had the 8 at 145 tonight
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hey pooman,was wondring if you heared any strange noise at around 115 or 120.had mine at 115 today and heared a noise that sounded like paper flaping in the wind.checked the car and found nothing loose or anything and thought it might just be the wind under the car or threw the scoop that leads to the raidator.im not to worried about it,i have 900 miles and no problems to report,just the wiered hi speed noise.

I suspect 5th, correct?

Originally posted by akrx8
hey pooman,was wondring if you heared any strange noise at around 115 or 120.had mine at 115 today and heared a noise that sounded like paper flaping in the wind.checked the car and found nothing loose or anything and thought it might just be the wind under the car or threw the scoop that leads to the raidator.im not to worried about it,i have 900 miles and no problems to report,just the wiered hi speed noise.
Someone commented on this. If I recall, he mentioned something about some type of "flappy" plastic up around the front wheel control bar? I hadn't noticed when I reached those speeds myself. Then 'wakeech' mentioned something about it being there possibly to displace airflow (though I doubt it's supposed to flap). Check it out and let us know if I'm in the ballpark or not.. :)

i dont recall any strange noises

and yeah, 5th gear

noise coulda been these air deflector things in front of the wheels, they are like 1x1x6ish or so, i think that is what brother voodoo is talking about but im not sure, again, i dont recall hearing any strang sounds
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If I ownerd an RX-8 I would be here say that the RX-8 is supposed to be taken through twisties and top speed nor straight line acceleration matter, but I don't, so I won't.

Ike

I'm glad to see someone got over 130mph - another thread was worrying about top speed being much lower than expected. No doubt you did this on a 'closed course with a professional driver' assisting.

Today on my morning commute to work I got up to 112mph (break-in is officially over)- it was so quiet and drama free I thought I heard a siren in the distance...

of course its not about top speed and straight lines, but sometimes its fun to go really really fast!

i too was amazed at how drama-less it was
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Driving in the 3 digit speed, turning and braking isn't a pleasant experience! DSC kicked in and scared the hell out of me! Car was pulling left to right. :o Does anyone ever experience braking at high speed and DSC kicked in?

Originally posted by P00Man
had the 8 at 145 tonight


weak sauce:p

my brother was driving (went some place, he always drives when we go someplace, as a family, decided to take my car..long story)

anyway, dsc was completely off, and when he hit the breaks, and hit them hard to slow down (didnt lock em up or activate the anti-lock, just good hard breaking) and there was no pull whatsoever
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Im sort of wondering if the HP issue was a 1st or even early first allocation problem? Pooman do you think you can go dyno your car ?

thanks for the info brothervoodoo,im going to do the first oil change this weekend and take a good long look underneath for this.not to go off topic but is there a good area underneath to jack this thing up in front to get some jackstands under?also i wanted to say that 115 is nothing for this car,i feel poomans 145 topspeed is very abtainable.

Originally posted by PoLaK
Im sort of wondering if the HP issue was a 1st or even early first allocation problem? Pooman do you think you can go dyno your car ?

Would be interesting with data on top speed from those owners who did dyno low.

Still, I can't see how a 204-207whp car with a Cd of 0.31 can reach 145mph. Tailwind? Decline? Overstated Cd? Understated whp?

/Elak

I had mine up to 135 MPH in PA last week shortly after break in. It pulls very well up to that speed. I stopped accelerating and slowed down out of fear of going to jail. I have alot of experience cruising at fast speeds (3 years of German autobahn driving) and can tell you the car feels very stable and solid at those speeds, similiar to late model BMW's. I didn't hear any flapping noise, either.

Why don't you do anything against those stupid laws that prevent you from driving fast cars adequately fast on highways. I consider it absolutely dangerous to drive a fast and temporary car constantly with low speed of lets say 70 MPH. The first thing that will happen to me under those driving conditions is that I fall asleep. Second is crashing into something while sleeping.

Belief me there is nothing bad or dangerous about cruising on an autobahn with 120 MPH. It is comfortable and safe (Look at Germany). A gouvernement which considers this as a criminal act and puts you to jail for speeding is not worth to be supported IMHO. Off topic though, I know, but it had to be said.

It's easy to criticize, but there are some of us who are doing just that already. The fact that there are a lot of laws to be amended doesnt mean it's a bad governemnt BTW. It means it's a young government. Be thankful you dont have to go through the same.

And no, it didnt have to be said.

Slow driving puts lives in jeopardize. Laws that require slow driving kill. Is free speech no longer allowed?

Rotarota, do you mean kmh? A speed of 70mph isn't all that fast, but 120mph? I doubt that many people would be able to control any car very well at 120 mph. I've only been up to about 125 myself, and that was when I was a very stupid teenager and on a very long, straight road, and I scared the bejeezus out of myself. While I realize the autobahn has no real speed limit, I seriously doubt that many people go 120mph on it. And yes, I have been on it before.

I'd be more inclined to agree with your posts, at least somewhat, if that is indeed what you mean.

Tell that to the idiots that run this place .. (UK).

If I see another 'Speed Kills' propoganda campaign, I think i'll "cruise" through Parliament Square at 145mph!


-andy-

rotarota,

Not all states have a maximum speed limit. Montana for instance does not. I found that German drivers were far more likely to obey all the traffic laws on the Autobahn. In the states, a day doesn't go by that you don't get passed on the right by some jerk. Well, not in my 8 anymore, but you know what I mean.

Driver skill and courtesy are really the issue here. While I may be capable of driving at 100 mph, the other drivers on the road may not react in the way that I expect. As an example, think back on some of the major autobahn accidents. I would imagine a disproportiate number were caused by American not following the rules! My 2 cents worth.

Originally posted by sixspeed
Tell that to the idiots that run this place .. (UK).

If I see another 'Speed Kills' propoganda campaign, I think i'll "cruise" through Parliament Square at 145mph!


-andy-

You know what I find funny about that? When I was in the UK a year and a half ago, I thought everyone was driving much slower than I was used to here in the US. Not that that means it was true, it just seemed like that where we were!

The average level of driving skill and education in the USA is WAY lower than in Europe, or probably most other rich countries. That has something to do with the silly speed limits here. If 'we' could fix driver education first then things might change in about 20 years...

Elara,

You're a little wrong on both the 120mph thing and the autobahn point.

Now, most of the guys I spend time in a car with do have at least some formal racing experience, but I would not doubt for a second that any of them could drive at over 120mph without any difficulty whatsoever provided they have a car capable of doing so comfortably.

Also, I drive on the autobahn several times each year as I drive over to Switzerland. I'll usually cruise at well in advance of 100mph and regularly be only keeping up with traffic and be overtaken by a fair number of cars too.


rx-ache is getting towards the real point that surounds this whole issue. Speed is not the danger, nor is limiting speed the solution the real answer comes somewhere between a combination of good drivers and cars combined with a sensible set of laws regarding public road driving.
What makes the German autobahns safe is not the high (unlimited) speed-limit, but the fact that all the other drivers know they aren't going to be the fastest car on the road, so they make decisions carefully, sometimes you'll find people in speed-limited areas pull out without checking their mirrors just because they assume if they're doing the speed limit no-one will be catching on them, that's incredibly dangerous. I also don't like the US concept of being able to overtake in any lane as it makes checking lanes before manouvering very difficult and if someone is catching from behind quickly you can't just judge which side you need to leave them space on.

So, what we need ultimately is a bunch of cars that can all achieve high speeds and yet still have handling and braking greater than their speed, drivers who are fully capable of using those vehicles and finally, a sensible set of traffic laws which eliminate the other opportunitied for confusion.

Slow driving makes you take a little longer to get home. Does not kill. That is a rather stupid thing to say I think.

This was a auto top speed chat, not a politics discussion. If all roads where like the autobahn it might be different, but here in the US it's not the case, nor are all cars/people capable of such high speeds. A lot of people in this country would kill themselves in very short order if they drove over 80MPH. Forgive the US for not having 100% excellent high speed drivers and starting out slowly.

BTW Jon, in the US you can only legally overtake on the left hand, which is our high speed lane. Slow vehicles to the right please. It's sad that a lot of people ignore this and block high speed lanes, forcing others to pass on the right, but it's not suposed to be that way. Now imagine if we aplied Mr. Autobahns ideas without going through the whole slow education process (made much more difficult from the huge amount of imigrants this country has) we would have a rather huge deathtoll in a couple hours. I would love it to be able to legally drive 140MPH on a regular basis, but I have taken the time to get the proper training for it and am trying to help make it a requierment for a license so we might have that one day.

Sorry then, it's just I've witnessed people in the States overtaking in any lane they choose so often (and regularly in view of police cruisers) that I've always thought it was legal there. If you did that in the UK or any other EU country for that matter and you were seen by a Police car you'd be over on the side of the road explaining yourself in very short order.

Originally posted by Jon Brittan
Sorry then, it's just I've witnessed people in the States overtaking in any lane they choose so often (and regularly in view of police cruisers) that I've always thought it was legal there. If you did that in the UK or any other EU country for that matter and you were seen by a Police car you'd be over on the side of the road explaining yourself in very short order.

Jon, I'll have to disagree with you about the 120mph again. The majority of roads are not going to be safe at that type of speed. Highways, *maybe*. Anywhere else, no. And the majority of drivers DO NOT know how to drive safely at speeds like that, in the US or in Europe (and probably would be incapable of learning- can you imagine what would happen if all the soccer moms in their minivans started drivin that fast? Yikes.). A few select people who have racing experience do not make up the majority.

And I haven't been on the Autobahn in more than 10 years, so my judgement on that is a little off.

I'm not suggesting 120mph speed limits on *all* roads, I'm just suggesting that roads like the German autobahns can work and that maybe having no speed-limit while tied to other strict rules can actually make a road more safe as it doesn't allow people to make manouvers thinking they're safe because they're doing the speed limit.

Also, we don't have anywhere near as many MPVs and 4x4s over here which is a great thing as most of them tend to be driven by below par drivers in my experience and are far more dangerous to other road users than a standard car.

I also agree that the average road user probably couldn't handle massively higher speeds.

Then again, that's why I said "in an ideal world" you'd need better cars, better drivers and most importantly more sensible road laws.

Regardless of perceptions, the fact remains that the Autobahn network has a substantially lower fatality rate than the US Interstate system. In fact, the same trend was observed in Montana (http://www.motorists.org/pressreleases/montana.html) when they removed the open road limit there.

Yes, Jon, more sensible road laws that's all I am asking for in Germany and elsewhere. Speed per se is a solution for nothing of course. I had to exaggerate a little bit to meet the point. Limiting the speed to very low limits however on high quality roads is a nuisance. Sadly enough more and more autobahns in Germany get local speed limits.

Hi eccles, now what with my theory of "speed limit kills"? Btw - my favorite cruise control: The toolbox at the throttle! (Just tried to be funny)

Originally posted by Elara
Rotarota, do you mean kmh? A speed of 70mph isn't all that fast, but 120mph? I doubt that many people would be able to control any car very well at 120 mph. I've only been up to about 125 myself, and that was when I was a very stupid teenager and on a very long, straight road, and I scared the bejeezus out of myself. While I realize the autobahn has no real speed limit, I seriously doubt that many people go 120mph on it. And yes, I have been on it before.

I'd be more inclined to agree with your posts, at least somewhat, if that is indeed what you mean.

This is the most obsurd thing I have ever heard. You say that you have been on the autobahn? For your information, people go a great deal over 120 mph. When I was on the autobahn I was going 100 mph in the right lane and people were passing me very quickly. People on the autobahn exceed 150 with ease.

Don't make a statement like that unless you really know what your talking about. 120 mph on the autobahn is for the drivers in the right lane.

Apropos of this discussion, US members might like to keep an aye out for an episode of Modern Marvels on the History Channel entitled "The Autobahn." It aired just a couple of weeks ago, but that series is on pretty regular rotation so it should come around again before too long. Worth watching. :)

Originally posted by rotarota
Slow driving puts lives in jeopardize. Laws that require slow driving kill. Is free speech no longer allowed?

This is absolutely true. This is especially true when everybody is going about the same speed, say 50 mph, and someone carelessly is going 30mph. I think this all starts with the driving schools. The U.S. has so many bad drivers, though some areas are much worse than others. The main thing that driving schools need to teach is that the left lane is for passing, and that if you are drving slowly, move right and let people pass.

in the US you can only legally overtake on the left hand, which is our high speed lane. Slow vehicles to the right please. It's sad that a lot of people ignore this and block high speed lanes, forcing others to pass on the right, but it's not suposed to be that way.

I agree. It's not supposed to be this way, and it gets especially frustrating when driving the I-5 through Irvine with 6 lanes of freeway including carpool, and all lanes go between 60-65.

What ends up happening is all cars get so close together, it just becomes that much more difficult to change lanes, let alone pass up other cars.

Anyway, does anyone think that increasing the speed limit by even 5-10mph think that traffic could even be slightly reduced?

Originally posted by rotarymagic
I think this all starts with the driving schools.It starts before then. The underlying problem is that most Americans regard driving as a right, not a privilege. Some would probably even be surprised to find that there's no 73rd amendment that guarantees the right to bear a driver's licence.

With that mentality, licencing offices face an incredibly hard time trying to tighten the ridiculously lax education and testing standards in this country.

Try getting a licence in the UK or Germany. I dare say that the majority of US drivers would fail those tests on their first attempt.

Thought I'd add this in because I think it's a great idea.

http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/rmv/licence/gradlic.asp

A newly licensed driver may apply for an exemption from the night time driving curfew for employment purposes. The driver must take the most direct route to and from work, and is not permitted to have any passengers in the vehicle.

To "graduate" from the newly licensed driver stage, the driver must successfully complete a 6 hour Defensive Driving course or complete the full Driver Training Course (25 hours theory, 8 hours driving time). A copy of your graduation certificate must be provided, in person or by mail, to any Registry of Motor Vehicles office for recording purposes.

I don't think that higher speeds alone would be dangerous, but with semis and other slower vehicles on U.S freeways, autobahn speeds would be dangerous. It's a matter of the difference in speeds between different vehicles. Even if someone is checking their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes (and we all know how much that happens here), they won't be able to see anyone coming up on them 30-40 mph faster than them.

BTW, because of the vagueness of Montanas laws (which were driving faster than conditions allow), they had to introduce speed limits a few years ago.

Passing on the inside is illegal in most states, but so is sitting out in the outside lane when you aren't passing anyone. Neither of those laws are enforced, so it's a free-for-all.

---jps

Originally posted by eccles
It starts before then. The underlying problem is that most Americans regard driving as a right, not a privilege. Some would probably even be surprised to find that there's no 73rd amendment that guarantees the right to bear a driver's licence.

With that mentality, licencing offices face an incredibly hard time trying to tighten the ridiculously lax education and testing standards in this country.

Try getting a licence in the UK or Germany. I dare say that the majority of US drivers would fail those tests on their first attempt.

That is absolutely correct. You hit the nail on the head. I believe we should adobt the strict German standards. Accidents would decrease, traffic may even decrease.

But, you are correct, it all starts with the mentality. Not to mention, almost every driver in the U.S. think that they are good drivers.

If the schools do not teach correct driving methods, such as using the left lane to pass, then it would be a hopeless attempt.

First, they will give almost any living, breathing american a liscense.

Also, I believe at a certain age, say 60 years old, there should be retests. Many elderly people would not pass these tests, I believe.

Originally posted by Sputnik
I don't think that higher speeds alone would be dangerous, but with semis and other slower vehicles on U.S freeways, autobahn speeds would be dangerous. It's a matter of the difference in speeds between different vehicles. Even if someone is checking their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes (and we all know how much that happens here), they won't be able to see anyone coming up on them 30-40 mph faster than them.

BTW, because of the vagueness of Montanas laws (which were driving faster than conditions allow), they had to introduce speed limits a few years ago.

Passing on the inside is illegal in most states, but so is sitting out in the outside lane when you aren't passing anyone. Neither of those laws are enforced, so it's a free-for-all.

---jps


True,


they are more worried about speeding, when passing on the right is just as dangerous. If people drove correctly, they would speed in the left lane and the slow traffic would be in the right lane. This would greatly cut down on accidents.

Originally posted by Elara


You know what I find funny about that? When I was in the UK a year and a half ago, I thought everyone was driving much slower than I was used to here in the US. Not that that means it was true, it just seemed like that where we were!
Probably because most drivers here have been cowed into submission by draconian speeding legislation and blanketting of the country with speed cameras. Four marginal speeding offences over four years and you automatically lose your licence for a period of time. For many people of course this can cost them their jobs. And of course, your insurance costs will rocket once you can start driving again. One speeding offence over 100 mph (even on a deserted motorway) will usually get you immediately banned. A motorcyclist was recently jailed for going 150 mph.

It is rare that I find myself even attempting to drive up to what I consider to be safe speed for the road and traffic conditions. I would just be breaking the speed limits by so much (they are continually being revised downwards) , and there might be a speed camera round the corner.

Actually, I'd better stop thinking like this or I might start questioning why I want a car like the 8 in the first place (especially with the price of fuel over here), and that would never do.

Also, I believe at a certain age, say 60 years old, there should be retests. Many elderly people would not pass these tests, I believe.



I recall when interviews were made in the news about the elderly driving from the major accident in So Cal about a month ago.

They said that the elderly actually tend to make less mistakes, less risks, and are therefore considered more proficient drivers.

The target age of accidents/risky driving is still 18-24.

Unfortunately, the roads are so "wild" at times, that their driving is seen is too conservative and deemed risky.

Originally posted by ChrisW
Probably because most drivers here have been cowed into submission by draconian speeding legislation and blanketting of the country with speed cameras.Some Australian states are getting like that, too. Several weeks after returning from my last trip home, I received a camera fine in the mail for exceeding a 110km/h limit by 3km/h!

Originally posted by R32


I recall when interviews were made in the news about the elderly driving from the major accident in So Cal about a month ago.

They said that the elderly actually tend to make less mistakes, less risks, and are therefore considered more proficient drivers.

The target age of accidents/risky driving is still 18-24.

Unfortunately, the roads are so "wild" at times, that their driving is seen is too conservative and deemed risky.

This over-conservativeness is dangerous in my eyes. I still believe the accidents caused by 18-24 year olds is due to poor training in driving schools, low standards to receive a drivers liscense, inexperience, and overconfidence, probably in that order.

Originally posted by R32
They said that the elderly actually tend to make less mistakes, less risks, and are therefore considered more proficient drivers.They obviously never met my mum!

While it's true that many elderly drivers are still quite competent, it's the ones who aren't, and who don't realise or refuse to admit that they're no longer safe, who are a hazard. Periodic retesting would identify these cases.

I definitely agree with retesting. I just find it a bit strange, when some elderly now are considered too conservative, during their youth, they have driven much slower cars with changing traffic laws in their "peak" years of driving.

Everytime I see an older person drive, I imagine that's exactly how they would drive in say, a classic 50's car that weighed a ton.

Originally posted by akrx8
hey pooman,was wondring if you heared any strange noise at around 115 or 120.had mine at 115 today and heared a noise that sounded like paper flaping in the wind.checked the car and found nothing loose or anything and thought it might just be the wind under the car or threw the scoop that leads to the raidator.im not to worried about it,i have 900 miles and no problems to report,just the wiered hi speed noise.

I hear that same cheap flapping noise at 115mph as well. I'm relieved to see that someone else noticed. Definitely coming from the front, driver side....around the wheel area. Other than that, the car is very stable at this speed.....as well it should be.

Ok I just want to say, that MOST people don't even know the laws.

WIth the recent power outage I heard MANY comments on the radio about "slow down, treat the traffic lights as 4 way stops"

NO FREAKING DAH! Of course! I thought to myself.

But get this, a journalist comes on and talks about the outtage and "his experience" on Monday morning and says, " I didn't know there was a rule that said you treat a traffic light as a 4 way stop when they are out"

You didn't? Where the HECK did you get your license?

Some of the things I see everyday are riduculous, people crossing 4 lanes to turn right, hanging out in the left lane etc.

The law isn't "if your travelling the speed limit or below stay right" it's if you are NOT passing someone STAY RIGHT.

No matter HOW fast you are going if you aren't passing another car you better be on the RIGHT!

This applies to ALL 2 lane roads, NOT just highways! GRRR.

Originally posted by R32
I definitely agree with retesting. I just find it a bit strange, when some elderly now are considered too conservative, during their youth, they have driven much slower cars with changing traffic laws in their "peak" years of driving.

Everytime I see an older person drive, I imagine that's exactly how they would drive in say, a classic 50's car that weighed a ton.

I will backup this criteria. An elder person, with due respect, of 60+ years might not have the same reflexes and senses as when he/she used to be 20yo.

Trust me, I do respect them, and if I do have to miss a light because they didn't realize it was green...I won't honk at them (nor give em a finger...) However, if we revoke their ability to travel from one palce to the other by themselves, the Gov. should take necessary measures to ensure they have the necessary transportation services available.

For all those that agree that testing is a joke in this country, PLEASE help support the ongoing efforts to change this and make sure to email your local Governor and the DMV. The more people complain about the ease for getting a drivers license (and thus putting ill-prepared drivers on crowded roads), the better the chance to lower the accident avergaes and the better chance to get some speed limits raised. Dont just think it would be better, do something about it!

For the benefit and education of non US people it would help if someone would explain what a typical US driving test consists of. I realise it probably differs from state to state but an overview would be useful. Thanks.

It's quite stupid. You get a handbook to study that has all the proper info. SO you read it 2 or 3 times, then take a very easy multiple choice questionaire. Once you pass that you take a driving test, that for me lasted all of 10 minutes driving around an empty parking lot and doing a 3 point turn. I actually got dinged for driving conservatively just by folowing the rules.

As an example I saw a non-english speaker take this same test after memorizing the numbers from the booklet and pass with no problems.

Originally posted by Genom
It's quite stupid. You get a handbook to study that has all the proper info. SO you read it 2 or 3 times, then take a very easy multiple choice questionaire. Once you pass that you take a driving test, that for me lasted all of 10 minutes driving around an empty parking lot and doing a 3 point turn. I actually got dinged for driving conservatively just by folowing the rules.

As an example I saw a non-english speaker take this same test after memorizing the numbers from the booklet and pass with no problems.

Thanks. To say that the UK test is harder would be something of an understatement! We have bicycle tests for kids that are harder than that (seriously).

For the benefit and education of non US people it would help if someone would explain what a typical US driving test consists of. I realise it probably differs from state to state but an overview would be useful. Thanks.



Alright, I took my driving test 6 years ago, I don't know if a lot has changed by then, and my memory is a bit fuzzy.
Back then, there were new laws being implimented for freeway driving for the license test, but for me that didn't happen. I missed 3 points total.

Weather condition, cloudy, intermitten rain.

1. Car checkup. Working signals, lights, etc.

2. Drove on Imperial Highway. Think of city streets with a 50-55mph speed limit. Did several lane changes using S.M.O.G. (Signal, Mirror, Over the shoulder, Go.) ... the things we're taught in driving school. I drove 45 in the 50-55 zone just to be ultra-conservative, especially with the rain.

3. Drove into business areas where speed limits vary from 15mph-35mph. Some of the speed bumps were "long" and had speed limits of 15mph, which was strange. Obviously drove 5mph under the posted speed limit because of the rain condition.

4. 1 Parallel parking. Backed right in and straightened it. Textbook perfect.

5. 1 3-point turn.

6. Headed back. Got caught in a yield turn for braking about half a foot too late. In general, you're supposed to break before the pedestrian line, so that the line is still visible from the driver. That was my lone mark off.

Total test time was around 20-25 minutes.

Originally posted by R32


Alright, I took my driving test 6 years ago, I don't know if a lot has changed by then, and my memory is a bit fuzzy.
Back then, there were new laws being implimented for freeway driving for the license test, but for me that didn't happen. I missed 3 points total.

Weather condition, cloudy, intermitten rain.

1. Car checkup. Working signals, lights, etc.

2. Drove on Imperial Highway. Think of city streets with a 50-55mph speed limit. Did several lane changes using S.M.O.G. (Signal, Mirror, Over the shoulder, Go.) ... the things we're taught in driving school. I drove 45 in the 50-55 zone just to be ultra-conservative, especially with the rain.

3. Drove into business areas where speed limits vary from 15mph-35mph. Some of the speed bumps were "long" and had speed limits of 15mph, which was strange. Obviously drove 5mph under the posted speed limit because of the rain condition.

4. 1 Parallel parking. Backed right in and straightened it. Textbook perfect.

5. 1 3-point turn.

6. Headed back. Got caught in a yield turn for braking about half a foot too late. In general, you're supposed to break before the pedestrian line, so that the line is still visible from the driver. That was my lone mark off.

Total test time was around 20-25 minutes.

Getting better!

Originally posted by Jon Brittan
Also, we don't have anywhere near as many MPVs and 4x4s over here which is a great thing as most of them tend to be driven by below par drivers in my experience and are far more dangerous to other road users than a standard car.
Here, here!!! (claps hands)

Originally posted by rotarymagic
If people drove correctly, they would speed in the left lane and the slow traffic would be in the right lane. This would greatly cut down on accidents.
Not true. Speeding in the left lane is illegal. True, the left lane is for passing, but speeding is speeding - illegal.

Driving school? Are you kidding. My father taught me when I was 15. I had a license (no restrictions) by 16. Had my first crash a few months later ;) Yes, our system is terrible.

Our police are equally to blame. They only enforce the easy (and high fine) laws like speeding. I would love to see those cameras used to issue fines to folks "cruising" in the fast lane. It is amazing to me how many people feel "It is my lane, I am going 1 mph over the limit, so you can wait." I doubt there is as much road rage in Europe either.

That said, I drove in northern Italy for 3 years. As far as I could tell, the laws were only used to determine blame when something went wrong! They had some ridiculous laws. One required that when making a left turn into a private drive on a divided highway and there were cars behind you, you were required to pull over to the RIGHT side of the road wait for all cars to pass, then turn LEFT across both lanes.

So I don't think the EU should cast too many stones ;)

Let's see. The first time I "drove", think I was about three! Sat on the floor board of my father's Ford and pushed the floor starter until I was in a neighbor's flower garden! The next time, I was about 10, sat in my Dad's lap and steered the 'ol Mercury. Had my first accident at 15.5 years, drag racing in the rain. The next was at 16.5 and I think one more before I was 20. Haven't had one since in too many years to count on all fingers and toes, twice. I'd agree that drving tests/schools should be more frequent and required and I'd not object to taking one even though I'm the best driver in the world (jaj). Do I think schools should be mandatory? You bet. Since my first license, I've NEVER taken another physical driving test! Hey, but now I autocross monthly so I can drive like a bandit. And on the interstate, unless in obvious legal jeapordy, never go less than 9mph over the posted limit. Our interstates, I've been told, are in some areas better suited to high speed driving than the autoban. It's just all the incompetent drivers out there in their under-tired, over loaded SUVs going 90-95mph that are hazardous, in league with the jerks occupying the left lane at 50 mph!!!!;)

Originally posted by rx-ache
That said, I drove in northern Italy for 3 years. As far as I could tell, the laws were only used to determine blame when something went wrong! They had some ridiculous laws. One required that when making a left turn into a private drive on a divided highway and there were cars behind you, you were required to pull over to the RIGHT side of the road wait for all cars to pass, then turn LEFT across both lanes.They have road laws in Italy? I'd never have guessed from my brief lesson in terror when I drove there several years ago.

Oh, and for weird turns, check out Melbourne, Australia's, infamous hook turns (http://www.iagora.com/itravel/icities/australia/melbourne/si_trans.html?review_id=1281).

"Decline?"

it was a slight INCLINE
________
Herbal Vaporizors (http://www.vaporshop.com)

Originally posted by Lensman


Thanks. To say that the UK test is harder would be something of an understatement! We have bicycle tests for kids that are harder than that (seriously). LOL! You are right - I did my Cycling Proficiency Test in London about 30 years ago and my US driving test about 6 years ago and the bicycle test did seem more complex.

Originally posted by Elak


Would be interesting with data on top speed from those owners who did dyno low.

Still, I can't see how a 204-207whp car with a Cd of 0.31 can reach 145mph. Tailwind? Decline? Overstated Cd? Understated whp?

/Elak

87-88 TIIs had a Cd of .31 and 182 CRANK hp, they reached 144mph or so when new. I don't see why the 8 couldn't at least do the same.

93 R1s have 215 whp, Cd of .31 and they reach 159-163mph per Car and Driver and Road & Track.

What is not to believe?

Jeff

Originally posted by rotarymagic


This is the most obsurd thing I have ever heard. You say that you have been on the autobahn? For your information, people go a great deal over 120 mph. When I was on the autobahn I was going 100 mph in the right lane and people were passing me very quickly. People on the autobahn exceed 150 with ease.

Don't make a statement like that unless you really know what your talking about. 120 mph on the autobahn is for the drivers in the right lane.

Um, yes, I have. Pay attention and you'll see that it was more than 10 years ago (making me 17 at the time, and not driving the car I was in), and I said I could have been mistaken. You don't need to be a jerk.

Originally posted by ChrisW

Probably because most drivers here have been cowed into submission by draconian speeding legislation and blanketting of the country with speed cameras. Four marginal speeding offences over four years and you automatically lose your licence for a period of time. For many people of course this can cost them their jobs. And of course, your insurance costs will rocket once you can start driving again. One speeding offence over 100 mph (even on a deserted motorway) will usually get you immediately banned. A motorcyclist was recently jailed for going 150 mph.

It is rare that I find myself even attempting to drive up to what I consider to be safe speed for the road and traffic conditions. I would just be breaking the speed limits by so much (they are continually being revised downwards) , and there might be a speed camera round the corner.

Actually, I'd better stop thinking like this or I might start questioning why I want a car like the 8 in the first place (especially with the price of fuel over here), and that would never do.

You may feel you're driving slow, but I have never seen more polite, safe drivers in my life. Everyone was friendly and polite. And the roundabouts have to be the best direction-changing inventions ever. I wish they'd catch on in the US. If all drivers were like the UK drivers we ran into (if you're on a backroad, and you catch up with the person in front of you they PULL OVER and let you past) the world would be a better place.

a system like the autobahn would never work here in the US. i was watching this show on discovery channel once that was all about the autobahn.

1. it takes ALOT of money to be maintained. it has to be kept in prefectly prestine condition because of the high speeds. any little crack/rock would flip cars.

2. the safty of german cars is much better then anything else. they showed a video of this one guy in a mercedes SLK. he was taking this bend at like 120mph, lost control, fliped 5 times, landed upsides, the guy gets out and casually starts to smoke a cigarrette, thats some slick shit right there.

3. US drivers are idiots. 99% of europe drives manual. here we have the exact opposite, 99% of americans drive auto. its just sad. driving is a privalage, not a right. i say if you dont know how to drive stick or are unwilling to learn then u shouldnt be able to get your license. harsh i know but its the nature of the beast. and yes the driving test is a joke.

4. high performance german automobiles. A LOT of people in germany drive BMW's, mercedes, and audis. those cars were made to handle those kinds of speeds. if we have a autobahn here, u would see idiots trying to be speed racers with their civics and what not. u would also see those stupid soccer moms with there 4 ton suv's driving like morons thinking they own the road.

and thats my rant

"stupid soccer moms with there 4 ton suv's driving like morons thinking they own the road." - tribal


dont they already do that?
________
Lovely Wendie (http://www.lovelywendie99.com/)

I've removed this post since the calculations in it were wrong and did nothing but add to the confusion.

Sorry 'bout that.

/Elak

Originally posted by Sputnik
I don't think that higher speeds alone would be dangerous, but with semis and other slower vehicles on U.S freeways, autobahn speeds would be dangerous.
---jps

On most autobahns ( and autostradas, and so on in Europe) it is illegal for the trucks to drive in the left lane, and they post big signs to indicate this.

They also provide frequent pullover lanes for people to move into, allowing faster traffic to pass by safely.

I believe that probably the most useful law they could pass in N.America to improve highway safety would be to make it illegal to block traffic by driving in the left lane.
Of course they would have to enforce it as well!

The other thing i find to be a bit ridiculous is that in most places in N. America the police are constantly going on with campaigns that speed is the big problem.
Wonderful, except that routinely the police are speeding.

We have had 2 fatal accidents in the last 18 months here in Edmonton caused by speeding police cars running into other cars.

In both cases they had their emergency gear turned off.
In the most recent one the police car cut a smaller car in half, killing two small children.

In both cases they were speeding through light controlled intersections, and hit turning cars broadside.
They were driving at over 130kmh in a posted 80kmh zone through a level grade crossing.

Originally posted by tribal azn2
a system like the autobahn would never work here in the US. i was watching this show on discovery channel once that was all about the autobahn.

1. it takes ALOT of money to be maintained. it has to be kept in prefectly prestine condition because of the high speeds. any little crack/rock would flip cars.

and thats my rant

A little crack or a small stone at 130 mph is no big deal (but the stone might be for the guy following you). Cars don't flip that easy even at higher speed. A friend of mine was doing around 120 mph in his Passat (at night) when he hit a full wheel inluding the bragke drum of a big truck. It basically ripped out his front left suspension, but he got lucky and nothing else happened. Having said that - I can attest from experience that there is much less debris on the German Autobahn compared to US highways. Especially the amount of rubber pieces from truck tyres are amazing (and dangerous).

Originally posted by Elara
Rotarota, do you mean kmh? A speed of 70mph isn't all that fast, but 120mph? I doubt that many people would be able to control any car very well at 120 mph.

No big deal. I frequently do +120mph top down in a Miata. Is is a great way to cover large distances in a relatively short time. And yes, eeven at those speeds I use the right lane as much as possible in order to let faster traffic pass.

Originally posted by turbojeff
93 R1s have 215 whp, Cd of .31

I believe FD's have a Cd of 0.29

When I was fifteen I took a drivers training through my highschool. It lasted about a month with two weeks of 1 hour classes and 5 driving periods with a written and driven test at the end. The written test was relatively easy and the driving test was as well. However, people failed both and were required to wait untill the next session to try again. When I turned 16, I went to get my liscense. I had to take a rediculously simple multiple choice test with about 15 questions on it. The one I took for drivers ed. had around 100. After the written test they took my picture for my liscense and said "Have a nice day." No driving test at all. I am pretty sure I was exempt from the driving test because of my drivers ed. course. Still you would think they would test driving to make sure nobody slipped through the cracks.

The whole driving at 60 in the left lane and right hand passing that causes so much chaos on the roadways can be summed up with this next sentance. People in the United States are lazy and impatient. It is sad but true.

On a side note... Although many of our Interstates are in excellent shape for high speed driving, there are a few that are not. For instance Michigans I-94 is horrible. It has a posted speed limit of 70 mph and people ranging from 50 to 90. It also has more potholes, cracks, and debris than you can imagine. The dirt road leading to my house is better quality. A while ago there were news reports about how people were getting their axles bent and wheels busted by these potholes. This is soposed to be a mass transit high quality interstate. Anybody that has driven on this road can verify what I'm saying here.

Thanks for listening to my rant,
-JiM

Originally posted by canzoomer
...I believe that probably the most useful law they could pass in N.America to improve highway safety would be to make it illegal to block traffic by driving in the left lane.
Of course they would have to enforce it as well! That's the thing. Several states already have such laws. The problem is the attitide of a good portion of the population, and just like speeding, just because it's illegal, people think that it's their right to do so anyway.

Just making it illegal is worthless without effective enforcement.

---jps

Originally posted by neit_jnf


I believe FD's have a Cd of 0.29

Base, Touring and PEP/PEG models have a .29 Cd, R1s have spoilers which bring the Cd up to .31.

Took mine up to 230 km/hour tonight on an empty highway.
That is 142m/hour.

Revved to about 8,100 in 6th, and definitely still had some headroom to go.

Originally posted by rx-ache
That said, I drove in northern Italy for 3 years. As far as I could tell, the laws were only used to determine blame when something went wrong! They had some ridiculous laws. One required that when making a left turn into a private drive on a divided highway and there were cars behind you, you were required to pull over to the RIGHT side of the road wait for all cars to pass, then turn LEFT across both lanes.

So I don't think the EU should cast too many stones ;)

Don't make the mistake of thinking that the EU has any kind of single policy on road use, driver testing etc. It's well recognised that many countries in Europe have terrible road systems, laws and road users - France and Italy spring to mind with me.

The UK has one of the best records in the world as far as road safety and no of deaths goes. Having said that we still (despite obviously having more stringent driving tests) have plenty of poor road users. I think that anyone failing their driving test 5 times should not be allowed to drive ever - they obviously don't have the required skills and passing after 13 attempts could just be a fluke!

I think that most owners of performance cars in the UK are sensible enough to know where and when it is safe to break the (far too low IMO) speed limits. We also understand the risks involved as far as policing goes.

My experience of motorway driving (usually around 25,000 miles p.a.) suggests that people driving at or below the speed limit of 70mph are often less aware of other road users and less carefull. I think driving at high speed naturally heightens your awareness and concentration.

I regularly drive at close to 100mph on the motorway as do many others, and in the right conditions have gone close to the 155mph limit of my car but never felt out of control of he car. I'm surprised that some here think that most people would be able to control a car properly at only 120mph.

I don't think speed per se is dangerous, it's lack of experience or concentration that makes higher speeds dangerous.


p.s. RX-ache - I lived in Swansea in the UK for several years (still live very close) and never realised there was one in the states!

Originally posted by Elara


You may feel you're driving slow, but I have never seen more polite, safe drivers in my life. Everyone was friendly and polite. And the roundabouts have to be the best direction-changing inventions ever. I wish they'd catch on in the US. If all drivers were like the UK drivers we ran into (if you're on a backroad, and you catch up with the person in front of you they PULL OVER and let you past) the world would be a better place.

I think you may have been a bit lucky in who you came across whilst driving in the UK. I live out in the wilds and the drivers in the backroads very rarely pull out of my way (that's why I need a fast car!;) )

Roundabouts are good but there are still far too many road users in the UK that don't understand how to use them correctly.

What are the legal implications for speeding in the States? Can you lose you license or be jailed for speeding, do you have a points system like the UK. Just curious.:)

Originally posted by AndyPearce



I regularly drive at close to 100mph on the motorway as do many others, and in the right conditions have gone close to the 155mph limit of my car but never felt out of control of he car.



Andy is it wise to mention ones driving habits in this way on a public forum?
After all you are going to stick out like a sore thumb when the RX8 arrives?????

Originally posted by specman


Andy is it wise to mention ones driving habits in this way on a public forum?
After all you are going to stick out like a sore thumb when the RX8 arrives?????

As I understand it I can say that I do anything on a public forums, the police still need proof that I actually drive at those speeds!:p

Originally posted by AndyPearce


As I understand it I can say that I do anything on a public forums, the police still need proof that I actually drive at those speeds!:p

You are quite correct but one wouldnt like a spot of Police victimisation..................
After all we are a lovely soft touch for collecting money for the Government and........ohhh better get off my soapbox!!!!!!!!;)

Just thought I'd show that roundabouts can be 'overdone' in the UK!

Originally posted by specman


You are quite correct but one wouldnt like a spot of Police victimisation..................
After all we are a lovely soft touch for collecting money for the Government and........ohhh better get off my soapbox!!!!!!!!;)

True - better safe than sorry! I only did it once and I didn't inhale!;) :D

someone somewhere is having a laugh right?
That is about as big a joke as local roundabout that we have.
It is a three laner that is bigger than a 400metre athletic track and would double up as a flat NASCAR oval easily........

All built for Canon UK Ltd who changed their grand plan from manufacturing to reconditioning photocopiers.:mad:
Ohh and then pulled out altogether within 2 years once the clauses in the grants had lapsed. Joke

Originally posted by specman
someone somewhere is having a laugh right?
That is about as big a joke as local roundabout that we have.
It is a three laner that is bigger than a 400metre athletic track and would double up as a flat NASCAR oval easily........

All built for Canon UK Ltd who changed their grand plan from manufacturing to reconditioning photocopiers.:mad:
Ohh and then pulled out altogether within 2 years once the clauses in the grants had lapsed. Joke

There's another one in Hemel Hempstead called the Plough Roundabout whcih is a large roundabout surrounded by six mini roundabouts!

The road planners do seem to have gone a bit roundabout crazy lately. There are two roundabouts in Cardiff that only has one road going to and from them!!!

Originally posted by AndyPearce
The road planners do seem to have gone a bit roundabout crazy lately. There are two roundabouts in Cardiff that only has one road going to and from them!!!

Should try warrington. Barely go 10 yards without hitting a roundabout, and they've gently curved all the roads so you cant overtake easily in the NSL areas.

Try Bletchley

I rest my case
(roundabout city)

Originally posted by specman
Try Bletchley

I rest my case
(roundabout city)

Try Milton Keynes .:eek:

The Brits have taken over! :D

Autobahn speeds will never work in North America for a variety of reasons.. Hwy condition/design, driver training is not up to par, most cars have all season http://webhome.idirect.com/~jsmialek/Smileys/headsmack.gif tires not capable of 200+ km/hr speeds, the insurance/government/police agencies love the revenue stream associated with speeding tickets, etc.

It's been well documented in the past that driving fast in itself is not cause of collisions, driving TOO FAST for the condtions, bad driving habits, terrible driving skills are causes of collisions.

Fortunately in Canada speeding enforcement is not nearly as anal as in the US, 120km/hr is the "accepted" average speed on the highways and if you stay around that mark usually you will not get a ticket.

What I would personally like to see is an official increase to maybe 130-140km/hr within city limits and up to 160-180km/hr outside of the city limits. Of course this would mean that police would actually have to enforce the important driving skills like driving only in the right lane, passing on the left only, not following too closely, having two hands on the wheel as opposed to talking on the phone or having one hand stretched behind the passenger seat.. THAT is a personal pet peeve of mine :mad: How the fuck can you control a car properly at any speed with your hand jammed behind the passenger seat is beyond me.

People in North America just do not take driving seriously.. witness how many things poeple do to take their mind OFF the fact they are driving to make the commute go by faster... :shakes head:

Originally posted by Quick_lude
The Brits have taken over! :D


About time we took something over!:D

Originally posted by Quick_lude

What I would personally like to see is an official increase to maybe 130-140km/hr within city limits and up to 160-180km/hr outside of the city limits. Of course this would mean that police would actually have to enforce the important driving skills like driving only in the right lane, passing on the left only, not following too closely, having two hands on the wheel as opposed to talking on the phone or having one hand stretched behind the passenger seat.. THAT is a personal pet peeve of mine :mad: How the fuck can you control a car properly at any speed with your hand jammed behind the passenger seat is beyond me.


I agree with idea in the shift in emphasis on policing but it will never happen in most countries for a simple reason; ease of proof / conviction. It is simple for the police to use a radar trap / speed camera to measure your speed accurately and take action. Proving that someone is driving dangerously / or innapropriately is a lot more difficult and there is a lot of interpretation / shades of grey. Many governments enjoy the revenue that the soft target motorist brings in via speeding fines and seeing as these can be done without any manual intervention now they are massively profitable.

Originally posted by specman
someone somewhere is having a laugh right?
That is about as big a joke as local roundabout that we have.No joke, it was built in 1972, and by all accounts it works pretty damned well. See http://www.swindonweb.com/life/lifemagi0.htm.

Originally posted by eccles
No joke, it was built in 1972, and by all accounts it works pretty damned well. See http://www.swindonweb.com/life/lifemagi0.htm.

I should warn everyone that the rest of that website could be seriously damaging to your ability to stay awake!:D

Originally posted by Quick_lude
Autobahn speeds will never work in North America for a variety of reasons.. Hwy condition/design, driver training is not up to par, most cars have all season http://webhome.idirect.com/~jsmialek/Smileys/headsmack.gif tires not capable of 200+ km/hr speeds

Note that having an autobahn does not mean you HAVE TO drive at 200km/h speeds - so issues with ability of tires and car is moot. Training to drive at the right speeds for conditions (road condition, weather condition, traffic condition, vehicle condition, drivers ability etc) is the key.

I believe when Montana did away with speed limits altogether the average speed was still only about 80mph. Sure some people would do 130+mph, but many still stuck to 60 mph - whatever was comfortable for the driver and car. I will bet that the average (non-traffic jam) speed on a German autobahn is under 100mph (160km/h), with some cars doing 120mph plus and most doing 90mph or less in the right lanes.

Correct me if I'm wrong (not being an American - the Brits strike again!) but I thought that before the federal speed limit of 55mph was brought into effect in the USA in the 1970's (for fuel economy reasons - NOTHING to do with safety) that people used to drive at 70mph and above in their very unsafe 60's and 70's huge Detroit vehicles. Cars and tires and safety (even on Detroit vehicles) have improved considerably since then.

Last summer I spent 3 weeks in Europe, including over a week in Germany around Munich and Berlin.
Most traffic in the right (trucks) lane was running around 100-120kmh.
In the middle lane around 120-150
In the left ( passing lane) from 160 to ???

The car I was driving would do about 165 (Renault Megane) and I had to be careful passing as some cars would go from a speck in the mirror to "on your butt" in a few seconds!

Little old ladies have no problems in driving it.

What I enjoyed was that since the roads were built properly in the first place ( often in the 30's!) they were easy to maintain, and have lasted.
Over here in N.America all anybody is concerned with is "how cheaply can we make it"
As a result we get highways that are lucky to last 5 years in many cases.

If they were to factor in REAL costs, like the cost of highway downtime and injuries due to the accident caused by constant repairs, I am sure a different approach would develop.

On the other hand the whole N. American "frontier mentality" shows in lots of places like this. Many small things like bathroom plumbing fixtures, door hardware, light fixtures, etc.

Over here we buy the cheapest. Over there they build to last.

I had my RX-8 up to 140 mph the other night in 6th.

Heres your rattle at high speeds

http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7031&highlight=rattle

http://thuneon.walter.st/rx8/240kmh.jpg
240 km/h (=150 mph) on flat road and about 268 km/h (167mph) downhill with the EU 192HP Version STOCK, but sport cat-back exhaust.

THUNEON

The only pass in the left lane "law" doesn't exist in most of the US. Also it doesn't make a lot of sense anyway as the average speed of traffic tends to be 5-10 mph over the speed limit anyway. A car doing the speed limit in the left lane SHOULD never get passed and only pass other cars. The constant lane changes would be very dangerous for the monster rollover vehicles that have trouble seeing normal sized cars like the 8's. I'd much rather they stayed where they are instead of wandering back and forth between lanes without a turn signal (I don't think most people around here realize their car has one).

Regardless we can't even seem to get talking on your cell phone banned over here so I can't see how we could let the dumb as a stump soccer mom in her 4 ton rollover vehicle talking on her cell phone with one hand and changing the TV channel for the kids with the other hand to ever drive safely at any sort of real speed.

Yes, I find people who drive SUV's and talk on their cell phone with one hand quite irritating. I find minivans just as irritating. Why do these people need these over-sized vehicles that do nothing but block everyone elses view of the road a head when all they do is drive them back and forth between work anyway.

I also find the attitude of law enforcement irritating. Their job should be to keep traffic flowing at an efficient safe rate and preventing disruptions. On a sunny summer day that rate should be higher than the speed limit that is posted in most areas. On those days people that are driving slower than most traffic are causing a hazzard and they should be ticketed as should people driving well in excess of the speed of the rest of the traffic. Law enforcement that pulls someone over for doing 5 mph over the limit when there is no other traffic or the conditions are perfectly safe should be relieved of his/her job.

Sorry for the rant.

240 km/h (=150 mph) on flat road and about 268 km/h (167mph) downhill with the EU 192HP Version STOCK, but sport cat-back exhaust.

THUNEON240 km/h with the 192 HP version??? That's a lot!

246 km/h straight line and 253 km/h marginal downhill with the 231 hp (EU) version were my highest speeds so far (on a sunny, near empty german autobahn, to avoid the "irresponsible and illegal driving" ruckus).

hehe yeah, mine was on a german autobahn without speedlimit, too :) . My brother is driving the 231 HP version. We tested the acceleration of both cars from 100km/h. Up to 230 (!!!) km/h, i lost only 15-20m. From 230 up, the 192 HP version have no chance against the 231 HP version. I think its possible that a 192HP RX8 will beat a 231 HP version with a good setup. (No cats, modded ECU and other things)


THUNEON

125 mph in 6th today, had to shut down as the freeway was ending and coming up on
45 mph traffic. Mazdaspeed suspension does make a difference!

Drove though some very isolated sections of the Mojave desert this week. Happy to report that the cruise control works just fine at 110+. Miles fly by, but gas consumpsion is a bit high. (I get 21 usually, but only 17.6 at those speeds.)

My wife didn't even cringe when she looked over at the speedometer, said that if felt like 85. My advice, pay attention, it's easy to forget how long it's going to take to slow down. :eek:

The brakes of our "Revolution" version is _very_ good. I don't know if its the same break as in your cars. At the front we have 323mm and 302mm at the back. I drowe many sportcars and think that the big brakes in the RX8 can keep up with brakes in small porsches (boxter, low power 911). The "small brakes" for the RX8 have in EU 303mm at the front and 302mm at the rear. They are okay, but the big brakes are _much_ better.


THUNEON

Had Mom's RX8 up to 132 mph and it was confirmed by a 300zx. IT was pretty smooth and it felt like it had a lot left. Aren't these cars governed at 155?

Why do they all become mileage threads?

Had Mom's RX8 up to 132 mpg and it was confirmed by a 300zx. IT was pretty smooth and it felt like it had a lot left. Aren't these cars governed at 155?
The car is only limited by wind resistance. Some people have reported speeds of 180 mph on the dyno.

Back on topic:

126 today before I would have ran out of road. Looking for another out of the way stretch to have another go at it.

The engine sounded muted, I could hear the air against the windows...and that was it...soooo quiet.

133mph on a deserted stretch I had scouted well outside of Montreal on Sunday morning. Redlined 4th at 123mph and got a little over 7000rpm in 5th before I decided enough was enough (for me anyway). Fastest I'd ever got up to before was 110mph - car is smooooooth.

so what is the record so far of top speed on the road? fastest ive been is 140 in my vic lol that was very crazy the car sounded like it was going to explode lol

had the 8 at 145 tonight

I just noticed this thread, being I only jump on here a couple times a week and miss a lot. Funny you mentioned 145mph, because I took my STI to 145mph rather easily in 6th gear. Fastest I've been willing to go in RX8 is 130. As I'm getting older, I'm realizing this is just stupid crap, but for whatever reason I lose my logic and I feel the need to do it every once in a while.
At the time I did want to push the car to 140+, but it just begins to take so long to reach that speed, I admit I got nervous and shut her down. Still though, at 130 it was smooth as can be. In my youth, I didn't care, and took every car to the absolute max. The STI reaches 130 so quickly, that it makes me less nervous. At about 135, the STI does start to fall off considerably because of that damn small turbo they put on her, and I said enough is enough, but no doubt that thing would still reach it's rev limiter without a problem in 6th gear. Abuse wise, I admit at 145 it downright sounds like I am abusing the hell out of the STI, which I probably am. At 130 in RX8, the engine was so smooth, and engine just doesn't have that YOU'RE KILLING ME roar. I think I'm done now, and happy with my 130 on RX8, and 145 in STI. I was impressed though that at 145 the STI stayed solid for an econo sedan body with bad aerodynamics. Maybe that ugly ass wing actually does something afterall? :)

Yes the "uglyass wing does something" :p Though I bet the STi has better aerodynamics than you think. I haven't topped out my WRX, took it to 130 once and quickly shut it down, having your license suspended from speeding tickets will do that to a person :( I had my modded DSM to I think around 160, but haven't tried anything that stupid in any car I've owned since.

I just noticed this thread, being I only jump on here a couple times a week and miss a lot. Funny you mentioned 145mph, because I took my STI to 145mph rather easily in 6th gear. Fastest I've been willing to go in RX8 is 130. As I'm getting older, I'm realizing this is just stupid crap, but for whatever reason I lose my logic and I feel the need to do it every once in a while.
At the time I did want to push the car to 140+, but it just begins to take so long to reach that speed, I admit I got nervous and shut her down. Still though, at 130 it was smooth as can be. In my youth, I didn't care, and took every car to the absolute max. The STI reaches 130 so quickly, that it makes me less nervous. At about 135, the STI does start to fall off considerably because of that damn small turbo they put on her, and I said enough is enough, but no doubt that thing would still reach it's rev limiter without a problem in 6th gear. Abuse wise, I admit at 145 it downright sounds like I am abusing the hell out of the STI, which I probably am. At 130 in RX8, the engine was so smooth, and engine just doesn't have that YOU'RE KILLING ME roar. I think I'm done now, and happy with my 130 on RX8, and 145 in STI. I was impressed though that at 145 the STI stayed solid for an econo sedan body with bad aerodynamics. Maybe that ugly ass wing actually does something afterall? :)

Were you in 5th or 6th at 130?

Were you in 5th or 6th at 130?

5th gear. I realize that I am comparing a 300hp STI to a 238hp RX8, so the time it takes to reach 145 in fifth in RX8 just seems so long to me because I own a car that simply is dominate to RX8 in that category. Comparing 5th gear in rx8 from lets say 120 and above, to the STI in 6th from 120 to above, it's still not even close in acceleration. 6th gear in STI is called Overdrive, but trust me, it's a crock of shit. You really don't even need 5th gear for very long. Not fair to compare, because we are talking night and day in straightline performance. Lets just say that if I was in RX8 on way home from work, and an STI pulled up in front of me to race, from a highway roll, I'd smile and decline, as I would be absolute toast. Also, a G35 coupe and 350z would do same thing to RX8, since they would be right there with me in my STI. Not that I ever tried it or anything, just a hypothesis. ;)

I was on a "track" the othernight with a new 350z and we both got up to 135 or so. My car felt like it could go faster but, my nerves would not allow. The other driver was very courteous. I was in front and he kept a city block distance between us. When I pulled into the pits I threw up a peace sign and he was on his way.

I was on a "track" the othernight with a new 350z and we both got up to 135 or so. My car felt like it could go faster but, my nerves would not allow. The other driver was very courteous. I was in front and he kept a city block distance between us. When I pulled into the pits I threw up a peace sign and he was on his way.

Haha! :D

Also, a G35 coupe and 350z would do same thing to RX8, since they would be right there with me in my STI. Not that I ever tried it or anything, just a hypothesis. ;)

About two months ago I remember one night I was cruising 80 - 85ish on an empty highway in the wee hours when I noticed a black 350z ahead of me in the left lane (he was doing about 90 - 95). I still had my automatic RX-8 at the time. I decided to catch up to him for the hell of it and the instant he noticed me to his right, he punched it. I didn't even get to see the front of his car. Flew right past me and then I tried accelerating but it was useless. I think he was at 125 in no time, and by the time I got to 108 - 110 or so I could barely see his car. Goddamn torque.

I wonder if my current manual RX-8 would fair any better.

I wonder if my current manual RX-8 would fair any better.
Yes, it would fair better. Especially considering the AT is limited to 125mph.

The 350z is supposed to be limited to 155mph, but you'd have to have incredible road and wind conditions for the MT 8 to ever get that fast...and it would take a long time...the acceleration just aint there once you get up to about 135mph.

Last year some time, I had the 8 up to 145 mph. This was in 6th gear. After reaching 135, it took a long time to get up to 145. Still very smooth though.

130 a couple times

I've seen 147 on my clock, 5th gear, A9 heading down into Inverness and with the cruise on.

I hit 122 mph a few times on the track at Road America. I was in 4th gear, never made it to 5th.

I've seen 147 on my clock, 5th gear, A9 heading down into Inverness and with the cruise on.
Yeah i was going to say, once you get up to 150 in 5th gear and shift to 6th it doesn't take that long to find the spot where you top out....

155mph on the dyno last friday:)

155mph on the dyno last friday:)

Did you post your dyno results? Are you stock?

stock no i have the rb intake i talked about results in the axial flow thread. i overheated:o

120 so far...

I've gone 137 ( or maybe 139 ) in 4th redline and gone beyond that into 5th and 6th, don't know how fast I was going finally.. i was a bit busy at the time. I just remember looking down at the speed and catching 137 while changing gears.. i might of even been in 5th.

Maxed at 138mph on the PA turnpike, acceleration slowed down markedly from there. Speed governor?

awesome speeds, i have topped out at 115 but i will try harder soon enough. My only chance is on the freeway after school LATE, but I still feel self concious, not to mention I have 2 weeks or so before i am clear for 18 months.

Maxed at 138mph on the PA turnpike, acceleration slowed down markedly from there. Speed governor?

at about 140, you starting getting major wind resistance. that's about when mine started to crawl fast. about 1-2 mph per second.

155mph on the dyno last friday:)
I don't believe you can get an accurate top-speed reading on a dyno. One major factor is missing when on a dyno...wind resistance. You may be able to get 155 on a dyno, but with wind resistance you might only get it to 144 or so.

Damn... Most ya'll are either brave, crazy or just st00pid!
I had mine up to 110 for a very short time in a 70MPH zone. I was not bothered at all by my nerves, rather by the thought of a wreckless charge and loss of licence. I would like to find her top-end but most tracks are to short for long forward pulls. Highways are great...but if I am gonna spend hundreds to thousands on something... it will be on up-grades rather than tickets and lawyers.

Also, as I read these posts I can't help but to think some of these reported speeds are ExaGeRaTEd just a wintzy bit. But, go get em boys. Mine is bigger, mine is longer, mine is harder!!! :);)

Damn... Most ya'll are either brave, crazy or just st00pid!

;)

Florida is flat, 120 in 5th was enough! Still seemed it had alot more.

Only time I'll ever get on mine is late at night and on certain places where I can see for miles ( xenon headlights kick ass ). It was cool and it's flat so my only worry was some critter wandering out onto the road. There's absolutley noone for 15-20 miles in either direction on the road I use when I was doing my "speed trials". I passed 1 or 2 cars the entire trip and noone when I was maxing her out.