8 for the day I think) or at West India Quay (also off Aspen Way).

Public transport connections are not that straightforward - best option would be Northern Line from St Pancras/KX to Monument/Bank and then DLR to Canary Wharf. But you do get time to read this month's copy of Evo on the train...

p.s. See streetmap, multimap etc. for routes.

Lensman

06-03-2003, 11:45 AM

I trained it from Cambridge to Kings Cross then got a day's tube pass (about £4) which took me from KK to London Bridge, transferred to the Jubilee Line and thence to Canary Wharf - very easy. It's worth doing this to see Canary Wharf station, awesome in the extreme, especially going back down the escalator: not unlike descending into a vast cathedral.

Lensman

06-03-2003, 11:46 AM

Originally posted by morganrogers
Well - I have now seen an RX8 for real.
And the verdict is.... WOW !

HaHa! Told you so. It seems so much better in reality doesn't it. What did you think of Winning Blue?

Contigo

06-03-2003, 01:05 PM

Can't believe so many of you haven't seen this car!!!

where were you when they had the yellow one in Birmingham?

Anyway off on Saturday to see it.

Lensman whay did you mean by the ident? Are you referring to the Rotot shape on the bonnet? And also the fact that it is incorporated into other areas of the car like the lights?

I thought that was old news?

Lensman

06-03-2003, 01:17 PM

Originally posted by Contigo
Lensman whay did you mean by the ident? Are you referring to the Rotot shape on the bonnet? And also the fact that it is incorporated into other areas of the car like the lights?

I thought that was old news?

I don't do old news! ;)
I was referring to the roof of the car which is concave in axis, ie it has a dip in the middle along it's full length making it very appealing to look at. I assumed it was convex in one axis or flat.

zoom44

06-03-2003, 01:31 PM

it's called "double bubble" the 3rd gen rx-7 had it also. there was some concern awhile ago that this would be lost with a moonroof. but people that saw them at shows(elara being one) said this was not the case and this was confirmed with the posting of the pics of jsg's car as well. thanks lensman for the other great pics. :)

oilman

06-03-2003, 03:18 PM

Guys!

I am absolutely thrilled by the enthusiasm about the 8 now, it was only a week ago that it was all doom and gloom.

Poor old Oilman has to do the County Show this week so no chance to see the car:(

Can any of you who have seen it cheer me up and post the picture in your collection that best represents the true image of the 8 in the flesh????

I'm greatly encouraged by what I'm reading from all of you and feel sure I've made a great decision.

Cheers
Oilman

PS. What's the sound system like? Anyone heard it??

Lensman

06-03-2003, 03:35 PM

Originally posted by oilman
Can any of you who have seen it cheer me up and post the picture in your collection that best represents the true image of the 8 in the flesh????

PS. What's the sound system like? Anyone heard it??

It's hard to capture the true essence of the car in one image but this comes close. This image makes it look small, low and poised which is the impression it gives me. Don't be fooled by the nose though, it's not the shovel that this implies, it's just right. The RX-8 looks like a really nice sports car (argue amongst yourselves about the appropriateness of the word 'sports') and has a whiff of Aston Martin about it, not in the quality so much as the general shape and eye catching curves (quality's not bad though). It could easily be mistaken for a two seater. Not everyone I saw looking at it realised it had rear doors.

I didn't hear the audio system and it wasn't the premium unit anyway (not enough speakers).

You won't be disappointed. Even if you find you have to push it to get it above 30mph you'll still love it!

oilman

06-03-2003, 03:45 PM

Lensman,

Thanks for the pic and the earlier ones of the blue car.

Only one comment:

That rear light cluster is a bloody "work of art" truly amazing for detail and on a 22k car!!

Cheers
Oilman

Stu C

06-03-2003, 04:19 PM

still jealous - I cant even get to Canary Wharf or Goodwood etc.

Still, glad to know i'll fit in it now. Roll on July/August/September etc. (I want this car now!)

:D :D

Talking o the sound system, is there a thread anywhere discussing cabin levels of noise?

STU

ChrisW

06-03-2003, 06:52 PM

Originally posted by oilman
Can any of you who have seen it cheer me up and post the picture in your collection that best represents the true image of the 8 in the flesh????

The best thing about the styling for me is the front end and I haven't seen any pictures that really capture it (the front cover of The Book is as good as any but it doesn't really do justice to it). It's just too three dimensional.

I think the closest you can get to it is to view the 360 degree view on Mazda's UK RX-8 website. Rotate it round to the front three-quarter view. Then keep rotating it a couple of positions backwards and forwards and look how the angled outer sections of the bonnet which swoop down and inwards to the headlights seem to grow out of the flanks - they are like a continuation of the front wheel arches and almost appear to float unsupported above the front wheels, giving it this muscular "ready to pounce" look, as it says in the book somewhere.

In photos from the side all you can see is the strongly emphasised wheel arches, and you wonder why they exagerated them to that degree. From the front you only see the sharply angled lights and parts of the bonnet and it looks dramatic, but not necessarily very pretty. Even front three-quarter photos naturally seem to emphasise only one of these views. Only when you can see both aspects simultaneously does it all make sense. This happens naturally and automatically when you see it for real.

In fact I'd even go as far as to speculate that the reason there is more hype and media excitement surrounding the 350Z than the RX-8 is down to the slab-sided nature of the Z's styling - it's much easier to "get" what the stylists are trying to do from a photo. I think RX-8 sales may really start to take off when people see them out on the roads and in the dealers.

GarySargent

06-04-2003, 02:22 AM

This pic shows the front lines quite well, but you do need to see it really as photos don't seem to do it justice.

More photos here: http://www.garyspictures.co.uk/rx8

http://www.garysargent.co.uk/pics/rx8/DSC01866.jpg

AnilS

06-04-2003, 03:42 AM

Looking at some of the excellent pictures of the engine bay, I can't help but wonder why Mazda has not kept the rotor engine "cod-piece" silver, under the bonnet !

AnilS.

rael

06-04-2003, 03:59 AM

Can anybody tell me how long the show is on for an how late in the evening it is open to.

Thanks,

rael.

PS Sighting reports sound great.

RobDickinson

06-04-2003, 04:03 AM

2nd - 7th June, 10am - 6pm

www.motorexpo.co.uk

Lensman

06-06-2003, 08:18 AM

Something I forgot to mention: I asked the Mazda rep about checking the oil with the dipstick. The dipstick is directly accessible but the oil filler is underneath the main plastic engine cover but this is easily removed.

Stephen

06-06-2003, 10:24 AM

Have just returned from motordrive at Canary Warf. RX8 looked fantastic. Staff very helpfull.

Plus points: Great front end; most comfortbale seats ever; beautiful gear change; good rear view; excellent rear space (i'm 5'11".)

Bad points: Flimsy interior (Hopefully because it's a pre-production model.) Ridiculous wheel arch space (again, hopefull because it's Jap spec.)

I went back to it three times and each time it took my breath away. Unlike the 350ZX which just looks like a typical yank sports car.

Finally, it's bigger than I though too...BMW coupe size...

copperband

06-06-2003, 10:34 AM

Steve,

I really am envious that you have seen it in the flesh while I have to sit here salivating at the pics, I share you concerns on the interior, its something that put me off the Subaru a little (last model). Anyway the rest makes up for that from what you described

It's a pity really that the mazda reps weren't helpful enough to let you take the car away inexchange for the herse that you currently drive:p

Ed

rael

06-06-2003, 11:47 AM

I was not going to go and allow your positive comments plus the new picture keep my expectation high pending delivery but I decided to have a lookon Saturday.

rael.

Lensman

06-06-2003, 12:27 PM

Originally posted by Stephen
Bad points: Flimsy interior (Hopefully because it's a pre-production model.) Ridiculous wheel arch space (again, hopefull because it's Jap spec.)

I was told that it was a Japanese production car, anyone know for sure?

shahpor

06-06-2003, 02:36 PM

Originally posted by Lensman

I was told that it was a Japanese production car, anyone know for sure?

I was told it was a Japanese production car at motordrivelive and that it was a pre-production car at the motorexpo!

I tend to think that it is a pre-production car as the fit and quality of the interior was not up to scratch. Also, this car has been in the UK for some time and Japanses production has just started.

Shahpor

Lensman

06-06-2003, 04:26 PM

Originally posted by shahpor

I was told it was a Japanese production car at motordrivelive and that it was a pre-production car at the motorexpo!

I tend to think that it is a pre-production car as the fit and quality of the interior was not up to scratch. Also, this car has been in the UK for some time and Japanses production has just started.

Shahpor

Well then this just proves that information is fluid because there's only one RX-8 in the UK and we both saw it twice at two different locations. Unless you know different.

shahpor

06-06-2003, 05:59 PM

Originally posted by Lensman

Well then this just proves that information is fluid because there's only one RX-8 in the UK and we both saw it twice at two different locations. Unless you know different.

That is exactly my point, it was the same car and both you and I saw twice.

One of the guys told me that this is indeed the only 8 in the country and it was not even suppose to be here! He said that the car was sent to Europe from Japan for some promotional work and that they wanted it back.

Apparently Mazda UK didn't want to send it back, so they didn't. The guy said that Mazda Japan didn't want to send us in the UK a car at all until September!

If what he says is true, than we should be grateful that we even saw a car at all.

Shahpor

Lensman

06-06-2003, 06:10 PM

Originally posted by shahpor

That is exactly my point, it was the same car and both you and I saw twice.

One of the guys told me that this is indeed the only 8 in the country and it was not even suppose to be here! He said that the car was sent to Europe from Japan for some promotional work and that they wanted it back.

Apparently Mazda UK didn't want to send it back, so they didn't. The guy said that Mazda Japan didn't want to send us in the UK a car at all until September!

If what he says is true, than we should be grateful that we even saw a car at all.

Shahpor

Oh, I see. Your first comment was ambiguous and seemed to imply that you were told there were two cars. Reading it again I can see that you meant that you'd been told it was one car but that this one car was a different build depending on who you spoke too. Better late than never!

MarkW

06-07-2003, 06:27 AM

Well I went yesterday and my views mostly agree with what has already been said.

You really have to see this car, it is true that no pictures do it justice. No complaints with the exterior of the car at all.

With reference to the ride height, one of the staff (all v helpful) showed me a typed sheet about the car detailing all the differences between that car, and a UK production model.

It said that the car was pre-production, and the reason for the excessive ride height is that the car came with 16" wheels and the appropriate suspension, but they have put the 18"s on as thats what we will be getting. This seems to make sense, but I cant fully understand wht this would raise the height so much.

Other differences we already know, such as foglights, BOSE etc etc. They also said the interior finish will be better on production cars.

I liked the feel of the seats (not keen on the cloth but think they will look good in leather), and the gearchange felt good. The handbrake is not in the way at all. Sat in the back, leaving the drivers seat where I have it and there was minimal legroom (Im 5'11'') but would be OK for shortish journeys which is all Im bothered about.

Boot was a decent size but the opening is restrictive.

There was a lot of interest generally, I was told they had taken about 20 more orders at the show and total pre-orders are almost 1000 now. Then again I was also told that first cars could be resold at a premium and they could get £30k for the show car if it was for sale!

They also told me that the insurance was confirmed as we know, and the performance figures would be officially released today on the internet - though they arent there yet. I told them I knew them anyway!!

Had a look at the 350Z from some angles I like it a lot, and think the interior was nicer than the show RX8. The huge strut brace in the rear makes the hatch almost unusable for many items though. The Rays alloys arent that spectacular. It looks a bit like a cross of a 911 and a TT that didnt quite work. Still a very nice car though.

I took a mate along who hadnt seen either car in the flesh, and he hated the 350Z and loved the RX8 and told me Id definately chosen the right car :)

Overall Im very pleased and with all the other good news over the last week or so I am very much looking forward to September now!

Took some pics but nothing new so not really worth posting.

ricm56

06-07-2003, 07:55 AM

Markw
Were the cloth seats really bad or are they liveable with??
I went for the cloth as it springs back to life alot better than leather and doesn't crease from having the dreaded baby seat in the back!!! (oh and it saved me £1,200 which I was going to spend on some mazda performance upgrade, but from what I have read here it looks like they wont be offering one now anyway - even though dealer said he was sure they would!!)
I thought they looked alright in the pictures posted on this site but not having seen them in the flesh you have me worried!!
Anybody else who has seen them up close and personal I would appreciate your comments.
Thanks

MarkW

06-07-2003, 09:51 AM

ricm56,

Dont worry, the cloth seats are not really bad at all. The seats feel really comfortable to sit in and to me felt quite low down in the car as you would expect in a sportscar.

They are fine and I think you will be happy with them, I just personally think the leather is nicer but that is only my opinion.

Also the cloth will hold you in better when going round corners!

This is the only pic I took which shows the seats:

ricm56

06-07-2003, 12:16 PM

Thanks Mark

Lensman

06-07-2003, 05:37 PM

Originally posted by MarkW
the reason for the excessive ride height is that the car came with 16" wheels and the appropriate suspension, but they have put the 18"s on as thats what we will be getting.

Doesn't make sense to me. If the gap between the arch and tyre is to be maintained as a constant on the 16" and 18" rims then the suspension height must surely be lower with the 16" wheels not higher. Therefore attaching the 18" wheels to 16" suspension should have the opposite effect to that claimed?!

Good that you liked the car though.

MarkW

06-07-2003, 05:46 PM

Nor me, thats why I said but I cant fully understand wht this would raise the height so much.

Therefore attaching the 18" wheels to 16" suspension should have the opposite effect to that claimed?!

That was my thinking as well. They werent just makng it up though, as they showed me the paperwork that stated this.

Titanium Grey

06-07-2003, 05:47 PM

If it was the low power car then it might have had the standard suspension.

All UK cars are getting 18" wheels and sport suspension, but as this seems to be either a Japaese production car or a Pre-Production unit it might very well have the higher (approx 1") standard suspension.

The figures on the two different suspensions are in 'the book' somewhere (the section talking about Jounce and Rebound) it may not mention it directly but you can work it out from the Jounce and Rebound numbers.

Lensman

06-08-2003, 04:00 AM

Originally posted by Titanium Grey
If it was the low power car then it might have had the standard suspension.

It was!

MarkW

06-08-2003, 06:40 AM

Originally posted by Titanium Grey
If it was the low power car then it might have had the standard suspension.

And it did!

Titanium Grey

06-08-2003, 10:09 AM

That's probably the difference then.

This means the UK car will sit lower, probably by around 2/3 of an inch. (still ony guesswork though, until we see a real UK car).

Lensman, Mark, do you think this would correct the ride hight issue?

Lensman

06-08-2003, 12:32 PM

Looks like we'll have to wait and see. There's still the fact that images of the 18" Japanese cars show a lofty ride height. Will ours be different? Ask me in September.

rx-7~rx-8

06-08-2003, 03:48 PM

Mazda only has one type of rims for the manual, they should have 2 more optional wheel. I like multiSpoke wheels like 8-12 spokes.

rx-8club.co.uk

06-08-2003, 05:32 PM

Hi all,
If you didn't make it to the MotorExpo - I have a bunch of pics. also of the RX-8:
<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" text="#000000"><p align="center"><b><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="3"><i>RX-8 at <a href="http://www.motorexpo.co.uk/" target="_blank">Motor Expo</a> - June 2003</i></font></b></p><p align="center"><b><i><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="3"> Canary Wharf, London</font></i></b></p><blockquote> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Click on the photo's to enlarge:</font></p> </blockquote><table border="5" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="5" align="center" width="30"> <tr> <td> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/forum-photos/rx-8_motorexpo_jun2003/rx-8_motorexpo_01.JPG"><img src="http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/forum-photos/rx-8_motorexpo_jun2003/rx-8_motorexpo_01a.jpg" width="337" height="224" border="0" alt="Click to enlarge"></a></div> </td> <td> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/forum-photos/rx-8_motorexpo_jun2003/rx-8_motorexpo_02.JPG"><img src="http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/forum-photos/rx-8_motorexpo_jun2003/rx-8_motorexpo_02a.jpg" width="337" height="224" border="0" alt="Click to enlarge"></a></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/forum-photos/rx-8_motorexpo_jun2003/rx-8_motorexpo_03.JPG"><img src="http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/forum-photos/rx-8_motorexpo_jun2003/rx-8_motorexpo_03a.jpg" width="337" height="224" border="0" alt="Click to enlarge"></a></div> </td> <td> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/forum-photos/rx-8_motorexpo_jun2003/rx-8_motorexpo_04.JPG"><img src="http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/forum-photos/rx-8_motorexpo_jun2003/rx-8_motorexpo_04a.jpg" width="337" height="224" border="0" alt="Click to enlarge"></a></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/forum-photos/rx-8_motorexpo_jun2003/rx-8_motorexpo_05.JPG"><img src="http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/forum-photos/rx-8_motorexpo_jun2003/rx-8_motorexpo_05a.jpg" width="337" height="224" border="0" alt="Click to enlarge"></a></div> </td> <td> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/forum-photos/rx-8_motorexpo_jun2003/rx-8_motorexpo_06.JPG"><img src="http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/forum-photos/rx-8_motorexpo_jun2003/rx-8_motorexpo_06a.jpg" width="224" height="337" border="0" alt="Click to enlarge"></a></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/forum-photos/rx-8_motorexpo_jun2003/rx-8_motorexpo_07.JPG"><img src="http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/forum-photos/rx-8_motorexpo_jun2003/rx-8_motorexpo_07a.jpg" width="224" height="337" border="0" alt="Click to enlarge"></a></div> </td> <td> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/forum-photos/rx-8_motorexpo_jun2003/rx-8_motorexpo_08.JPG"><img src="http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/forum-photos/rx-8_motorexpo_jun2003/rx-8_motorexpo_08a.jpg" width="337" height="224" border="0" alt="Click to enlarge"></a></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/forum-photos/rx-8_motorexpo_jun2003/rx-8_motorexpo_09.JPG"><img src="http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/forum-photos/rx-8_motorexpo_jun2003/rx-8_motorexpo_09a.jpg" width="337" height="224" border="0" alt="Click to enlarge"></a></div> </td> <td> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/forum-photos/rx-8_motorexpo_jun2003/rx-8_motorexpo_10.JPG"><img src="http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/forum-photos/rx-8_motorexpo_jun2003/rx-8_motorexpo_10a.jpg" width="337" height="224" border="0" alt="Click to enlarge"></a></div> </td> </tr></table></body>

Remaining pics. here: http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1122&referrerid=1

AndyPearce

06-08-2003, 05:53 PM

Wel I went on Friday afternoon and was very pleased that I did. I spent a good hour or so with the RX8 and had god chats to a few different people staffing the show plus other people who were looking at the cars. The guys from Exel who were looking after the car were really helpful and seem to be getting more clued up.

First my impressions of the car;

Externally it looks better in the flesh than it does on most photos. The front is my favourite part , especially when viewed from a slight angle. The back isn't quite as nice but it's still a beautiful car. The ride height is too much but I'm hoping that it's just a combination of it being pre-production and other factors. The alloys were not as nice as they look on the pics either - don't get me wrong, they are nice but not quite what I was expecting.

Internally - I was told by 3 different people that it was the pre-production model so the level of fitting was not production standards, an interesting point that I was told was that the plastics inside the production version are meant to be softer than the one on show (both in feel and look.)
I put the drivers seat in driving position and then sat in the back - there was enough room but only just (I'm 6".) It will be OK for my passengers as long as they both sit on the other side and the front passenger moves his seat forward.
A big plus point for me (and will be to you other parents of small children) was discovering that it has the ISOFIX anchor points in the back for child seats.
The boot was smaller than I was expecting and has quite a small opening, but there is a tunnel thru the centre of the rear seats for pushing those woods through!
Agree with everyone else's positive comments on the gearchange and that the handbrake isn't in the way.

Some interesting info I got (but can't confirm what is fact and what is fiction!)

-The person from Mazda (rather than the exhibition team) said that there were two blue RX8's in the country (but the Exel team said only 1.)

-They don't know whether we'll have to use our own cars for the Prodrive and the guy believed that the reason this hasn't been decided yet is because they don't know whether the customers will get their cars before Mazda get any to use themselves.

-September is the earliest anyone will get their cars including the dealerships - Sept 8th was a whisper date for the first dealer cars.

-3 different people made the point about checking the oil levels very regularly. I get the suspicion that they have a slight worry about this.

On this issue of the oil level checks I got a couple of pictures of the engine with the engine cover off, and this one shows where the dipstick and oil filler cap are hidden away - the dispstick is the yellow ring on the right hand side;