Peter Sawko
08-14-2003, 11:03 AM
Just want to add my thoughts to the many other comments about the RX8 posted on this site.
The 8, like any new car or product is shaped by all kinds of factors. Ford as the parent company of Mazda is desparate to bring innovative and high value products to a market crowded with competetors. According to some automotive industry analysts I've read Ford may be in a life or death struggle!
Mazda in introducing the 8 had an asset in the rotary engine that Ford recognized as a possible advantage in giving Mazda an edge by offering an alternative for car enthusiasts. Buyers already familiar with this engine might also be counted on to help start sales. Mazda engineers have, I believe, done an excellent job of exploiting the engines small size to produce an appealing body style and efficient space package.
Mazda is trying to do something that is rarely successful; to create a new product category; a four seat sports car. Nissan's Z makes no such attempt; nor does Subaru's STI or Mitsu's EVO. Each of these is narrowly focused on one kind of buyer and makes compromises in ride and comfort to meet this goal.
The 8 for to me, is a balancing act set between performance, style and comfort that by its nature means it cannot be the best in any of these areas but if you want a bit of each it has it. When succesful you have an elegant car.
The 8 is being heavily promoted which I believe demonstrates Mazda's realization that they are trying to do something against heavy odds! So far I'm on their side and am enjoying my car. Do I think I'd like a Z or STI, sure but those will also require some compromises and disappointments.
Last comes the big horsepower question on which there is much concern. I think Mazda's marketing group has done them a diservice with a lot of vague and somewhat misleading descriptions. My pet one is the "climate control system" I thought this was a set the temperature and go system like in most other new cars and am disappointed that it isn't. Do I believe it was purposely left vague, yes, but the car is still a decent value. The horsepower issue is different; numbers do not lie. It is either 247 or it isn't. If it is substantially (230) less I believe Mazda owes us all either a rebate or pro-rated refund, not because the car is unusable but because they allowed their marketing group to mislead the public and took away our ability to make intelligent choices.
Sorry this is such a long message. Appreciate your thoughts.
:)
The 8, like any new car or product is shaped by all kinds of factors. Ford as the parent company of Mazda is desparate to bring innovative and high value products to a market crowded with competetors. According to some automotive industry analysts I've read Ford may be in a life or death struggle!
Mazda in introducing the 8 had an asset in the rotary engine that Ford recognized as a possible advantage in giving Mazda an edge by offering an alternative for car enthusiasts. Buyers already familiar with this engine might also be counted on to help start sales. Mazda engineers have, I believe, done an excellent job of exploiting the engines small size to produce an appealing body style and efficient space package.
Mazda is trying to do something that is rarely successful; to create a new product category; a four seat sports car. Nissan's Z makes no such attempt; nor does Subaru's STI or Mitsu's EVO. Each of these is narrowly focused on one kind of buyer and makes compromises in ride and comfort to meet this goal.
The 8 for to me, is a balancing act set between performance, style and comfort that by its nature means it cannot be the best in any of these areas but if you want a bit of each it has it. When succesful you have an elegant car.
The 8 is being heavily promoted which I believe demonstrates Mazda's realization that they are trying to do something against heavy odds! So far I'm on their side and am enjoying my car. Do I think I'd like a Z or STI, sure but those will also require some compromises and disappointments.
Last comes the big horsepower question on which there is much concern. I think Mazda's marketing group has done them a diservice with a lot of vague and somewhat misleading descriptions. My pet one is the "climate control system" I thought this was a set the temperature and go system like in most other new cars and am disappointed that it isn't. Do I believe it was purposely left vague, yes, but the car is still a decent value. The horsepower issue is different; numbers do not lie. It is either 247 or it isn't. If it is substantially (230) less I believe Mazda owes us all either a rebate or pro-rated refund, not because the car is unusable but because they allowed their marketing group to mislead the public and took away our ability to make intelligent choices.
Sorry this is such a long message. Appreciate your thoughts.
:)