Hi all,

I`m proud to tell you that I was 1 of approx. 40 Austrian Preordercustomers who were invited by Mazda Austria to learn about and Testdrive the RX8 for a whole day. :D

There were about 30 RX8 preproduktion cars for testing. :eek:

We had lots of breefings about technical stuff like Rotaryengiene, Performance, Styling and Safty and of course we drove the RX8 three times.

Two times on a testcourse to see, feel the difference with DSC and without and finaly on the publicroad (Town, Highway)

We drove like in Formula 1. In front of us the pacecar and then the mainfield with 7 cars :D
But where not alowed to pass each other or the pacecar.

Its a new feeling of driving cause I never had a Rotary powered or such a highpowered car.

So much for now.
Here are some pics.


PS.: I made some short Quicktime clips. Were can I upload theme?

Greetings from Austria
Oliver

Next

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Lipspoiler 1

Lipspoiler 2

Red

I'll be happy to host the files if you email them to me (sixspeed at btinternet dot com).


-andy-

Excellent pictures - they really make the Titanium look good!

I want those strakes and the gascap!

S

Red with extras

Next Red

Another Red

Yellow

Next yellow

Last one

Originally posted by sixspeed
I'll be happy to host the files if you email them to me (sixspeed at btinternet dot com).


-andy-

Thanx Andi, files are on the way to you.

Good pics - what did you think of the drive, and did you listen to the Bose hi-fi?

Very nice pictures Stakato. Pitcure (Next) 5, means I'm definately going for the Side Stakes on the vent, and maybe the Alu Filler cap. I notice in one of the pics that Tit Grey with Red/Black leather ?

AnilS.

Great pics Stakato.

Aaarrgh!!! - I wasn't going to spend on the (overpriced) extras but those strakes are a must have IMO.:cool:

Nice pics!

um, so why are people driving round in RX-8's in Austria and our dealers barely know how many wheels they have?

I'd be happy to pay my own way over to Austria for a drive anytime...

Fantastic pictures

The strakes are an absolute must have on the tit grey. I'm not so sure they suit the red very well though.

I'm guessing that these are the press cars from the european launch.

The uk press launch is not for another 2 weeks, so maybe we get to play with them at the end of August ??? If they haven't all been trashed of course.

Originally posted by Stakato
Red with extras

These are great pictures! Even the Silver looks good :)

The Red with extras has shiney wheels and different wing mirrors, never seen these before..

I want the strakes and rotary accents now as well as the exhaust finisher and fuel cap! Just hope we get some discount on the horrendous list prices though or I wont be having them all.

Lets hope some of us get an early test drive as well - C'mon Mazda ;)

Originally posted by MarkW
The Red with extras has shiney wheels and different wing mirrors, never seen these before..


The wheels I've seen before, there 'normal' RX-8 Wheels that have been polished (not chromed). And are an option at least in Japan, I guess here too.

The mirrors i think are the mazdaspeed ones?

Absolutely speechless....

Wow - what awesome pictures.
Great point about how come Austrians get to drive them and our dealers barely know how many wheels it has ! ! :)

Always known side-strakes are a must on titanium. (although £175 is a bit steep). Fuel cap is rank though - well , I suppose if you read 'Max power' it might be desirable.... ;)

Similarly , I would pay my flight to Austria if they can arrange for me to have a drive.
Mazda *PLEASE* let us have a go in the press cars once you have done your launch !

When is the press launch by the way ?

Oh I love my Titanium! I was trundling down the A14 yesterday morning and casually looked left to see a Titanium MX-5 along side me. It looked stunning in the sunlight, my perfect colour and I can't wait to see it for real on the RX-8.

Great Pictures...thanks for taking the time to get them up.

The MazdaSpeed mirrors really make a difference. The stock ones look bulky and clumsy in comparison. Those and the strakes (on dark colors) should be popular options.

Originally posted by morganrogers
Absolutely speechless....

Always known side-strakes are a must on titanium. (although £175 is a bit steep). Fuel cap is rank though - well , I suppose if you read 'Max power' it might be desirable.... ;)

Call me Max Power :D , but I quite like the fuel cap. Dont they have similar on Audi TTs? I think it looks best on the black car though. I would want to see it before parting with any cash though.

The problem I have with the ali fuel cap is it isnt a good one.

By that I mean it isnt 'sunk' into the body and the WHOLE thing opens, no just the inner part (leaving the outer part bolted to the car). Totaly 'fake' and spoils the lines of the car. 1/10 for effort here mazda.

The MX-5 one is great, flush fitted, only the 'filler' part opens , leaving the ali fixing still fixed to the car.

Fantastic pictures!!! Thanks...

Have to admit the TIT looks as good as the RED!

But....................

DAMN DAMN YOU MAZDA UK, YOU'VE PI$$ED ME OFF AGAIN, WHY HAVEN'T WE BEEN INVITED TO A SIMILAR DAY OUT HERE???

Hope you're reading this otherwise we'll need to start another MAZDA UK bashing thread!

Cheers
Oilman

Thanks Stakato

Originally posted by oilman
Have to admit the TIT looks as good as the RED!

And on that bombshell.... ;)

I just noticed the hood has gas struts instead of a floppy coat hanger holding it up. Is this standard on all of them or a Eropean only set-up?

Much better that way.

I hope it is - this is something that I like about Audi's.. The pre prod bonnet seemed a bit crappy.

Originally posted by Edo
Good pics - what did you think of the drive, and did you listen to the Bose hi-fi?

It`s hard to find the right words but I can say that is was a superb ride in this car. The engine is great, a new kind of driving and you allways have control over the car, the design impressive (the back of the car is a little bit to much Mazda, for my taste).

The bose system, well it can`t compare to an good aftermarket system but it should be enough for most of us. There are two types of the systems avalible. One is for the RX8 with cloth interior and another one for the leather interior.

Greetings
Oliver

Originally posted by AnilS
I notice in one of the pics that Tit Grey with Red/Black leather ?

AnilS.

That would be cool, but it is Brown/Black!
Sorry :(

Greetings
Oliver

Originally posted by TJRX8
I just noticed the hood has gas struts instead of a floppy coat hanger holding it up. Is this standard on all of them or a Eropean only set-up?

Much better that way.

The floppy coat hanger comes as standard ;)

The gas struts are an optional extra, and therefore stupid money.:eek:

Originally posted by RobDickinson
Nice pics!

um, so why are people driving round in RX-8's in Austria and our dealers barely know how many wheels they have?

I'd be happy to pay my own way over to Austria for a drive anytime...

A guy from Mazda told me that all the 30 cars are deployed (I hope it is the right word) for another 6 weeks for all the Mazda Dealers in europe, and for some Austrian Preorders :)

Maybe there is a chance if you ask Mr. Christian Frank he is the Product Manager from Mazda Austria.
frank@mazda.at

Greetings
Oliver

Originally posted by jimbobjoe
The uk press launch is not for another 2 weeks, so maybe we get to play with them at the end of August ??? If they haven't all been trashed of course.

That could be, but I`m afraid there are not enough cars left for you!! :D :D

Greetings
Oliver

Originally posted by RobDickinson


The wheels I've seen before, there 'normal' RX-8 Wheels that have been polished (not chromed). And are an option at least in Japan, I guess here too.

The mirrors i think are the mazdaspeed ones?

I got a catalog from Mazda with all the extras avalible in Austria. That includes the rotary crest, "Air aoutlet application" (Strakes) and alloys, all in polished aluminium. The mirrors are also in that catalog and are called "Sporty mirrors" but the light on the bottom of the mirror is missing on this.

Greetings
Oliver

Originally posted by TJRX8
I just noticed the hood has gas struts instead of a floppy coat hanger holding it up. Is this standard on all of them or a Eropean only set-up?

Much better that way.

NO they are not standard or an European set-up. They are also avalible as an option :(
But don`t ask me about the price! I don`t even wana know it ;)

Greetings
Oliver

One thing to the color.
It looks great on the pics but it can`t compare to the color in real live. It`s even better, brighter and cooler ;)

Trust me :D

Greetings
Oliver

Originally posted by Stakato
Red with extras

Check the Polished Aluminum WHeels in this picture. They look great!

Originally posted by boowana


Check the Polished Aluminum WHeels in this picture. They look great!

Here I found another one.

Greetings
Oliver

Not sure about the polished wheels.

Wonder what they would look like after 12 months, and how easily they would chip/scratch?

I think the polished wheels would only be appropriate on MTV Cribs, when they are "checking out my rides"

Bling Bling

Again, that tit grey looks great, even better in these pictures thath the red I thought.

MAZDA - IF YOU CAN DO THIS IS AUSTRIA, WHY NOT IN THE UK?

rael

Agree with MarkW about the wheels - Bling Bling!

Looking at East Moon's pictures of some of the Japanese cars with the MazdaSpeed kit fitted I'd be far more tempted by a MazdaSpeed front.:cool:

Hi Andy
I will send this for you.:D

http://www.egroups.co.jp/files/eastmoon/030713_meeting/030713_all_00.jpg

Cheers all UK Friends !!
EAST MOON

EAST MOON

I also saw lots of RX8 :p but non of them was mine!!! :( :(

I`ll get mine in march 2004 and meanwhile I lock at your cool pics.

Greetings to Japan
Oliver

Polished wheel not nice, look too pretty and could double up as girlies mirror (but whilst your down there.....).

rael

Sorry about that, but I have difficulties to understand how customers that are going to take delivery in early 2004 - so that they ordered it WAY AFTER ME (oct.2003) are just having a test drive invitation ....

Mazda FRANCE, UK you really suck.

I am so mad about this unbelievable bad customer service.

They even told me "well just cancel your order, it will be free of charge".

Surely they think another one will take the queue, but believe me this is a very short term thinking ...

Stephan
Mad

^^

Please read Oct 2002 :)

Stephan
till mad

Originally posted by Stephan
Sorry about that, but I have difficulties to understand how customers that are going to take delivery in early 2004 - so that they ordered it WAY AFTER ME (oct.2003) are just having a test drive invitation ....

Stephan
Mad

It was my decision. I preordered in may 03, that allowed me to take part on the test drive. My dealer told me I`ll get the RX8 in october 03, (I don`t drive the car in winter) I sad I don`t need the car bevore march 04 and meanwhile the delivery date is nov. 03, so it`s OK for me.

Greetings
Oliver

Originally posted by rael
Polished wheel not nice, look too pretty and could double up as girlies mirror (but whilst your down there.....).

rael

very funny :D

Originally posted by Stephan
Sorry about that, but I have difficulties to understand how customers that are going to take delivery in early 2004 - so that they ordered it WAY AFTER ME (oct.2003) are just having a test drive invitation ....

Mazda FRANCE, UK you really suck.

I am so mad about this unbelievable bad customer service.

They even told me "well just cancel your order, it will be free of charge".

Surely they think another one will take the queue, but believe me this is a very short term thinking ...

Stephan
Mad

Stephan,

Mazda Austria were just lucky that the European cars were "spare" for a couple of days so they made use of them.

We are not so fortunate here in UK as there are no spare cars for us to drive at the moment, looks like the same for you in France as well :(

Mark

Stakato
I`ll get mine in march 2004 and meanwhile I lock at your cool pics.

Wow ..... I was very surprised at it.
You live in Austria ?
I think, all Mazda Peoples and all Japanese RX8 owners have to know you !
You give big courage to the people which wait for "it ".
Great !!

OK ......I will send this only for the "Europe Forum ".

http://www.knowledgelink.jp/user/tk/030713/030717_00.jpg

http://www.knowledgelink.jp/user/tk/030713/030717_01.jpg

and NARUTOs car :D

http://www.knowledgelink.jp/user/tk/030713/030717_02.jpg
But...I wish...My picture does not sad and mad you ( and UK, and other Europe ).

see you
EAST MOON

Originally posted by Stakato
NO they are not standard or an European set-up. They are also avalible as an option :(
But don`t ask me about the price! I don`t even wana know it ;)Greetings
Oliver
I would like to know. I prefer them over the coat hanger anyday. Seems like an easy retrofit if I can get the struts. If I can't locate some Stateside maybe one of you great guys could measure them for me. Or better yet pick a couple up from Mazda :D

Originally posted by EAST MOON


You live in Austria ?



Jep. You know Austria? (Mozart, Schwarzenegger :) )


Originally posted by EAST MOON

OK ......I will send this only for the "Europe Forum ".

see you
EAST MOON



That`s exactly what I mean :D

Greetings
Oliver

Got the videos up now (sorry for the delay!)

Video1 (http://www.sixspeed.net/RX-8/P7120003.MOV)
Video2 (http://www.sixspeed.net/RX-8/P7120004.MOV)
Video3 (http://www.sixspeed.net/RX-8/P7120005.MOV)
Video4 (http://www.sixspeed.net/RX-8/P7120008.MOV)



Thanks to Stakato for these!


-andy-

Didn't get to look at them when I put them up.

Very nice. :) No running in period then Stakato? :p


DVD screen looks good too - the fold up motorised screen is quite neat. Still don't know if I can justify 1500 quid for it tho :/


-andy-

Originally posted by sixspeed
Didn't get to look at them when I put them up.

Very nice. :) No running in period then Stakato? :p


DVD screen looks good too - the fold up motorised screen is quite neat. Still don't know if I can justify 1500 quid for it tho :/


-andy-

Wow sixspeed, what pipe have you got , I getting 240k/s lol :)

I can't get any response from your site now sixspeed. You haven't gone over your bandwidth alloc have you mate?:p

I just tried a download to see if it was still working. It's fine here!

Getting 195k/sec :)


Bandwidth is from NewNet. They're currently rated as the fastest ISP for Web Hosting. 150quid a year for 1Gb space, with 1Gb transfer/month and a whole load of features and scripting/SQL etc support.


Glad to see it's working well :) Now just got to get my arse in gear and start building my site!


-andy-

Working fine for me now as well.:)

EDIT - do I need to install RealPlayer for these? They do nothing in either windows media player or power dvd.

quicktime :(

Just had to install (wtf do I need all these different 'media players' bah, IT sux).

Worth it tho :)

Thats the boy I meant - I agree it's stupid - I'll have 5 different media players once I download quicktime.:eek:

love the roar of the engine. Sounds like a formula 1 car :D

Originally posted by RobDickinson
quicktime :(

Just had to install (wtf do I need all these different 'media players' bah, IT sux).

Worth it tho :)


Sorry for that. I did the clips with my camera, that`s why it is in Quicktime

Greetings
Oliver

Originally posted by cw007
love the roar of the engine. Sounds like a formula 1 car :D

You should hear it in reality. That`s better the formula 1 :D :D

Greetings
Oliver

Originally posted by Stakato



Sorry for that. I did the clips with my camera, that`s why it is in Quicktime

Greetings
Oliver

No need to apologise, use what you want, its just a pain we need half a dozen different media players installed.

Thanks a ton for taking the time/effort to make them available.

Is that a brake light in the rear rotar shape on the lower bumper?

Originally posted by tookwik
Is that a brake light in the rear rotar shape on the lower bumper?
Rear fog light...it's a European thing...and a good one.

Originally posted by TJRX8

Rear fog light...it's a European thing...and a good one.

Except that a significant minority of people fail to realise that it can also be turned off sometimes !!!!

How do you control the rear fog light? Does it have a dedicated switch on the dash or is it tied to the front fog lights? If anyone has a picture of the rear fog light control could they please post it.

We're not getting them here in Canada but I'm interested in trying to order one from Japan.

For those of you in Europe who are getting it standard, is Mazda offering the aluminum rear rotary crest as an accessory? Just wondering if the car can have both the rear fog light and the rotary crest. Your feedback is appreciated.

Sorry Broose but the rear crest and fog light are not compatable.

Don't know how the switching works yet though as we have only seen one Japanese pre production car in the UK and that doesn't have a fog light on it.

I suspect the control will be seperate to the front lights as they normally are on most cars but we will have to wait and see.:(