Just for kicks,

What "realistic" changes or requests would you like to see in the RX-8?

By "realistic" I mean things like paint color, fabrics, radio, wheel pattern and or size and such. Items that can be introduced during mid-year changes and new-year roll-out.

A turbo would NOT be "realistic," longer wheelbase is NOT "realistic." You get the idea, anything that would require re-engineering and more importantly recertification at EPA and NHTSA (DOT).


Here are mine:

-A 2-tone gray/black option for the interior-like the X-men car
http://images.rotarynews.com/images/XCar20020103/mvc01137.jpg

-An express up feature for the window to compliment the express down feature
-Seat memory for the power-seats

-A pollen filter for the HVAC (<--Mazda has bowed to my will :p - this is standard, just didn't notice)

Aluminum, fixed calipers would be nice also, but this may change once I actually experience the brake pedal feel.

faster production (i want mine now)

Originally posted by The Beav
faster production (i want mine now)

thats the only thing i would like to see changed!! and it does seem "realistic" to me!!

the two tone seats matching the exterior color (or at least complimenting it)

satelite radio

transparency on current status

why not blue seats with black inserts or the other way around to match the exterior. And the mazdaspeed guage pod with 3 guages straight from factory if you dont get the navi that is.[URL=http://www.mazda.co.jp/mazdaspeed/rx8/img/int11p.jpg]
Hope the link works.

Isn't there already a cabin air filter for the 8 that's available as an option?

And if you don't want to buy it, then use the mod I suggested earlier - ya know, cutting up a furnance filter....

I would like to see the two tone Black/Grey interior. The white RX-8, The X-men Blue

The tow tone seats (black/yellow & black/blue) matching the exterior color WOULD HAVE BEEN nice from the beginning, but does no good to me now. But, itt would be nice for future buyers, if Mazda offers those options. Also an exterior color like the copper on the 350z would would be sweet. I just love that color.

All I like to see, since I'll have this car for at least 2-3 years are after-factory mods, suspension, exhaust, ECU, turbo, etc. That's the way I'll go.

For future buyers, a RX-8 MazdaSpeed version would be nice.

Two tone (Gray/Black) steering wheel (cuz the cloth looks like G/B already), start button as standard.

P.S. Better customer service...

P.S. Better customer service... [/B]



AMEN to that

White paint

Sat Radio (Sirius? XM?)

Dat's about it...

Originally posted by ReX-8


P.S. Better customer service...

I agree. IMO, that would be the most realistic change that would benefit us that already "bought" the car.

ohh well i thought the mazda guage pod right from factory was a good idea.

a real oil pressure and temperature gauge

i think it would really be nice for oe that actualy tells you about the car not just a guage thaty stays in the middle the whole time that never drops or anything.

Auto-up windows would be SO useful in rainy weather. One of my cars has this (IS300) and the other does not (Acura MDX - $40k pseudo-luxury SUV). Every time I have to pay a toll or enter/exit a car park when it's raining I curse the MDX. It's hard enough to steer through sharp turns (between cars in car park or through the traffic merges beyond toll booths) with one hand and raise the window with the other - it will be 10 times worse when trying to simultaneously change gear with the third hand I don't have.

Memory seats would be useful (my MDX has this, the IS300 doesn't) and would add almost no cost and no weight. My wife and I are 9" apart in height and it's frustrating to SLOWLY use the motor controls to get back to my preferred seating position (and usually takes 30+ mins of driving to get it just right). I would actualy prefer manual seats (quick to adjust, easy to find the right spot amongst the limited settings, saves weight) than power seats without memory.

I'm guessing on this one, but I suspect the trunk opening should be wider. Instead of curving around the rear lights they should've bisected the rears...this'd give the rear opening another 3 or 4 inches on either side.

If the Marketing/Business guys are smart , they really should be taking notes and presenting the stuff from this thread in their next meeting. ...but who knows....

1) For sure two other tone of paint. Easiest thing to do to add to a year 2 model and besides every manufacture do this. (Maybe we'll get the white paint this time ???)

2) Seat Beat height adjustment. If cars from two classes below has this, I think they should put it in.

3) Room for a Donut Spare Tire. I don't mind a reasonable size "hump" in the trunk, but the current hanging from top and blocking the trunk pass-through Spare tire implementation has to go.

4) Electronic Compass in the Rear view mirror. Your competitors in the same class got them, so put it in ! Cost is next to nothing in the large scale, the Mazda6 uses the same mirror so extra feature for both models.

5) This might cost a bit, but side blinkers on the side mirrors would be nice. But not that important.

That's all for now.

1) Fold down rear seats. The passthrough is appreciated but inadequate. My Ford Probe of yesteryear was practically a baby el-camino. It could hold huge amounts of stuff when I needed it to. I think I'm going to be using my RX8's back-seat as a second trunk a lot and bulky things like a bike probably won't fit at all.

2) A line-in jack for the stereo (like they have in the Honda Element). My dealer couldn't tell me if any of the stereo options had this so I got the cassette player option to make sure I could plug in my iPod without having to go aftermarket or use an FM transmitter (with lousy sound)

3) Completely forward-looking. I saw something this spring that is shipping on the high end luxury cars that looks cool. It allows your cell phone to talk wirelessly to the radio so that you don't need a hands-free car kit for your phone. It uses Bluetooth to send the speaker, microphone, and hands-free dialing commands to and from the phone. You need a phone with Bluetooth but I'm sure I'll get one of those in the next few years.

My changes are more requests, and perhaps they are already being performed:

An offering of Mazdaspeed, or such related products, that will allow for altercation of the mechanical/electrical systems without voiding the warranty.

An "idiots" guide to rotarys would also be helpful for anyone that has little to no experience with the engines.

I would also like the compass, if I didn't have NAV.

I would like to have electronic dimming side-view mirrors in addition to the electronic dimming rear-view mirror.

I prefer windows with the one-touch feature. But that's something that is easily installed aftermarket, so I'm not always heartbroken when that's not available.

I'd like to have rear windows that completely roll down instead of pop out, but with door internals, that might be more of a dream than a turbo. I'd also hope that the rear windows could be powered, but maybe we can retro-fit the power vents from other vehicles.

I'd rather have a sunroof that is in the car when it retracts, not out. With possible internal braces, that might cost some headroom, so I understand why that would have to be a custom thing for someone who has the headroom to give.

I wish the situation was such that auto companies could install integrated child seats.

I hate slot-loaded changers. I'd much rather have a magazine changer. I hate having to drag out my CDs, unload the six in the changer into their jewel cases, load the others, and find a place for all of the jewel cases. I've also found that the magazines keep the CDs from being scratched or otherwise damaged during all of that handling. And on a trip, it is much easier to keep a hand on the wheel and eyes on the road when swapping magazines (well, unless the changer is installed in the trunk, mind you), instead of transferring CDs from the jewel case or CD wallet.

---jps

Originally posted by Red Devil
An offering of Mazdaspeed, or such related products, that will allow for altercation of the mechanical/electrical systems without voiding the warranty.



That would be very nice!

Aren't Dinan parts offered under warranty by BMW? At least I heard that somewhere.

Originally posted by Red Devil
Aren't Dinan parts offered under warranty by BMW? At least I heard that somewhere. At Dinan-certified BMW dealers, and the warranty is from Dinan (and their authorized dealers), which actually just replaces the factory warranty.

Originally posted by Red Devil
Aren't Dinan parts offered under warranty by BMW? At least I heard that somewhere.


I would love to see Mazda have a certification program where aftermarket parts suppliers and tuners could submit parts to Mazda for approval that they still meet the safety, quality and emmision standards. And for a fee (to the parts maker) they would be covered under the Mazda warranty. It would make the parts more expensive, but it would be worth it IMO.

That would go beyond the Dinan/BMW program.

I would like cloth power seats (I don't like leather but need power seats) and the ability to get the GT model without sunroof.

sun roof without bose

white color

complimenting two tone, stay away from brown pls

fold down seats, at least one, use a removeable tower bar for strenght or something

better leather, as in sturdier, i.e. audi, not couch leather

better looking side mirror, with convex mirrors

truck release is probably on the floor board, i wish they will put in outside like european cars

i wonder if rear wiper is needed too

ROMANO:
got a wrx brake Q for you, pls PM me your email

Allow US buyers to delete the sunroof from the Touring and Grand Touring versions of the car.

There's no reason to deny taller drivers heated/leather seats, especially when Canadians can get their cars this way...

Originally posted by joelsrx8

3) Completely forward-looking. I saw something this spring that is shipping on the high end luxury cars that looks cool. It allows your cell phone to talk wirelessly to the radio so that you don't need a hands-free car kit for your phone. It uses Bluetooth to send the speaker, microphone, and hands-free dialing commands to and from the phone. You need a phone with Bluetooth but I'm sure I'll get one of those in the next few years.


It doesn't have to be a high end car for this - the PT Cruiser offers this as a $400 option. In fact I think it's proliferated through the Chrysler lineup.

Audio line-in for the stereo.
Analog speedometer.
Rear door trim protectors standard and improved (visually more integrated.0

Less realistic, but very cool, would be a HUD for the primary instrumentation.

I would really like to see an aftermarket muffler developed that lets the true nature of the 'beast' thru - most rotaries without a muffler sound more like a wide open superbike, it would be nice to have a muffler that let the (quieted) wail thru.......
S

I too would also like to see cloth power seats. I feel a little cheated not being able to pick up the power lumbar support as an option without having to buy hot as hell in the summertime black leather on Winning Blue Metallic. I would love to see a special desert package with the following: a larger radiator, stronger battery, stronger air conditioning even if less mpg, a cooler tan interior, especially the seats, E rated glass and real tinted windows and a really cool Gold metallic paint job and finally satelite radio for those long trips where all I can hear is Rush Limbaugh and talk radio:(

Originally posted by Charleston

....and finally satelite radio for those long trips where all I can hear is Rush Limbaugh and talk radio:(

I'm a Howard Stern type of guy myself! :)

Originally posted by ReX-8
Two tone (Gray/Black) steering wheel (cuz the cloth looks like G/B already), start button as standard.

P.S. Better customer service...

You mean like this

From the X-Men car, thought I saw this combo before

http://images.rotarynews.com/images/XCar20020103/mvc01168.jpg

Since many now have actual cars, I thought I would restart this thread to see if there are any editions or changes of mind.

I haven't gotten my RX-8 yet, but from the interior photos I'd vote for an analog speedometer, i.e. a needle gauge for speed. Mazda could have (and in my opinion should have) used a set of dash instrument gauges it already had, for example, in the Protege 5; those dials are not only functional but also attractive.

Since we're driving on public roads with posted speed limits (mostly), isn't the most critical thing to monitor your car's speed? (Especially if you want to avoid a ticket). Yes, those of us driving a manual transmission (that's most of us) do need a tachometer, but did that really need to be made more visible than the speedometer?

A digital indicator might not be bright enough to be legible in strong daylight.

Have people noticed that a speedometer needle gauge is something you can see in peripheral vision while driving, without really taking your eyes off the road? At most, a glance is enough, isn't it? With digital readout you'd have to focus your eyes on the numbers, read them, and then comprehend them.

If it takes 0.1 second for your brain to understand your speed from an analog speedometer, wouldn’t it be about 1 second with a digital readout? That’s a second that you’re not paying due attention to the road hazards, nor to pedestrians and other drivers.

In another life, I tested a Ford Excursion. It had flip out windows in like the 3rd or 4th row like the flipouts in the 8. Up front there was a button where the driver could open/shut those small windows. That'd be cool on the 8; save you from wrenching your neck trying to open the rear windows.

Hey, would it be at all practical to make one or both seats flip down? I know there's the drive shaft tunnel dividing the space but folding down a seat would let you load longer items on occasion.

Originally posted by Canada
I haven't gotten my RX-8 yet, but from the interior photos I'd vote for an analog speedometer, i.e. a needle gauge for speed. Mazda could have (and in my opinion should have) used a set of dash instrument gauges it already had, for example, in the Protege 5; those dials are not only functional but also attractive.

Since we're driving on public roads with posted speed limits (mostly), isn't the most critical thing to monitor your car's speed? (Especially if you want to avoid a ticket). Yes, those of us driving a manual transmission (that's most of us) do need a tachometer, but did that really need to be made more visible than the speedometer?

A digital indicator might not be bright enough to be legible in strong daylight.

Have people noticed that a speedometer needle gauge is something you can see in peripheral vision while driving, without really taking your eyes off the road? At most, a glance is enough, isn't it? With digital readout you'd have to focus your eyes on the numbers, read them, and then comprehend them.

If it takes 0.1 second for your brain to understand your speed from an analog speedometer, wouldn’t it be about 1 second with a digital readout? That’s a second that you’re not paying due attention to the road hazards, nor to pedestrians and other drivers.

1) Actually, I can read digital way faster than a needle.

2) The cruise control is to keep you legal. If you're driving in such a state that you can't spare a glance at the speedo, a peripheral look at a needle is not going to help you, and really, that's the time to pull over because either positions are so bad you shouldn't be driving, you're too impaired (sleep or otherwise) to drive, or you're going so fast the cops will be there any minute.

3) I've driven both and as long as the thing doesn't start blinking a constant number at me when I exceed 85 MPH it'll be just fine once I learn where it's at.

I do think they wasted guage pods on useless gauges though, either they should fix the temp and oil pressure guages to work or reduce them to idiot lights and admit the truth.

I agree with the line in for audio. My iPod would sound great through the Bose! Also, the HUD for primary instrumentation would be cutting edge.

Originally posted by Canada
Since we're driving on public roads with posted speed limits (mostly), isn't the most critical thing to monitor your car's speed? (Especially if you want to avoid a ticket). Yes, those of us driving a manual transmission (that's most of us) do need a tachometer, but did that really need to be made more visible than the speedometer? I disagree wholeheartedly with you here.

I can comprehend a digital number instantly and compare it to what I know to be the speed limit; on an analog speedometer I have to look and recognize where it is, and if it's between marks interpolate an actual reading.

Quick, someone asks you the time (and you want to answer with an actual value, not "a little past 3:30.") Is it faster to read the information off a digital watch or off an analog one? For most people, it's much faster to read the information off a digital watch.

Well, I guess we're all different. I like an analog readout, others prefer digital. I noticed a few others in the "analog speedo club":

Originally posted by rotarynews.com
I've been doing business with Mazdatrix for nearly 10 years now, They are a great shop.

Here's a list I sent them to start on:

* A replacement center console, where the radio goes, that sould accept a standard DIN radio.
* An analog speedometer that fits into the right gauge pod
* K&N Drop in air filter and/or less restrictive air box (if possible)
* Full dual exhaust, with dual cats?
* Coil Overs

Originally posted by lefuton
Analog Speedometer
Solid color side mirrors

I just noticed you already posted this subject on another thread at http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4943&goto=nextoldest sorry for the duplication!

I can comprehend a digital number instantly and compare it to what I know to be the speed limit; on an analog speedometer I have to look and recognize where it is, and if it's between marks interpolate an actual reading.

I think you are making it more work than is necessary. With an analogue guage, I don't look at the ticks. I notice the angle of the indicator in my peripheral vision which means I don't take my eyes off the road. It doesn't take more than one quick glance to note the proper angle for my desired speed, after that I use my peripheral vision.

Quick, someone asks you the time (and you want to answer with an actual value, not "a little past 3:30.") Is it faster to read the information off a digital watch or off an analog one? For most people, it's much faster to read the information off a digital watch.

I think it's been proven that analog readouts are better for quick guesstimates, while digital readouts require more attention and thinking. The difference between 60, 80, and 90 on a digital is one glowing line segment; whereas an analog indicator each value has a distinct angle.

Originally posted by BillK
Quick, someone asks you the time (and you want to answer with an actual value, not "a little past 3:30.") Is it faster to read the information off a digital watch or off an analog one? For most people, it's much faster to read the information off a digital watch. That's a really bad analoogy, because it's exactly the opposite of what you need a speedo to tell you.

When glancing at a speedo, you don't need to know your exact speed - you need to know whether you're under or over a given reference (i.e. the speed limit). If you're in a 60mph zone, it doesn't matter if you're doing 65 or 66, you're still over the limit - but if you're doing 55 or 56, you're fine.

The difference between those 55 and 65 readily distinguishable on an analog dial, but it's the matter of a single LCD segment on a digital readout.

Originally posted by eccles
That's a really bad analoogy, because it's exactly the opposite of what you need a speedo to tell you.

When glancing at a speedo, you don't need to know your exact speed - you need to know whether you're under or over a given reference (i.e. the speed limit). If you're in a 60mph zone, it doesn't matter if you're doing 65 or 66, you're still over the limit - but if you're doing 55 or 56, you're fine.

The difference between those 55 and 65 readily distinguishable on an analog dial, but it's the matter of a single LCD segment on a digital readout. Once again, I disagree.

I don't think anyone here drives precisely at or below the speed limit. Sure you can tell you're above or below the limit, but by how much? An amount that will get you ticketed or two or three MPH?

Sure, with time you get used to the speedometer in your car and you can tell at a glance how fast you're going; you can do the same with a digital speedometer, IMHO. However, that only works with your primary car. I dare you to drive a Ford Taurus and a BMW M3 back to back and read the speed of either at a glance by looking at the analog speedometer - considering 60 MPH is at about 11:00 on one and at about 9:00 on the other. Now drive a Jeep Wrangler where 60 MPH is about 12:00. And so on. I've got a car with a digital speedo and I had a real problem figuring out how fast I was going while test driving an M3 one day; I almost had to study the speedometer each time I looked down since I'm used to reading a digital display now.

The argument of analog vs. digital speedometers is one that's been discussed here in the past, and the end result was basically that it's easiest for you to read whatever format you're used to. Some who moved to the S2000 had problems getting used to that speedometer; others who have driven an S2000 for a year or two have a problem reading an analog speedo. Personally when I drove an Gen II RX-7 for a week I had a hard time reading its analog speedo because it was off to the side with the tach in the center...

With my celica I had no idea what speed I was at because the numbers were so close together. It went up to 160mph at 3:00!

Now with the big number read out its very easy to tell. Tach is so easy to read now. I love watching it climb and hearing the backend roar while the front end is just humming away.

Originally posted by BillK
Once again, I disagree.Let's agree to disagree then. :)

Actually, I wonder if it's somehow related to left- or right-brain"edness." Perhaps some folks are just wired differently to work better with one than the other.

OH to get back on topic I would like to have auto headlights. It was so nice not having to turn on and off the headlights in my Celica. I was suprised the RX8 didn't have it.

Great for going in tunnels. Go in tunnel, lights come on, out of tunnel lights turned off.

Originally posted by Wolfer
OH to get back on topic I would like to have auto headlights.And along similar lines: automatic wipers. The Benz that we rented in Germany last year had these, and it was great. You'd swear the damned thing was sentient - just as you were thinking that the windshield could use a wipe... it wiped!

I didn't mean to derail the thread with the speedometer issue. What realistic changes would I like to see, more important than the style of speedometer? Well, I ordered an RX-8 GS with automatic transmission. It doesn't have limited-slip differential (that was only available for MT) Nor does it have Dynamic Stability Control/Traction Control System (only available for GT). These limitations affected Canadian pre-orders, I don't know if it is the case for others. Since my car will have these deficiencies, I was wondering whether driving in winter conditions of snow and ice might be difficult.

Do you think these features should be made available in future models of the RX-8 GS w/AT?

My last few vehicles were luxury or entry-luxury and had things like memory seats, auto-on HID lights, auto climate control, auto-up and auto-down windows, auto tilt down of mirrors when selecting reverse, speed sensitive wipers, individual remote keyfobs linked to memory for seat/mirror/radio stations etc. Never had rain sensing wipers - would love to try that. Never had NAV either and will be playing with that soon :).

Initially I thought I would like the RX-8 to have these great luxury touches, but the more I think about it the more I come to the weird idea that pehaps it is better to leave some of these things manual and encourage more interaction with the car - it is a sports car after all and not a luxury sedan.

Except auto-up for the drivers window which is a necessity IMO.

Originally posted by eccles
Actually, I wonder if it's somehow related to left- or right-brain"edness." Perhaps some folks are just wired differently to work better with one than the other. That may actually be true, plus I think a lot of it has to do with what you're used to.

My first watches as a kid were analog but I switched to digital watches when I was about 12 and never wore anything but for years and years.

I've been wearing analog again for the last year or two, but when someone asks me the time it still takes me about 10 - 15 seconds to give them an answer.

We're all used to how to read an analog tach, yet CART and IRL race drivers have digital LED tachs so it must make sense for them somehow...

To continue flogging this particular horse...

Another reason I prefer analog is that they provide aditional information about accelleration (rate of change.) The direction and rate of movement of the indicator provides this in addition to the scalar value (speed.)

It's a classic example of presenting multiple levels of information in a refined interface (per Edward Tufte.)

Analog speedometer

Sport package that is more sport that look, with stiffer springs, shocks, anti-rollbars, etc.

Originally posted by ectomort
To continue flogging this particular horse...

Another reason I prefer analog is that they provide aditional information about accelleration (rate of change.) The direction and rate of movement of the indicator provides this in addition to the scalar value (speed.)

It's a classic example of presenting multiple levels of information in a refined interface (per Edward Tufte.)

actually the tach does the exact same thing, so we've got the best of both worlds. read your speed directly in one glance, or get that (of questionable value IMO) rate of change info off the tach needle.

Originally posted by ectomort
Another reason I prefer analog is that they provide aditional information about accelleration (rate of change.) The direction and rate of movement of the indicator provides this in addition to the scalar value (speed.)
You can easily get the same information by noticing the rate and direction of change of the digital numbers...

Originally posted by BillK
You can easily get the same information by noticing the rate and direction of change of the digital numbers...

Good one, Bill! (Wiping tears and rolling on floor).
But seriously, my wish list includes:
wider trunk opening
auto-up windows
better looking rear

- Lengthen sixth gear so that the overall ratio is at least the same as fifth gear in the Rx-7.
- Analog speedo
- Black w/ gray leather inserts

- Analog speedo
- Get rid of the ugly plastic seat backs on leather seats
- No altezza tail lights

I wish you could get leather without having to drop 3000 on other unnecessary options... I don't give a rats ass about having bose, or heated seats (I live in texas, its never a problem for seats to be warm...), or any sort of traction control, or heated mirrors. I DO want a chapparal leather interior. I don't think id be willing to pay 3 extra grand for it though. Thats 3 grand I could put towards a turbo kit in the future... I'd rather have stuff that makes me fast, instead of random luxury stuff I know i'd never use or appreciate.

They should let you can order the packages (slightly cheaper), or you can order individual options separately, so people can really customize they car to what they really need.
Instead of the heated seats, may be there should be chilled/cooling seats too.

^^ now THATS a thought. I've been in a merc that a guy I know has that has cooled seats. Its a godsend in august in texas when its 110 degrees outside, and sweat that has dripped on your windshield actually steams away. black leather + that weather = painful burns.

One of the advantages of having packages instead of individual options is cost savings. If they have to tool the plant to do fewer combinations, they can optimize certain lines to run certain ways.

Not that there aren't other advantages to allowing a customer to order individually.

Not that there aren't other advantages to allowing a customer to order individually.

take customer satisfaction for instance...

a 20+ gallon tank.
selling a car without a healthy 300+ mile range is a crime.
recent fuel mileage reports indicate the 16 gallon tank may not be enough

Forwarded a the URL for this thread to Mazda, got a response:



To: Michael Romano <romano.michael@verizon.net>
Subject: Re: Thanks for contacting Mazda (KMM113760V82351L0KM)


Dear Michael,

Thank you for contacting Mazda North American Operations. I appreciate
the opportunity to respond to you.

I am pleased you took the time to bring these suggestions regarding the
RX-8 to our attention. Consumer feedback is always very important to
Mazda. Certainly, we want to offer exciting vehicles, and comments
such as yours help us to achieve that goal.

Rest assured I have documented your suggestion for our corporate
record. These records are continuously being reviewed by our Product
Planning Department in an effort to provide only the highest quality
products to our customers.

Again, thank you for contacting Mazda. It has been my pleasure to
assist you. If for any reason this response has not completely
satisfied you, please feel free to reply to this message. You may also
contact our Customer Assistance Center toll-free at 1-800-222-5500.

Please take a moment of your time to give us your opinion about our
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Mazda's 'RENESIS' Wins 'International Engine of the Year 2003'

Rear window shade like hi-end cars
Electric seat adjustments for passenger seat
Auto-dimming exterior mirrors with courtesy lights for entry and turn signals in the mirrors (I think the European have the courtesy lights.)
Easier to reach dip stick (not just reaching the top but easier to re-insert as well; higher neck in the sampling line.)
Folding rear seats
More powerful and consistent A/C. Climate control?
Reading lights in rear seat set in the C pillars
Electric rear window openers operable by the driver
Selection of rims (chrome and/or polished)
Greater flexiblity of adding features, not the all-or-nothing imposed by the GT package. Individually select seats, sunroof, stereo, etc.

one realistic change i would like to see is for Mazda to stop showing the car with things like LIGHTS on the bottom of the side mirrors and then the US cars not having them! :mad:
and why isn't the Lip Spoiler from the Euro/UK cars available here? americans on this foum have been talking for like a year now about how much we like it and yet it still is not available here!:mad:

Realistic changes:

1. RUN FLAT TIRES, especially since there is no spare.
2. "Audio In" 1/8" Jack
3. Electronic Dipstick Gague, (not just oil pressure)
4. More selection options, moonroof w/o leather & bose...

Originally posted by mx5--&gt;rx8
1. RUN FLAT TIRES, especially since there is no spare.
2. "Audio In" 1/8" Jack
3. Electronic Dipstick Gague, (not just oil pressure)
4. More selection options, moonroof w/o leather & bose... [list=1]
No thanks! Runflats reduce ride quality and handling. Not on MY car, thankyouverymuch.
Would be nice.
The RX-8 already has an oil level warning light in addition to the "idiot gauge".
Agreed, although the Sport package was just fine for me.[/list=1]

250 bhp in Europe rather than 232ps .... If that doesn't work because of Euro IV emissions, then how can we get engine upgrades (assuming our cars are bought this year and do not need to meet Euro IV) that do not void the warranty?

Originally posted by mr_digital_uk
250 bhp in Europe rather than 232ps .... If that doesn't work because of Euro IV emissions, then how can we get engine upgrades (assuming our cars are bought this year and do not need to meet Euro IV) that do not void the warranty?

well, first, it's a 2004 model, even if you bought it today.

secondly, it's rare to find power or handling enhancements which don't void the warranty.

In addition to some of the stuffs you guys have already mentioned I would like to see:

gas struts for the hood. (my '95 Camry has this, and I liked it)

perhaps 17" Rim as option, lose the fan type look. (four 18" tires' price is a little too pricy for me)

Originally posted by eccles
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No thanks! Runflats reduce ride quality and handling. Not on MY car, thankyouverymuch.
Would be nice.
The RX-8 already has an oil level warning light in addition to the "idiot gauge".
Agreed, although the Sport package was just fine for me.[/list=1]

I have heard that about runflats, however, the Corvette, the BMW Z4, the BMW Z8, and Viper all use runflats. Seems that there must be a way to add runflats without ruining the ride quality or handling.

It's a bit of a concern for me because I live in Vegas, which is essentially a population center in the middle of a vast desert. Any trips to other cities force you to go through the desert wasteland, places you wouldn't want to be stuck. That being said, I don't have runflats on my mx and I haven't had a flat yet.

how about taking the blank below the radio (used for casette or MD player) and put a cubby hole with a power outlet and a set of audio ins / outs? this way we would have power and plug into stereo and a slot to hold whatever toy we want to integrate.