First, I am not sure if auto transmissions could get the same result. I have a manual.

It requires knowing the minimum limits of each gear. From what I can tell, the gears seem to run alright but w/o much power as low as 2000 RPM (except for 1st and 2nd which can go to idle)

Here is how to get it....

Acceleration from stop to 50-65: 1-2-4-6 (skipped 3rd and 5th... all shift made at about 3000 RPM). Do not go over 70 MPH (hard to do in the RX8 but then you WONT get a ticket)

Acceleration from stop to 30-50: 1-2-3-5 (skipped 4), I guess you could also do 1-2-4-5.

Deceleration - You can stay in 5 as slow as 30 MPH, 6 as slow as 45 MPH (although I prefer 50 MPH for the change from 5-6)

I will warn you though, you will feel like you are driving like grandma when you drive this way. Everyone looks at you because you are acceleration so SLOWLY. BUT, I gained a jump from 17-19 to 21-23 MPG (4 MPG). On a 50 mile commute (roundtrip) you get the following savings (using the now 3.50 price in MD)

50/18 * 5(days) * 3.5(price of gas) = 48.61 for commuting (at 18 MPH)
50/22 * 5(days) * 3.5(price of gas) = 39.77 for commuting (at 22 MPH)

Weekly savings = 8.84
Monthly savings (* 4 weeks) = 35.36

That IS significant... What does this all mean.

If your PRIMARY vehicle is the RX8, here's what you do... for your commute, drive like grandma (e.g. adjust driving to just moving the car... who cares if everyone else passes you, are you in that much of a rush to get to work)

For the weekends, drive the car the way it should be driven... a SPORTS CAR!!!

What I am finding I am doing is that 90% of my commute now I drive like grandma, but still sneak in a nice rev up (7000 RPM anyone!!!) and still can get close to the 22MPG average.

What are others doing for the rising gas prices?

I don't want to curb my fun too much with this car, but just save it for weekends and for personal driving...

BOTTOM LINE, still enjoy your car but in your daily commute, drive it EASY and get better mileage (and your walletbook will appreciate it)

BTW, 35 dollars isn't much difference to me (just give up my Dunkin Donuts coffee and massive diet coke consumption) but keep in mind that as gas prices increase by some percentage, the savings become even MORE signficant... if prices got to 5 dollars, here are the same number:


50/18 * 5(days) * 5(price of gas) = 69.44 for commuting (at 18 MPH)
50/22 * 5(days) * 5(price of gas) = 56.81 for commuting (at 22 MPH)

Weekly savings = 12.63
Monthly savings (* 4 weeks) = 50.52

Dont be surprised that 5 dollars isn't that far around the corner. I bet our European friends are secretly enjoying our price hikes.

ID RATHER DRIVE 3 DAYS A WEEK HARD THAN DRIVE 7 LIKE A GRANDMA :o :D

Hang the expense :p

B...free
michael

ID RATHER DRIVE 3 DAYS A WEEK HARD THAN DRIVE 7 LIKE A GRANDMA :o :D

Hang the expense :p

B...free
michael


WELL... I don't like grandma EVERY day. Just during my commute to work. Since I don't have a choice in transport to work (e.g. no public transport, no alternate vehicle), I choose to drive EASY for my commute. My other driving situations are all fun (And these don't get that gas mileage).

However, striking a balance is what I was trying to demonstrate.

BTW, Driving only 3 days a week wold also work as a solution. And no easy driving required.

i got 23.5mpg on my very first tank in the car, and i think zoom has gotten 26 or 27 on long trips.

Those are very valid numnbers psbjames. Starting Wednesday morning, I've been driving like a Grandma in my commute to work and when I run errands and although I haven't finished the tank yet (which is a feat in itself considering I usually fill up every 4-5 days), I'm noticing an improvement in my mileage. I've been setting the cruise control at 73 mph on the highway which puts it just under 3750 rpms (when the 2nd fuel injector kicks in). I'm currently between 1-2 notches under the halfway mark and I'm around 160-170 miles so far in the tank. I'm usually around 1/4 when I hit this many miles. I've been driving about 65/35 city/highway.

Thanks for the info! I always suspected that the poor mileage had a lot to do with the way the car begs you to drive.

Krankor
05 Shinka 6MT

Well, if you really-really-really want to improve your gas mileage without changing your driving style, you can just swap your differential gears from 4.44:1 to something like 3.73:1 or 3:55:1. :rolleyes:

With 4.44:1 differential gears we get about 5.9 sec from 0-60mph (based on magazines and Mazda information), so with 3.73:1 we would get somewhere around 6.5sec from 0-60mph. In 6th gear, the rpms would be much lower and therefore improving mpg from the rated 17-24 to somewhere around 19-26mpg.

An average sedan with 6 cyl power makes 0-60mph in 7 sec and 20-28mpg. The RX-8 should be able to match that acceleration/mpg with gears around 3:55:1 or lower. So basically, 6-cyl sedan performace and mpg with a rotary engine RX-8.

If you really don't car about acceleration and gasoline price is a major issue, I think swaping differential gears would be the way to go. I personally would rather be able to change the 6th gear inside the transmission from the current 0.84:1 to something like 0.70:1. That should do the trick, keeping the same acceleration, but with better fuel economy thanks to lower rpms in 6th gear.

My manual RX-8 is my daily drive, I drive it smooth and I skip gears trying to keep the rpm's below 2k, my average mpg oscillate between 19.5-20.5mpg with stock gears, but I do a lot of city and bumper to bumper driving here in the nasty Los Angeles freeways (405 mainly).

I drive like a bat out of hell everywhere I go, almost never get my car under 85 ( lately it's been 100 plus )on the highway and I easily get 22-24 mpg. ~ 320 mile per tank @ 14 gallons. The only time my mileage sucks is when I am in stop and go traffic. I've got a 54 mile one way commute, and it's 99% highway.

If you do drive like that (grandma), I suspect you will carbon up the engine and greatly shorten its' life. The rotary needs to rev. to stay clean inside. Happened to a friend of mine with his 2nd gen RX-7 - only lasted 2 years. He bought a new one and drove it hard. It's still running.

Nice points to know, however.

I've tried the grandpa styles and definitely the mileage increases. But I found shifting at 3000 very grueling. So a happy medium with decent mileage is shifting roughly at 3500-3750. Also found that the 8 tended to drink more gas if I allowed the revs to climb faster.

If you do drive like that (grandma), I suspect you will carbon up the engine and greatly shorten its' life. The rotary needs to rev. to stay clean inside. Happened to a friend of mine with his 2nd gen RX-7 - only lasted 2 years. He bought a new one and drove it hard. It's still running.

Nice points to know, however.

Yep, exactly what I was thinking. The RX-8 is like a Catch-22 when it comes to gas mileage vs. engine longetivity. You can have your MPG, but it could cost you the engine in the long run. Or you can keep your engine nice and clear of carbon deposits by running it hard daily, damage to the wallet be damned. I try to keep a balance between the two myself, and I end up with a whopping 14 mpg in the city. Totally sucks. :(

I've tried the grandpa styles and definitely the mileage increases. But I found shifting at 3000 very grueling. So a happy medium with decent mileage is shifting roughly at 3500-3750. Also found that the 8 tended to drink more gas if I allowed the revs to climb faster.

Something that's always been on my mind, and was brought up by somebody else, was that shifting so near the point where the secondary fuel injectors come on could potentially "confuse" something about the car. I forgot the exact wording about what it messed around with, but I always actually thought the same thing. I mean it's like you're always "teasing" the car by bringing it up just before it opens those 2nd fuel injectors, so it probably starts preparing to open them, and then you shift before it opens. Maybe not a good thing in the long run? I've brought my shifting back down to 3000 since then. Plus for whatever reason, ever since I started shifting at 3500, my MPG dropped to the 14s and never got higher than that. Before, I was able to achieve usually in the 15s when I shifted at 3000.

If you do drive like that (grandma), I suspect you will carbon up the engine and greatly shorten its' life. The rotary needs to rev. to stay clean inside. Happened to a friend of mine with his 2nd gen RX-7 - only lasted 2 years. He bought a new one and drove it hard. It's still running.

Nice points to know, however.

Take some time and read the post. I still rev it up (aka redline) at least once a day and lots on weekends (Where the mileage drops down back to 19)....

I drive like a bat out of hell everywhere I go, almost never get my car under 85 ( lately it's been 100 plus )on the highway and I easily get 22-24 mpg. ~ 320 mile per tank @ 14 gallons. The only time my mileage sucks is when I am in stop and go traffic. I've got a 54 mile one way commute, and it's 99% highway.

And I thought I was driving my car hard when I took her to the red at least 3 or 4 times a day. I believe you have me beat my friend. I rarely get over 80 unless on good, smooth interstate and I don't realize I'm goin that fast. But I do get b/t 20 and 24 mpg. Not sure how I do it, but I do.

I'd rather visit the pump 2 or 3 days earlier then worry about all this crap. This car is meant to be driven and rev high. Get a prius or a daily driver if you're THAT concerned about your car.

this past tank i shifted at 4k to 4.25k until 3rd dropped to 4th then skipped to 6th. i drove 40% local and i got 19.4mpg
i think thats pretty damn good. i also redlined it at least once a day. stop worrying so much about ur mpg and start driving the damn thing. enjoy the car and its high redline

Dont be surprised that 5 dollars isn't that far around the corner. I bet our European friends are secretly enjoying our price hikes.

No, my friend, we're also having our particular terrific price hike, it's not only in the US (we're about 6$ per gallon and going up like a rocket).

I'd rather visit the pump 2 or 3 days earlier then worry about all this crap. This car is meant to be driven and rev high. Get a prius or a daily driver if you're THAT concerned about your car.

this past tank i shifted at 4k to 4.25k until 3rd dropped to 4th then skipped to 6th. i drove 40% local and i got 19.4mpg
i think thats pretty damn good. i also redlined it at least once a day. stop worrying so much about ur mpg and start driving the damn thing. enjoy the car and its high redline

You know, I HATE BEING TOLD TO GET A PRIUS just because I am concerned about gas. THE POINT OF THIS POST was to show a happy medium for those who are on a budget. Do you just assume that because you own an RX-8 you shouldnt give a crap about gas. Do you really read the post or just gloss over it.

Everyone should be concerned one way or another since fossil fuels are a limited resource. Saving a few gallons (and a few dollars) on a daily commute and not driving like speed racer to work can go a long way.

Do you have to sacrifice the fun of driving the RX8, NO!!!! Take to to REDLINE on weekends and backcountry drives!!! But going to work is just that... work. And my work commute is crowded with other traffic. I can never get going a good clip even if I wanted to unless I wanted lots of speeding tickets, or a wreck from other crazy drivers.

No, my friend, we're also having our particular terrific price hike, it's not only in the US (we're about 6$ per gallon and going up like a rocket).

Didn't know... WOW 6 and skyrocketing. Maybe your government should take some of the taxes away from fuel.

.... The only time my mileage sucks is when I am in stop and go traffic....
Yes. You can drive like grandma but if you are in stop and go traffic it will not help. 0 MPG in traffic really brings down your gas mileage average. Just drive it like a sports car when you can and avoid traffic (IF you can). I drive in Atlanta traffic and have given up trying to eek out a couple miles per gallon by changing my driving style.

^liek yer sig, valpac!

First, I am not sure if auto transmissions could get the same result. I have a manual.

It requires knowing the minimum limits of each gear. From what I can tell, the gears seem to run alright but w/o much power as low as 2000 RPM (except for 1st and 2nd which can go to idle)

Here is how to get it....

Acceleration from stop to 50-65: 1-2-4-6 (skipped 3rd and 5th... all shift made at about 3000 RPM). Do not go over 70 MPH (hard to do in the RX8 but then you WONT get a ticket)

Acceleration from stop to 30-50: 1-2-3-5 (skipped 4), I guess you could also do 1-2-4-5.

Deceleration - You can stay in 5 as slow as 30 MPH, 6 as slow as 45 MPH (although I prefer 50 MPH for the change from 5-6)

I will warn you though, you will feel like you are driving like grandma when you drive this way. Everyone looks at you because you are acceleration so SLOWLY. BUT, I gained a jump from 17-19 to 21-23 MPG (4 MPG). On a 50 mile commute (roundtrip) you get the following savings (using the now 3.50 price in MD)

50/18 * 5(days) * 3.5(price of gas) = 48.61 for commuting (at 18 MPH)
50/22 * 5(days) * 3.5(price of gas) = 39.77 for commuting (at 22 MPH)

Weekly savings = 8.84
Monthly savings (* 4 weeks) = 35.36

That IS significant... What does this all mean.

If your PRIMARY vehicle is the RX8, here's what you do... for your commute, drive like grandma (e.g. adjust driving to just moving the car... who cares if everyone else passes you, are you in that much of a rush to get to work)

For the weekends, drive the car the way it should be driven... a SPORTS CAR!!!

What I am finding I am doing is that 90% of my commute now I drive like grandma, but still sneak in a nice rev up (7000 RPM anyone!!!) and still can get close to the 22MPG average.

What are others doing for the rising gas prices?

I don't want to curb my fun too much with this car, but just save it for weekends and for personal driving...

BOTTOM LINE, still enjoy your car but in your daily commute, drive it EASY and get better mileage (and your walletbook will appreciate it)

BTW, 35 dollars isn't much difference to me (just give up my Dunkin Donuts coffee and massive diet coke consumption) but keep in mind that as gas prices increase by some percentage, the savings become even MORE signficant... if prices got to 5 dollars, here are the same number:


50/18 * 5(days) * 5(price of gas) = 69.44 for commuting (at 18 MPH)
50/22 * 5(days) * 5(price of gas) = 56.81 for commuting (at 22 MPH)

Weekly savings = 12.63
Monthly savings (* 4 weeks) = 50.52

Dont be surprised that 5 dollars isn't that far around the corner. I bet our European friends are secretly enjoying our price hikes.



to any of you that think this sounds reasonable....SELL YOUR CAR!!

It still blows me away how obsessed people are with MPG......go buy a GEO Metro :mad:

You know, I HATE BEING TOLD TO GET A PRIUS just because I am concerned about gas. THE POINT OF THIS POST was to show a happy medium for those who are on a budget. Do you just assume that because you own an RX-8 you shouldnt give a crap about gas. Do you really read the post or just gloss over it.

Everyone should be concerned one way or another since fossil fuels are a limited resource. Saving a few gallons (and a few dollars) on a daily commute and not driving like speed racer to work can go a long way.

Do you have to sacrifice the fun of driving the RX8, NO!!!! Take to to REDLINE on weekends and backcountry drives!!! But going to work is just that... work. And my work commute is crowded with other traffic. I can never get going a good clip even if I wanted to unless I wanted lots of speeding tickets, or a wreck from other crazy drivers.


If you bought an RX8, you should have known about the MPG ahead of time. The RX8 is a driver's car. What's the point if you drive it below the power band all day long. If you can't afford the gas...you can't afford the car....SELL IT!

yes auto's can do that also , on the wifes 8 she drives about 42 miles each way in cith/highway and with 3000 miles on the 8 she avges about 21 , and no not driving like a grandma.. lol .. we took my daughter to collage about 180 each way and she was driving about 70 and she got about 24.5 , a lot of upand down hills

No, my friend, we're also having our particular terrific price hike, it's not only in the US (we're about 6$ per gallon and going up like a rocket).

Is that 6 pounds or 6USD?

Do you have to sacrifice the fun of driving the RX8, NO!!!! Take to to REDLINE on weekends and backcountry drives!!! But going to work is just that... work. And my work commute is crowded with other traffic. I can never get going a good clip even if I wanted to unless I wanted lots of speeding tickets, or a wreck from other crazy drivers.

Agreed. I think of the extra cost of driving this thing as a "fun tax". I'm okay with that. And I won't be made to feel guilty for it, dammit! It's not like I'm driver a hummer... :rolleyes:

I'd rather visit the pump 2 or 3 days earlier then worry about all this crap. This car is meant to be driven and rev high. Get a prius or a daily driver if you're THAT concerned about your car.

this past tank i shifted at 4k to 4.25k until 3rd dropped to 4th then skipped to 6th. i drove 40% local and i got 19.4mpg
i think thats pretty damn good. i also redlined it at least once a day. stop worrying so much about ur mpg and start driving the damn thing. enjoy the car and its high redline

Yet another good point has been made. If the car wasn't meant to be driven, there wouldn't be an engine in it. I saw a mazda ad not too long ago saying that "at 9k, other engines will be writing their wills". So we are encouraged to drive the car to its potential. But you have to do that or carbon will build up, clog the cat, and so on. So lets all get together, hit the road and burn that $3 a gallon gas like its goin out of style!!

Everyone should be concerned one way or another since fossil fuels are a limited resource. Saving a few gallons (and a few dollars) on a daily commute and not driving like speed racer to work can go a long way.


What a bunch of hooey! Don't you preach to me, boy! I could give a crap about fossil fuels and limited resources. Fossil fuels will run out sometime well after I'm dead, and how I drive now will have no effect on that. If EVERYBODY were to switch to driving like grandmas tomorrow, the gas would last, what, another couple years? What the hell difference does that make in the long run? Eventually we're gonna run out and have to find something else. Until then, I intend to enjoy it while it lasts, and I don't need any whiny preacher trying to induce guilt trips.

Now, as for the original post, I appreciate the info, its nice to know, and I might even use it sometime (like if I'm low on gas and can't find a station). But telling the world what they SHOULD be concerned about is crossing the line.

Krankor
05 Shinka 6MT

I respect all your opinions but we need to cut this guy a little slack. Mainly b/c the moderators will come in and close this thread due to "bashing"

I got 21 mpg with half city half highway, thats driving like it's stolen too. :)

I got 21 mpg with half city half highway, thats driving like it's stolen too. :)
now THIS i need to know....

how????

If you bought an RX8, you should have known about the MPG ahead of time. The RX8 is a driver's car. What's the point if you drive it below the power band all day long. If you can't afford the gas...you can't afford the car....SELL IT!


I CAN AFFORD THE GAS !!!!.... I am just trying to save a few extra bucks. Was I complaining about the mileage... NO!!!!!!!!!

I was merely trying to demonstrate that for those who do have budget, there are tips on driving it to save gas.

:mad:

What a bunch of hooey! Don't you preach to me, boy! I could give a crap about fossil fuels and limited resources. Fossil fuels will run out sometime well after I'm dead, and how I drive now will have no effect on that. If EVERYBODY were to switch to driving like grandmas tomorrow, the gas would last, what, another couple years? What the hell difference does that make in the long run? Eventually we're gonna run out and have to find something else. Until then, I intend to enjoy it while it lasts, and I don't need any whiny preacher trying to induce guilt trips.

Now, as for the original post, I appreciate the info, its nice to know, and I might even use it sometime (like if I'm low on gas and can't find a station). But telling the world what they SHOULD be concerned about is crossing the line.

Krankor
05 Shinka 6MT

BOY, you are sensitive. I wasn't preaching, just pointing out that every little bit helps. As far as fossil fuels, yeah you may be dead when it runs out. Me, I plan to live to 200 years old and by then it will have run out ... :D

Don't take it personally man. Okie dokie... :)

You guys better calm down ... I smell the banning police.


:D
*BAN ME*
I'm an idiot

You guys better calm down ... I smell the banning police.


:D
*BAN ME*
I'm an idiot

Thanks RSD


VOTE RED!!!! :D

Sorry, for letting myself get upset. I should just ignore the "SELL YOUR CAR" posts on this. If I came of sounding preachy, then I am sorry too.

Perhaps this topic is too senstive for some, perhaps this thread should be closed....

Oh Well...

Sorry, for letting myself get upset. I should just ignore the "SELL YOUR CAR" posts on this. If I came of sounding preachy, then I am sorry too.

Perhaps this topic is too senstive for some, perhaps this thread should be closed....

Oh Well...
LOL PB&J, no need to close ... just realize that most people (ME!) want to hear about how to get great gas mileage AND be able to drive liek ya stole it. It aint nevah gonna happen, but we keep lookin... :D

LOL PB&J, no need to close ... just realize that most people (ME!) want to hear about how to get great gas mileage AND be able to drive liek ya stole it. It aint nevah gonna happen, but we keep lookin... :D


BTW, When I say like grandma I really mean just normal driving (no speeding, no fast weaving through traffic, no handling curves at twice the speed limit...

I settle for a happy medium, drive normal for work and drive very sporty for weekends (just did today and my MPG went down to 17.5... but the weather is PERFECT - 75 and sunny!!!)

Who cares that it cost me 3.60 per gallon (mid grade)


BTW, Check this thread out...
http://toccionline.kizash.com/films/1001/178/index.php

Guys, calm down. He wasn't trying to piss anyone off.

SEE! I told you i smelled the banning police!!!!

:D
*BAN ME!*

I'm due for a good banning ;)

SEE! I told you i smelled the banning police!!!!

:D
*BAN ME!*

I'm due for a good banning ;)

RSD, you are a naugty devil! We all love you!!!!

VOTE RED

Do it right with RSD ... http://www.reddevil.com/

I respect all your opinions but we need to cut this guy a little slack. Mainly b/c the moderators will come in and close this thread due to "bashing"


I don't think its bashing...it's expressing a different opinion.

I don't think its bashing...it's expressing a different opinion.


It all good... Just don't like assumptions made about me... Drive on (redline if you wish!!!)

James

I CAN AFFORD THE GAS !!!!.... I am just trying to save a few extra bucks. Was I complaining about the mileage... NO!!!!!!!!!

I was merely trying to demonstrate that for those who do have budget, there are tips on driving it to save gas.

:mad:


amd my point is that if you are worrying about a gas budget, you've bought a car beyond your means......drive it like its stolen or not at all.

Do it right with RSD ... http://www.reddevil.com/
OMG, hilarious! Soooo not what i thought it was gonna be!!!! :D

amd my point is that if you are worrying about a gas budget, you've bought a car beyond your means......drive it like its stolen or not at all.
rotten, just cuz its an 8 doesnt mean you are REQUIRED to drive it liek its stolen. unless i missed that part of the manual (its possible cuz im an idiot)

amd my point is that if you are worrying about a gas budget, you've bought a car beyond your means......drive it like its stolen or not at all.


Well, I am not worrying about a gas budget... (not yet at least). If it gets to $7 dollars, you will see me on a two wheeled transport (motorcylce or moped) to work and RX-8 on weekends only.

But I don't drive like it's stolen ever. Maryland state troopers are unforgiving and three speeding tickets in a row and bye bye license. (Have two already!!!) :D :D

rotten, just cuz its an 8 doesnt mean you are REQUIRED to drive it liek its stolen. unless i missed that part of the manual (its possible cuz im an idiot)

Page 758. BTW, It is also in the purchase contract ...

First speeding ticket in less than 2 weeks of ownership to prove it...

Page 758. BTW, It is also in the purchase contract ...

First speeding ticket in less than 2 weeks of ownership to prove it...
luckily my manual came with an addendum: purchase of radar detector may allow driving however I want... which i WONT post for fear of voiding my warranty (hear dat MNAO?!?)

I just found a job, and I'm gonna start working the 26th. So I'm gonna save my money until I can buy the 2006 model with the GT package and everything on it.

But I'm not really worried about the prices at the gasstation.

When you see normal people smoke and spend stuff on hobbies which can be expensive too.
And have a motorcycle and therefore have to have 2 insurances and so on.

I'll just put my money in the 8. It's my dream of owning one, and sometimes you have to put in a little money and effort to realise a dream.

I just found a job, and I'm gonna start working the 26th. So I'm gonna save my money until I can buy the 2006 model with the GT package and everything on it.

But I'm not really worried about the prices at the gasstation.

When you see normal people smoke and spend stuff on hobbies which can be expensive too.
And have a motorcycle and therefore have to have 2 insurances and so on.

I'll just put my money in the 8. It's my dream of owning one, and sometimes you have to put in a little money and effort to realise a dream.

True... very true. Never thought of RX-8 as a drug ... (though "speed" is)

Well, time to go. I need to get my ZoomZoom fix (weather calls - 72 and sunny!!!, "vulgar sign body language" to the pumps...)

BOY, you are sensitive. I wasn't preaching, just pointing out that every little bit helps. As far as fossil fuels, yeah you may be dead when it runs out. Me, I plan to live to 200 years old and by then it will have run out ... :D

Well gee, if you would just post us info on how to live to be 200, I think we'd all be in. :D

Don't take it personally man. Okie dokie... :)

Okie dokie. :)

Krankor
05 Shinka 6MT

awwww... i think you two should hug now :D

awwww... i think you two should hug now :D

Aint that cute......BUT IT'S WRONG!!!!! quoted from 2 stupid dogs.

Zodiacq makes a very good point. I gave up several things I wanted as well to get this car and it has been worth it all the way. Especially since there is only 1 more 8 in the town I live in. The chicks love it and it makes it worth the payment to get looks from them. :D Plus I am single btw.

Aint that cute......BUT IT'S WRONG!!!!! quoted from 2 stupid dogs.

Zodiacq makes a very good point. I gave up several things I wanted as well to get this car and it has been worth it all the way. Especially since there is only 1 more 8 in the town I live in. The chicks love it and it makes it worth the payment to get looks from them. :D Plus I am single btw.
forget your nice pills today? with an attitude liek that i wouldnt look at ya no matter what car yer drivin...

why would u give up anything that you want?

... Maryland state troopers are unforgiving and three speeding tickets in a row and bye bye license. (Have two already!!!) :D :D
man, that speaks volumes

In my manual RX-8, I always get 17mpg in the city regardless of how I drive. I have gone an entire 5 days never going past 3500 RPM in each gear...with no highway AT ALL during those 5 days because I wanted to make sure it was 100% city.

And the results after those 5 pain in the ass days of driving? I still only managed 17mpg. The next 5 days, I drive it the way I like to, and still get 16 - 17mpg.

The granny shifting method doesn't help all RX-8s...only some of them.

By the way psbjames...how often during your "50 mile CITY ONLY commute" did you have to stop at stoplights? 50 miles doesn't mean shit to me. I want to know how your mileage was from full tank to empty in 100% city.

I will say, for some strange reason, my best tank to date has been the one tank where I did two 0-90 runs. I normally get around 14 MPG and I expected that tank to just be in the dumps, thinking I'd get around 12 MPG. Lo and behold, it ended up closer to 16 MPG, something I never achieve when I drive nothing but normally.

In my manual RX-8, I always get 17mpg in the city regardless of how I drive. I have gone an entire 5 days never going past 3500 RPM in each gear...with no highway AT ALL during those 5 days because I wanted to make sure it was 100% city.

And the results after those 5 pain in the ass days of driving? I still only managed 17mpg. The next 5 days, I drive it the way I like to, and still get 16 - 17mpg.

The granny shifting method doesn't help all RX-8s...only some of them.

By the way psbjames...how often during your "50 mile CITY ONLY commute" did you have to stop at stoplights? 50 miles doesn't mean shit to me. I want to know how your mileage was from full tank to empty in 100% city.


Good question. Mine is a mixture drive. Lots of stop and go for the first 10 miles, then highway for the next 10 miles, than back to stop and go for the last 5. Reverse when I go home.

Another thing I have noticed is the more I drive, the more overall improvement I seem to get. I drove it hard today and got 19 MPG (redlined a few times...PURE JOY). I was myself surprised. The weather is perfect here for driving today!!!

I would imagine all stop and go traffic would yield the same mileage regardless on how it is driven. 17 sounds average for all city driving btw...

My Mustang would get anywhere between 17-22 no matter how it was driven. The RX-8 (at least mine) seems to be more sensitive to how you drive it.

BTW, I get more looks by showing off the car and its reverse doors. This doesn't require moving the vehicle.

I wonder why is there such disparity on gas mileage... Different ECU updates?, different subtle driving techniques.

I do seem to prefer not to use the engine for braking, rather brake to a stop with brakes. I also heel toe when decelerating.

This would be a good survey to take. (See if there is a link between driving techniques and MPG)

[QUOTE=mmats69]Aint that cute......BUT IT'S WRONG!!!!! quoted from 2 stupid dogs.

LOL... Haven't seen "Two Stupid Dogs" in a long time... but that was one of favorite lines...

OK here is what I've noticed about gas mpg with this car:

1) the car hates stop and go traffice. This is where the bad (17-18mpg for me) comes from.

2) shifting at lower prm - no difference

3) no hard runs to readline - no difference.


Here is what I base it on. I have tried driving like a granny and I have pushed if hard in city traffic and I get no difference in mpg. I get more a difference in mpg byt the brand of gas I buy. I usually get 22-24 on the highway. Most of these runs have been on RX8 cruises where EVERY pass is done at the readline and I will be cruising in 4th gear on the highway just so one of the other guys doesn't get the jump on me.

I have done a couple trips through the mountains where I've kept the revs up a bit for passing and for hills (between 3500-4500rpm) and I get 22-24 mpg. The thing is the car in not doing the stop and go. I will have to try and do a granny highway cruise to see what mpg I will get.


all this being said, there is a vast variety in MPG betwwn some of the cars. One local guy only gets 12mpg in the city. I could redline it for the entire tank and not get that bad of mpg.

OK here is what I've noticed about gas mpg with this car:

1) the car hates stop and go traffice. This is where the bad (17-18mpg for me) comes from.

2) shifting at lower prm - no difference

3) no hard runs to readline - no difference.


Here is what I base it on. I have tried driving like a granny and I have pushed if hard in city traffic and I get no difference in mpg. I get more a difference in mpg byt the brand of gas I buy. I usually get 22-24 on the highway. Most of these runs have been on RX8 cruises where EVERY pass is done at the readline and I will be cruising in 4th gear on the highway just so one of the other guys doesn't get the jump on me.

I have done a couple trips through the mountains where I've kept the revs up a bit for passing and for hills (between 3500-4500rpm) and I get 22-24 mpg. The thing is the car in not doing the stop and go. I will have to try and do a granny highway cruise to see what mpg I will get.


all this being said, there is a vast variety in MPG betwwn some of the cars. One local guy only gets 12mpg in the city. I could redline it for the entire tank and not get that bad of mpg.

I will need to be more observent if its stop/go or driving technique (or both). Will need to come up with a couple of tests. The lowest mileage I got is when I first got the car and got only 16 MPG. Never below that so far.

Wonder what driving on the track gets you. Does anyone take it out to a track wanna comment???

forget your nice pills today? with an attitude liek that i wouldnt look at ya no matter what car yer drivin...

Come on now. It was all in fun. I didn't mean anything by it, just as a little joke. Sorry to offend if I did.

why would u give up anything that you want?

Well, it has to do with the fact I can't afford anything else at this moment. I made sacrifices so that I could own a car that I've always wanted. Some people may be able to walk into the dealership and pay cash, for me, it was a 6 year loan.

"You can't always get what you want...."

I am glad to see people addicted to zoom zoom. I certainly am (give me a zoom zoom fix)

Come on now. It was all in fun. I didn't mean anything by it, just as a little joke. Sorry to offend if I did.

Showing your RX8 wont work with her since she's got one already. But pay for a tank of gas and I betcha it make her smile.

I believe that would make anyone on here smile, no matter who they are....lol

Come on now. It was all in fun. I didn't mean anything by it, just as a little joke. Sorry to offend if I did.
no worries! :D

and yes, someone buyin me a tank of gas WOULD make me smile :D

The lowest mileage I got is when I first got the car and got only 16 MPG. Never below that so far.

you are one of those fortunate owners to never get below 16 mpg. i have owned two rx8 so far....first one automatic....50 hway/50 city rarely above 17 mpg. just picked up my brand new 6 mt...first tank 13.5. now average14.5. i hope it will get better. :)

I get more a difference in mpg byt the brand of gas I buy.

Care to elaborate? Or point me to the appropriate thread if this has already been discussed to death? I've never really known if any brand of gas is better than others or if it matters. Over the years I've heard people say bad things about Exxon, and I have a friend who insisted that Amoco was superior, but I really don't know anything about it. (me, I tend to buy Mobil, cuz I live right next door to one, and I LOVE Speedpass. :) )

Krankor
05 Shinka 6MT

2 things that work for me for in town mileage- shift early and often=- if you are trying to save fuel. if you are not using 5th and 6th in town at 35-45 mph than you aren't granny shifting yet;) seriously i use 5th as soon as i can(when i am in mpg not fun mode) which is about 35. i can get into 6th without lugging at about 40-42.

second- do not drive out for lunch. i have found that my mpg dropped by 3-5 mpg per tank if i drove around the corner for lunch a couple days. brown bag it, have it deliverd or let someone else drive to lunch. those short trips are a killer.

Care to elaborate? Or point me to the appropriate thread if this has already been discussed to death? I've never really known if any brand of gas is better than others or if it matters. Over the years I've heard people say bad things about Exxon, and I have a friend who insisted that Amoco was superior, but I really don't know anything about it. (me, I tend to buy Mobil, cuz I live right next door to one, and I LOVE Speedpass. :) )

Krankor
05 Shinka 6MT

I don't know about the brands in the US because you have different brands than us (ie Exxon, Amocco, etc). But here in Canada, the majority of us agree that Esso gives the crappiest MPG. Shell is ok. I think there was a fellow from Canada who went on a cross country trip (to the US as well) and he found that Canadian gas gave superior mileage. I guess you have to check in your local forum to see if there is a discussion on brands.

Oh and to add to the grandpa driving. I personally found that shifting below 3000 allowed me to squeeze at most 30-40km (~18-25 miles) out of a tank. That to me is not terribly significant.

I too redline frequently, shift at 4000-5000, cruise at 3000-3250 and I get ~18mpg (that's all city stop and go). I personally believe that it's the cruising RPM that matters (where you shift to a lesser degree).

Here's an easy way to improve gas mileage: Use imperial gallons in the equation. :)

Am I missing something? Is my 8 defective? I've got almost 3,500mi on my odometer, and I'm barely getting 15-16mg if I'm lucky, and yes, I drive it like gramma to/from work... Is there a switch I haven't flipped somewhere?? :)

Good question. Mine is a mixture drive. Lots of stop and go for the first 10 miles, then highway for the next 10 miles, than back to stop and go for the last 5. Reverse when I go home.



I know this car gets acceptable mileage on the highway. I've known that for years. The city mileage on the other hand has always been the issue. That's why I was surprised when you said 22MPG in city driving.

That being said, let me ask you something. Why the hell would you entitle this thread "Yes you CAN get 22MPG city driving in the RX8..." when you just stated that your little experiment wasn't only city driving?

It doesn't take a rocket science to figure out that you're going to get better mileage driving on the highway.

Now I feel dumber for having read all of this.

When you actually try driving 100% city and manage to get 22 mpg, get back to me.

I know this car gets acceptable mileage on the highway. I've known that for years. The city mileage on the other hand has always been the issue. That's why I was surprised when you said 22MPG in city driving.

That being said, let me ask you something. Why the hell would you entitle this thread "Yes you CAN get 22MPG city driving in the RX8..." when you just stated that your little experiment wasn't only city driving?

It doesn't take a rocket science to figure out that you're going to get better mileage driving on the highway.

Now I feel dumber for having read all of this.

When you actually try driving 100% city and manage to get 22 mpg, get back to me.

I should be more specific about highway driving...

It is NOT interstate driving in the second leg, it is just a four lane road with less lights (going through park area etc).

However, as zoom44 pointed out, getting into 5 or 6 quick made a difference for me. Driving downtown last night with getting into 5 or 6 got me 21.56 MPG. No highway (or country) driving at all.

Perhaps though I should have posted 22 MPG in suburban driving.

I always try to avoid traffic jams and I know in that situation, it eats gas.

BTW, Here is my rough route

All in Maryland

Driving Directions (http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?go=1&do=nw&rmm=1&un=m&cl=EN&ct=NA&rsres=1&1a=&1c=Parkville&1s=MD&1z=&2a=&2c=Forest+Hill+&2s=MD&2z=)

The route given is only a rough route. I still have to get out my neighborhood and also go through an industrial park at the other end...

Didn't know... WOW 6 and skyrocketing. Maybe your government should take some of the taxes away from fuel.

Yeah, they should, but in Spain our gob is about to increase them :(

Is that 6 pounds or 6USD?


6 USD (about 4.5€ in my case)

Update: I filled up yesterday with 14.22 gallons at 280-something miles getting me 20.5 mpg in that tank. I drove granny style the whole time with the exception of about 10 miles near the last of the tank.

My theory: I don't think that your style of driving has a great deal (although it contributes some) to your gas mileage; however, whether you drive city vs. highway that has the greater influence. With that last tank, I drove 1/3 city and 2/3 highway. I normally drive 3/4 city and 1/4 highway, averaging 17-18 mpg.

Since I can't change my average mpg, even just a little bit, what am I going to do now? Drive normal again - like a bat out of hell, creating a sparkling red blur throughout North TX, hitting redline whenever I can. :D

Well I will need to be more scientific about this.

Or just get an MX5 or Mazda 3 for my daily commute.

Hey, I got 18 mpg doing similarly the same thing without AC in city driving during my first year but this summer I have been getting 14.x mpg every week with AC. I would test it without but it is too hot! I know though that last summer I was getting an average of 16mpg. It dropped after my last dealer visit which covered a flash check and 4 new plugs and another ac compressor.

Really though the car is made for fun and a driver's car. The mileage is NORMAL within the range people talk about on this site. The decision is more relative to what you want to drive and just chalk that up to the cost of fun.

Am I missing something? Is my 8 defective? I've got almost 3,500mi on my odometer, and I'm barely getting 15-16mg if I'm lucky, and yes, I drive it like gramma to/from work... Is there a switch I haven't flipped somewhere?? :)

The same dude... i don't know how these people get that kind of milage.

This just in:

I have created a magic elixir that you can add to each tank of gas. It will get you 50mpg!!!

Paypal accepted :D

ID RATHER DRIVE 3 DAYS A WEEK HARD THAN DRIVE 7 LIKE A GRANDMA :o :D

Hang the expense :p


I agree, just trade your 8 in for an Echo or some little "pee pee" car if you want good milage. Without really driving your 8, what is the point of having it?

Dennis

Well some more observations and tests...

I drove in yesterday and today to work (bummer, had to work on labor day)

Filled up today and got the result of.....


20.5 MPG


I decided to NOT drive like grandma but use Zoom44's trick of getting into high gears as quickly as possible (5th at 30+ MPH and 6th at 40+ MPH).

So the difference now is only 1 to 3 miles per gallon (at least from this initial test).

I have also kept a log of every fill up since I first got the car on the 4th of July... Here are the averages I have gotten in the past month (a total of 16 fill ups ... usually fill up when I reach 1/4 tank) for a total of 5027 miles...

MPG Rates at each fill up
16.5
17.0
19.2 (first road trip)
17.5
18.5
16.9 (first service)
22.5 (trip to Hershey PA)
19.5
19.6
21.0 (trip to Ocean City MD)
16.9 (trip to DC and around DC)
19.1 (second service)
19.5
19.5
21.0 (started to try my technique)
22.0 (labor day weekend cruising around town and downtown)
20.5

My low was when I first got the car 16.5 and only dipped that low again when I sat in traffic in DC for half a day. Overall gas rate (approx 250 gallons over 5027 miles = 20.108 MPG.

Observations:

1. Gas mileage has improved since my first service check.
2. Gas mileage seems to suck when stuck in traffic (only dipped below 17 when in traffic jams in DC)
3. Technique, though may improve mileage, does not seem to have as big of an impact in gas rate (1 to 3 MPG difference) as traffic conditions (regardless of city/highway... my traffic jams in DC were all on the beltway).

Bottom line, enjoy your car and whenever possible AVOID traffic. Your mileage will lilkely improve greatly if don't have to stop and go as often. Shifting into high gears quick will also work. Maybe getting XM or Sirus to avoid traffic jams is the real cure to bad gas mileage for RX-8.

For those that keep insisting on getting another vehicle, I pose the question... Why can't you have it all....???? Yes performance is diametrically opposed to gas efficiency but then explain why a Mustang with better straighline acceleration got better gas mileage than the RX-8... (I am being rhetorical so don't try to answer this question despite all your impulses to flame... I already know the answer)

Yes the Mustang's road handling performance doesn't compare to the RX-8. But I would prefer to have the RX8 and live with the crappy gas mileage... I am addicted to zoom zoom

For those that are consistently getting below 17 no matter what, perhaps a service visit is in order, dunno if that will help or not but I do know Mazda does tweek with the computer algorithms that mix up gas/air ratios.

BTW, Red She Devil, how much for your elixer...???

BTW, Red She Devil, how much for your elixer...???
First one's free ... then i get ya hooked and charge up the wazooo!! :D

First one's free ... then i get ya hooked and charge up the wazooo!! :D


Your elixer might void the warranty...

:eek:

I agree, just trade your 8 in for an Echo or some little "pee pee" car if you want good milage. Without really driving your 8, what is the point of having it?

Dennis

LOL... I haven't seen "pee pee" used in a sentence like this before...

Your elixer might void the warranty...

:eek:
No, it has a secret cloaking device built-in. You just can't post about anything because big brother MNAO reads this forum liek a 12-yr old boy devours a discarded Playboy.

but i digress ... ;)

No, it has a secret cloaking device built-in.

I thought cloaking was against Federation rules, however, this new "elixir" intrigues me. Ensen, set a course for wherever this "elixir" may be located, maximum warp.............................ENGAGE!!

DIvI' chut tIbuSQo'. tlhIngan yIDa! {{;-)

Qanqor
05 SInqa' 6MT

I will need to be more observent if its stop/go or driving technique (or both). Will need to come up with a couple of tests. The lowest mileage I got is when I first got the car and got only 16 MPG. Never below that so far.

Wonder what driving on the track gets you. Does anyone take it out to a track wanna comment???

I went to an autocross with a full tank (don't ask, long story). The tank had less than 20 miles on it by the time I made the first of 7 runs. Left there with right around half a tank. This is on a car that usually averages 13-15 MPG.

i filled up last night and had gotten 21.3mpg, this was about 25 miles of highway and 225 miles of city, the 25 miles of highway is broken down to 5 miles a day (work) at 80mph (cruise control). So for the most part the car is being driven around in the 4k-6k range, cruising at about 2500rpm. I also redline the car in the first 3 gears (1, 2, 3) evey time I drive it. Thats usualy 2 times per day (to/from work) on weekdays and 1 or 2 trips on the weekend.

This is not odd for me, I get 20-22mpg consitently.

I went to an autocross with a full tank (don't ask, long story). The tank had less than 20 miles on it by the time I made the first of 7 runs. Left there with right around half a tank. This is on a car that usually averages 13-15 MPG.

How many miles is a run... (I know dumb question...???)

I am an idiot - Ban Red She Devil :D

(Just kidding RSD)

Read this post (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=71291)...

DIvI' chut tIbuSQo'. tlhIngan yIDa! {{;-)

Qanqor
05 SInqa' 6MT

:confused:

DIvI' chut tIbuSQo'. tlhIngan yIDa! {{;-)

Qanqor
05 SInqa' 6MT


I think its Icelandanic or Borg, perhaps Kleggs homeworld language...

Klegg, care to comment...

That's what sucks... I live in Atlanta, the crap-hole vortex for all traffic in the universe. I have 21 miles from door to door in the daily commute to the office... and on decent days when I leave the house before God wakes up, it's 30 minutes with traffic lights... when i leave the house at the same time as the rest of the city, it's an hour, hour and 10 sometimes... and my MPG sucks bad, down to about 14.5/15.5mpg.

Oh well, can't wait to move out of this crap-hole of traffic... hate it here. I wish the planners of this city would learn to BUILD ROADS ahead of congestion.

Cheers :)

i've been gettin 21-22 with 50/50 highway/city driving on my commute....which is 100miles a day. I'm happy with that. I even made 300 miles on a tank once

DIvI' chut tIbuSQo'. tlhIngan yIDa! {{;-)

Qanqor
05 SInqa' 6MT


that's klingon

That's what sucks... I live in Atlanta, the crap-hole vortex for all traffic in the universe. I have 21 miles from door to door in the daily commute to the office... and on decent days when I leave the house before God wakes up, it's 30 minutes with traffic lights... when i leave the house at the same time as the rest of the city, it's an hour, hour and 10 sometimes... and my MPG sucks bad, down to about 14.5/15.5mpg.

Oh well, can't wait to move out of this crap-hole of traffic... hate it here. I wish the planners of this city would learn to BUILD ROADS ahead of congestion.

Cheers :)

no, what they need to do is time the damn lights, which they said they won't do because it will cost too much money...10mill for the whole city. BUT, they have no problems spending 6x that amount to widen 1.25 miles of 1 road!

that's a great phrase...crap-hole vortex :)
left home at 7:10 this morning. 11 mile trip. got to work at 8:13. thanks atlanta, because of you, i was late to work today. :rolleyes:

DIvI' chut tIbuSQo'. tlhIngan yIDa! {{;-)

Qanqor
05 SInqa' 6MT

He was replying in Klingon to the star trek statement I made earlier.

First, I am not sure if auto transmissions could get the same result. I have a manual.

It requires knowing the minimum limits of each gear. From what I can tell, the gears seem to run alright but w/o much power as low as 2000 RPM (except for 1st and 2nd which can go to idle)

Here is how to get it....

Acceleration from stop to 50-65: 1-2-4-6 (skipped 3rd and 5th... all shift made at about 3000 RPM). Do not go over 70 MPH (hard to do in the RX8 but then you WONT get a ticket)

Acceleration from stop to 30-50: 1-2-3-5 (skipped 4), I guess you could also do 1-2-4-5.

Deceleration - You can stay in 5 as slow as 30 MPH, 6 as slow as 45 MPH (although I prefer 50 MPH for the change from 5-6)

I will warn you though, you will feel like you are driving like grandma when you drive this way. Everyone looks at you because you are acceleration so SLOWLY. BUT, I gained a jump from 17-19 to 21-23 MPG (4 MPG). On a 50 mile commute (roundtrip) you get the following savings (using the now 3.50 price in MD)

50/18 * 5(days) * 3.5(price of gas) = 48.61 for commuting (at 18 MPH)
50/22 * 5(days) * 3.5(price of gas) = 39.77 for commuting (at 22 MPH)

Weekly savings = 8.84
Monthly savings (* 4 weeks) = 35.36

That IS significant... What does this all mean.

If your PRIMARY vehicle is the RX8, here's what you do... for your commute, drive like grandma (e.g. adjust driving to just moving the car... who cares if everyone else passes you, are you in that much of a rush to get to work)

For the weekends, drive the car the way it should be driven... a SPORTS CAR!!!WOW! I have been doing precisely the same thing. I was going to post it tonight and you saved me a lot of writing. I can add just a few more things I'm doing to help out with my MPG.

First let me qualify before I start because when you start talking about driving like granny it always brings out the speed freaks. My favorite driving is from 6-9K and believe me, I have done my share. I love to rev match down to 2nd gear and power out of a turn. I guess you could say it is my instinct to never let anyone pass me. But!... The other day I put $40 worth of gas in my 8 and was in shock all the way to work. So now I've been driving as conservative as possible with the occasional relapse.

My normal gas milage is 15-16 MPG. After changing my driving habits it is more like 19-20. This is mixed driving with 30% Interstate and 70% metro for my daily commute. When I get behind a slow car now, my attitude is to use it as an excuse to drive slow. There is always someone who wants to put-put around. Now instead of bitching about the slow drivers... I is one! This evening on the way home I got behind a slow tractor trailer. I used it as an excuse to shift 1-3-5 and just enjoy the surroundings that I usually don't take the time to see. People were flying bye and I didn't care anymore. Besides it gives me a chance to show my car off to more people.

I'll still drive it like hell at the proper time.

psbjames1970, thanks for your post and I'm "behind you" 100%.

WOW! I have been doing precisely the same thing. I was going to post it tonight and you saved me a lot of writing. I can add just a few more things I'm doing to help out with my MPG.

First let me qualify before I start because when you start talking about driving like granny it always brings out the speed freaks. My favorite driving is from 6-9K and believe me, I have done my share. I love to rev match down to 2nd gear and power out of a turn. I guess you could say it is my instinct to never let anyone pass me. But!... The other day I put $40 worth of gas in my 8 and was in shock all the way to work. So now I've been driving as conservative as possible with the occasional relapse.

My normal gas milage is 15-16 MPG. After changing my driving habits it is more like 19-20. This is mixed driving with 30% Interstate and 70% metro for my daily commute. When I get behind a slow car now, my attitude is to use it as an excuse to drive slow. There is always someone who wants to put-put around. Now instead of bitching about the slow drivers... I is one! This evening on the way home I got behind a slow tractor trailer. I used it as an excuse to shift 1-3-5 and just enjoy the surroundings that I usually don't take the time to see. People were flying bye and I didn't care anymore. Besides it gives me a chance to show my car off to more people.

I'll still drive it like hell at the proper time.

psbjames1970, thanks for your post and I'm "behind you" 100%.

Thanks, but I warn you... you will still be stalked by those that will say ... buy a Corolla...

LOL, that's fine. I still drive my 95 Altima that my son totaled and I fixed up for $1500 and my 95 Toyota pick-up.

Thanks, but I warn you... you will still be stalked by those that will say ... buy a Corolla...

Yeah, but the cool part... you have a LOT more options than those guys who post on the Corolla website talking about getting more performance out of their car, with everyone there answering "Get an RX-8!" :D

Krankor
05 Shinka 6MT

why would u give up anything that you want?

main reasons are:

money

time

other resources

willingness of other people to do what you want/need

etc

but I think money is the biggest factor, I could do some great things if I had the money I need (poor engineer with tons of ideas that can't be pursued due to this :( )

Update:

Well I have modified my technique in driving the RX-8 to try to get the best from both worlds...

Here is the updated technique (basically the technique that Zoom44 suggested but in more detail)

1. Rev it up and enjoy the acceleration, but get to 5th or 6th as soon as you cruising (i.e. not accelerating anymore).

2. Anytime cruising between 30-50 MPH, (note not accelerating) use 5th gear

3. Anytime cruising over 50 MPH, use 6th gear

4. If you need extra power to pass, just go to your preferred gear, when you are cruising again, go back to 5th or 6th. Example: A BLEEPY red little neon wanted to pass around me, of course the manual states that I cannot let this happen in an RX8, therefore I drop from 6th to 3rd and bolt ahead of him right at the point he thinks he has overtaken me.... PURE JOY. Left him in the dust. In fact, after the next curve, didn't see him again. Just pop back into 5th or 6th when completed your manuever and are cruising again.

This technique yields in my "suburban" driving (e.g. city driving with no traffic jams or stalls) 20.5 MPG on average (so far only two fill ups to compare on but I will keep monitoring). Not the 22 originally I saw, but hey I gave it some thought and realized I don't want to drive like granda, it is kinda disrespectful for that car.

So... Lessons learned from this little adventure...

1. There are few of us that believe the RX8 should NEVER be driven like granda. I respect those folks and now agree. But you don't have to drive it like its stolen. Hey, I want the ladies to see me...not think I hot wired the vehicle.

2. Just a small modification in your driving technique can yield a 1-3 MPG increase w/o robbing you of the joy in driving the vehicle. However, this only works if the RX8 doesn't sit in traffic all the time. If the RX8 isn't flying, it is drinking heavily... (the curse of the rotary)...

3. AVOID traffic jams when possible. You may get more joy and better gas mileage taking the back roads than driving on the clogged ateries. I understand for some of you, this isn't a choice.

One more thing, gas quality and additives DO impact the MPG. How did I find that out, I asked on of the Mazda regional technicians. This can cause the most variation in MPG (more than driving technique). Those states that add ethanol to gas will yield a lower MPG rate (ethanol burns faster). What he recommended is that if your state does add ethanol (some states add 10%) to gas, then stick to premium ONLY. Higher octanes don't burn as quickly and counteract the ethanol effect. Other additives can have an effect as well.

Wonder if a hybrid version of the RX-8 could improve stop and go MPG rate (you could have the electric motor only kick in at lower speeds and essentially shut the rotary off at that point). But then the hybrid technology is too expensive to implement on an overall cost efficient basis right now.

After reading this thread I tried a similar driving technique with my Protege5 for one full tank of daily work commute (33 miles each way mixed 20% city and 80% highway )

I never get higher than 26~27 mpg driving in a spirited fashion and cruising at 78 mph in the highway. For my experiment I decided to use light throttle instead of wot like I normally do, shift at 2500rpm and cruise at 68 mph (any slower and I'll get run over by semi's). I also used the cruise's controls to slow down and speed up when needed.

For this one tank I got average 31 mpg, which is my P5's hwy rating so I was surprised to get it in mixed conditions! :D And one important thing, it took me only 5 more minutes to get to and from work, I thought the 10mph made a bigger difference. :cool:

but hey I gave it some thought and realized I don't want to drive like granda, it is kinda disrespectful for that car.
best statement in the whole thread!

w00t!

:D :D :D

if my foot isnt in teh firewall, I'm home sleeping

OK... Not to beat this thread to death, but this morning I filled up after "adjusting" my driving a bit after I read this thread. Could I possibly get 22mpg while still having fun while driving my '8?

Almost. I came in at a bit over 21.8mpg!! Holy crap! I've never had mileage this high. I basically shifted around 4K from 1 to 2nd, then around 3, 3.25K for the rest of the gears. There were still some times I needed to accelerate and did. A couple squirts on the tank to 9K. And even some freeway driving in the 75-80mph range. All that, and 21.8mpg.

Not too bad. I still had fun when I wanted, but just let the car relax more when I was just "getting there."

This is all with the R-flash (my first full tank since the R-flash in fact). I'm not sure that makes a difference or not, but thought I'd mention it.

OK... Not to beat this thread to death, but this morning I filled up after "adjusting" my driving a bit after I read this thread. Could I possibly get 22mpg while still having fun while driving my '8?

Almost. I came in at a bit over 21.8mpg!! Holy crap! I've never had mileage this high. I basically shifted around 4K from 1 to 2nd, then around 3, 3.25K for the rest of the gears. There were still some times I needed to accelerate and did. A couple squirts on the tank to 9K. And even some freeway driving in the 75-80mph range. All that, and 21.8mpg.

Not too bad. I still had fun when I wanted, but just let the car relax more when I was just "getting there."

This is all with the R-flash (my first full tank since the R-flash in fact). I'm not sure that makes a difference or not, but thought I'd mention it.

From several other threads, I suspect the R flash may make an improvement. Bottom line, all I can determine is that the RX8 is drinking less when moving and when in high gears (in otherwords, speed that car up!!!). I am still doing oberservations but only have been going to work and home lately. No real business trips through major cities recently.

maybe a complete ECU reset and then granny driving might improve it. gonna try that myself.