It's out ...

http://media.ford.com/mazda/article_display.cfm?article_id=24412&make_id=227

wow...new colors. Last I checked, nobody was complaining about the lack of colors.

I'm not impressed.

All I have to say is the Whitewater pearl is the same darn color that we have been seeing each year. I was driving by the local Mazda dealership today(San Bernardino) and noticed that they had a what seemed to be fully loaded RX-8 so i thought i would stop to see what year it was and how much. When i saw up on the top that it was an 07 i was in shock and went inside the dealership to see if they had any of the Stormy Blues in. Nah, the only one they got in was the white one. Oh well. :eyetwitch

Same here ^

That standard 6-disc changer should make us go a lot faster, you guys should be excited! :jump:

So what's the diff between the whites?

That standard 6-disc changer should make us go a lot faster, you guys should be excited! :jump:
If you put techno and Heavy Metal in the changer I heard you get like 10-15 hp's

This can't be true. According to 80% of the members on this site the RX-8 was being discontinued. Who would have thought, another year of production.

So what's the diff between the whites?
the name

*sigh*

The RX7 FC had two updates after just 2 years (went from S4 to S5 and gained 20HP in N/A and Turbo trim), and the FD saw numerous updates (from the original S1 to the final S8 version), both in exterior/interior and in mechanical/engine. And if you knew how, you could "update" your own older model as well (except the N/A FC).

And here we are, almost 4 years after it's initial release, and we get what ? 2 new colors and a new 6AT (which means diddly squat, since the 4AT sucked hairy monkey balls).

whoppdy doo :boring:

Nice. I wish they'd give it a "real" oil pressure gauge, but all in all… nice. Especially considering how I kept reading there'd be no 2006, let alone a 2007. :yelrotflm

Yeah and I thought Mazda read this forum? Don't you think they would get the hint that new colors aren't going to cut it? I mean come on now 2 years and counting how long does it really take to do R&D on an upgraded version of the 8, not just color change and some more bells and wistles?

Nice. I wish they'd give it a "real" oil pressure gauge, but all in all… nice. Especially considering how I kept reading there'd be no 2006, let alone a 2007. :yelrotflm

Yeah and that too!

the name


You sure? I kknow whitewater pearl and snow flake pearl are the same but why would mazda advertise chrystal white pearl as a new colour if it's basically the same as the former 2?

This can't be true. According to 80% of the members on this site the RX-8 was being discontinued. Who would have thought, another year of production.

me when i posted the specs and changes 4 months ago:)

I must say new colors, WOW that's it... It would be nice to have a coolant and oil temp gauges reflecting real temps. Also, they could have updated the car to show your mpg, miles left ect... NO HP gains... I am happy that the RX-8 will live on for another production year but Mazda will need to make some bigger changes in 2008 to keep sales going..

Guys, I wanted to make an official press release announcement that I changed my shirt and took a crap.

That is all.

Oh schnap. No more Shinka?? Wonder if any model year only colors like Black Cherry and Copper Red anymore. Interesting....

Time

me when i posted the specs and changes 4 months ago:)

Hey Zoom tell Mazda they suck! Hahahha

You sure? I kknow whitewater pearl and snow flake pearl are the same but why would mazda advertise chrystal white pearl as a new colour if it's basically the same as the former 2?

because they don't have a clue about what to do with this car...

I must say new colors, WOW that's it... It would be nice to have a coolant and oil temp gauges reflecting real temps. Also, they could have updated the car to show your mpg, miles left ect... NO HP gains... I am happy that the RX-8 will live on for another production year but Mazda will need to make some bigger changes in 2008 to keep sales going..
Sadly, I think it's pretty obvious that is the point. They are just letting the car fade away with minimal changes. The R&D budget is going to other Mazda cars.

I don't get the huge surprise and disappointment over the lack of changes for 2007. I mean, the information for 2007 models have been available on this forum for only about 4 months, and it was even a sticky!

For what it's worth, Crystal White is different from Whitewater Pearl.

because they don't have a clue about what to do with this car...

EXACTLY!

i can't contain my excitement for the 2007 model year.

i can't contain my excitement for the 2007 model year.

:rollingla

To counter all your whinning:
A) static models generally mean lower depreciation rates for owners of that vehicle because everyone isn't rushing out to buy the much-improved newer one.

B) RX-8s or any other sports cars don't matter for crap in overall car sales. Many are loss leaders for their company. Mustangs are probably the exception, I'm guessing Ford makes significant money off that model. It is more of a muscle car though and those fall under a slightly different buyer and market segment than sports cars.

Take the Z for example. Nissan sells more 350Z's than Mazda does 8's. However, I bet that Nissan sells many many more XTerras and Altimas than 350Z's and makes a hell of a lot better profit margin on them. So it should come as no suprise that Mazda has dumped all their R&D into other cars that needed it more desperately last year. Both the 3 and the 6 now have performance champions to help re-invigorate those models and pull decent sales themselves. They have a handsome crossover SUV that stands to make the company a buttload of cash. They have a roadster which would have lost a lot of sales to new competitors if it didn't have a timely redisgn. Does it come as a suprise to anyone that Mazda is acting like a (GASP!) business? All considering, they have done an amazing amount over this last year and to expect them to update their least important model when they have bigger fish to fry is rediculous.

That being said they make cars and thus like cars and are probably really like the RX-8 themselves. As long as the bean-counters don't axe it, I garauntee you they have the long term, personal interest. Just be patient. I would not be suprised if Mazda gets to take a breather now and can devout some time to the RX-8 or pass it off to Mazdaspeed for the majic touch. I suspect good things outta 2008, but if they don't come to fruition I will wait another year and enjoy the resale value.

To counter all your whinning:
A) static models generally mean lower depreciation rates for owners of that vehicle because everyone isn't rushing out to buy the much-improved newer one.

B) RX-8s or any other sports cars don't matter for crap in overall car sales. Many are loss leaders for their company. Mustangs are probably the exception, I'm guessing Ford makes significant money off that model. It is more of a muscle car though and those fall under a slightly different buyer and market segment than sports cars.

Take the Z for example. Nissan sells more 350Z's than Mazda does 8's. However, I bet that Nissan sells many many more XTerras and Altimas than 350Z's and makes a hell of a lot better profit margin on them. So it should come as no suprise that Mazda has dumped all their R&D into other cars that needed it more desperately last year. Both the 3 and the 6 now have performance champions to help re-invigorate those models and pull decent sales themselves. They have a handsome crossover SUV that stands to make the company a buttload of cash. They have a roadster which would have lost a lot of sales to new competitors if it didn't have a timely redisgn. Does it come as a suprise to anyone that Mazda is acting like a (GASP!) business? All considering, they have done an amazing amount over this last year and to expect them to update their least important model when they have bigger fish to fry is rediculous.

That being said they make cars and thus like cars and are probably really like the RX-8 themselves. As long as the bean-counters don't axe it, I garauntee you they have the long term, personal interest. Just be patient. I would not be suprised if Mazda gets to take a breather now and can devout some time to the RX-8 or pass it off to Mazdaspeed for the majic touch. I suspect good things outta 2008, but if they don't come to fruition I will wait another year and enjoy the resale value.
Remind me again what Nissan's fastest car 0-60 is again?

I knew there would be a 2007 model, but this will be the last year. There will not be a 2008 RX8. How do I know you ask? My Ouija board spelled out the phrase"08, no more mulligans".......Freaky......

guys be pattient is not 07 yet

Its time to go rape Mazda by asking for a ridiculously low price on a 05 RX-8 with the MSRP of $35k Hum i am was thinking of shoot for about $26k OTD after takes and license.

Maybe… just maybe… Mazda likes the car pretty much the way it is. Maybe they have the wisdom to recognize that the 8 is a truly wonderful car and they don't want to screw it up. If it was up to me, I certainly wouldn't change it in any significant way. And, reading all the articles, I doubt most auto journalists would either. When a car knocks it out of the park the first time up, why change it?

Don't know about you, but I'd take a 240Z over a 260Z any day.

^^^ The first 280z was cool too. Got rid of those damn carbs!!

Dont worry guys 2008 will be the year for the Mazdaspeed RX8 , MEANWHILE MAZDA IS SAVING ITS PENNIES :bootyshak

Michael

Dont worry guys 2008 will be the year for the Mazdaspeed RX8 , MEANWHILE MAZDA IS SAVING ITS PENNIES :bootyshak

Michael
How much are you willing to bet?

The paddle shifters sound cool but other than that I have nothing to say

How much are you willing to bet?

i have some pennies a some lint in my pants pocket

yeah i'm a high roller :Eyecrazy:

i have some pennies a some lint in my pants pocket

yeah i'm a high roller :Eyecrazy:
That's about how much that prediction is worth.

Maybe… just maybe… Mazda likes the car pretty much the way it is. Maybe they have the wisdom to recognize that the 8 is a truly wonderful car and they don't want to screw it up. If it was up to me, I certainly wouldn't change it in any significant way. And, reading all the articles, I doubt most auto journalists would either. When a car knocks it out of the park the first time up, why change it?

Don't know about you, but I'd take a 240Z over a 260Z any day.


They got it so right they stopped counting the surveys :Peace:

Must have been to many postive responses messing up the curve for the regular cars they didn't do well on.

They got it so right they stopped counting the surveys :Peace:

Must have been to many postive responses messing up the curve for the regular cars they didn't do well on.Like many cars, the 8 had teething problems in its first year of production—mostly with flooding. Since then the car has been reliable. The current recall on all 8's is basically a very generous public relations ploy—generous because, in fact, only a small percentage of cars in hot/low humidity environments have problems. If you want to give the 8 a Fox News-esque bullshit spin on the truth, that's fine, it's a free country. But the truth is the RX-8 is a reliable car. (I realize "truth" is somewhat out of fashion these days, but heck—it still means something to me.)

Like many cars, the 8 had teething problems in its first year of production—mostly with flooding. Since then the car has been reliable. The current recall on all 8's is basically a very generous public relations ploy—generous because, in fact, only a small percentage of cars in hot/low humidity environments have problems. If you want to give the 8 a Fox News-esque bullshit spin on the truth, that's fine, it's a free country. But the truth is the RX-8 is a reliable car. (I realize "truth" is somewhat out of fashion these days, but heck—it still means something to me.)
Do you have any proof of any kind to go with your angry biased statement? What does "reliable" even mean. It's a relative term and means different things to different people.

Do you have any proof of any kind to go with your angry biased statement? What does "reliable" even mean. It's a relative term and means different things to different people.Yes, I do have proof: Consumer Reports readers rated the RX-8 in their Annual Car Reliability Survey as "disappointing" in its first year of production, but have now upgraded it to "average". As a result, CR added the 8 to their short list of "Recommended Cars." Road & Track completed their Long-Term Test of an '04 RX-8 in their October, 2006 issue. They rated the 8's reliability "Excellent" on a 3-point scale (Poor—Average—Excellent): "Repairs: Right rear speaker rattled and center console lid broke. Both replaced under warranty." And yes, I do get angry when I see untruths and exaggerations talked about as if they were fact. Sorry.

Sure, we would all like more power. But outside of power, I wouldn't change a thing. Oh, and my 56k mile 04 is still humming along very reliably.

What is amazing is that they still have not added automatic climate control (which all the international models have had since 2003), auto-off headlights, auto door locks, power passenger seat, power rear window controls (so people will actually use them for once), and a more functional cluster gauge. They'll ignore simple crap like that which other less expensive cars they sell come standard with, but will waste resources making an advanced remote entry system and start button feature.

Like many cars, the 8 had teething problems in its first year of production—mostly with flooding. Since then the car has been reliable. The current recall on all 8's is basically a very generous public relations ploy—generous because, in fact, only a small percentage of cars in hot/low humidity environments have problems. If you want to give the 8 a Fox News-esque bullshit spin on the truth, that's fine, it's a free country. But the truth is the RX-8 is a reliable car. (I realize "truth" is somewhat out of fashion these days, but heck—it still means something to me.)


The recall is not generous. You really think they did this out of the kindess of their hearts? As I said before, they stopped counting our surveys>>>>>>>>> that is how many complaints they recieved! However trivial you might consider the complaints Mazda has to see the bottom line. They have shown by the numbers of the 8 produced that they intended to sell many more then they have.

What is amazing is that they still have not added automatic climate control (which all the international models have had since 2003), auto-off headlights, auto door locks, power passenger seat, power rear window controls (so people will actually use them for once), and a more functional cluster gauge. They'll ignore simple crap like that which other less expensive cars they sell come standard with, but will waste resources making an advanced remote entry system and start button feature.
I liked the keyless entry system thing and I think it's one of those things that helps sell cars (novelty factor and all). I do, however, think your list of features that should be added is pretty much spot-on.

i would love power rear windows. i dont think i've opened them in the 2.5 years ive had the car and am always wanting to, but its just a pain.

you're kidding me! the rear windows are manual crank? That's crazy.

I suppose you can spin it as a child-proofing feature but come on...

and what do you mean by 'they need to add auto door locks'?
Can't you lock all the doors with one blip of a button?

you're kidding me! the rear windows are manual crank? That's crazy.

I suppose you can spin it as a child-proofing feature but come on...

and what do you mean by 'they need to add auto door locks'?
Can't you lock all the doors with one blip of a button?


the rear windows push out, like in minivans kind of.

i could care less about auto lock doors as well.

You guys need to reach back and pop those rear quarter windows open every once in a while. You get the sweet burble of exhaust without the wind noise. I agree that an option would be nice, but I for one don't want the added weight of more electric motors for quarter windows that are so small.

Fortunately, it sounds like you've never suffered the inside of a minivan. Int the electric version of a pop-out window, the servo is built right into the rotating bit. The wire from the dash to the window would probably weigh more than the motor. Maybe the counter the added weight w/ stock magnesium wheels? :D

I just threw auto door locks in there to add to my argument because it's another simple bullshit feature that most of the "classy" cars have.

A trip computer that uses the Ambient/Outside temp display. The space is already there. Average speed, miles to empty, instant MPG, avg MPG, trip timer, etc. My mom's Passat and dad's Chevy pickup have it. That's a nice lux feature.

Mazda did a lot of R&D before releasing the car.

The drivetrain changes they have made were for the AT (adding gears), and where the Oil fill tube breather goes into the intake manifold.

Anything I missed?

A trip computer that uses the Ambient/Outside temp display. The space is already there. Average speed, miles to empty, instant MPG, avg MPG, trip timer, etc. My mom's Passat and dad's Chevy pickup have it. That's a nice lux feature.

Heh while I do love those little gadgets like you are saying to get MPGs, projected miles till empty.... on THIS car that might be a bad idea when people are tooling around and seeing numbers on their little screen in the teens for MPGs lol

Heh while I do love those little gadgets like you are saying to get MPGs, projected miles till empty.... on THIS car that might be a bad idea when people are tooling around and seeing numbers on their little screen in the teens for MPGs lol
Well at least we could tell whether cruising downhilll at 65MPH with a hurricane force tailwind actually gets us mileage above 25MPG. ;)

Well at least we could tell whether cruising downhilll at 65MPH with a hurricane force tailwind actually gets us mileage above 25MPG.
I did that once in my old GTI in Wyoming in the winter. 40+ mph tailwind across the entire state for like 400 mi. increased my gas mileage at least 8 mpg. That's like a 40% improvement!

Looks like we have our first 2007 owner on the boards...

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?p=1547741&posted=1#post1547741

Time

[QUOTE=4 years to Supercharge]Mazda did a lot of R&D before releasing the car.,,
QUOTE]

I think "a lot is" a relative term, and certainly nowhere near the R&D some other Japanese car companies do.

i would love power rear windows. i dont think i've opened them in the 2.5 years ive had the car and am always wanting to, but its just a pain.
Forget power rear windows.

How about getting auto up and down windows for the driver and passenger first.

???

My 2006 Shinka has auto down for the driver, yours doesnt? Not for the passenger.

Time

Forget power rear windows.

How about getting auto up and down windows for the driver and passenger first.

talk about spoiled....this is a friggin sports car, not your Momma's Caddy. Less gadgets, less weight, more power.....not kissy kissy little toys. regards, manyhats.........

[QUOTE=4 years to Supercharge]Mazda did a lot of R&D before releasing the car.,,
QUOTE]

I think "a lot is" a relative term, and certainly nowhere near the R&D some other Japanese car companies do.

Thanks for "clarifying" that. :hahano:

I am Sorry I didn't say how many man hours they spent on research and development. I didn't have the RX-8 project manager's report on hand...

Do you happen to have it 6speed8?

Thanks for "clarifying" that. :hahano:

I am Sorry I didn't say how many man hours they spent on research and development. I didn't have the RX-8 project manager's report on hand...

Do you happen to have it 6speed8?


No, (I wish I did), but since we are almost through the alphabet with flashes and I predict there will be a few more indicates that some aspects weren't tested in regards to starting and drivability. Go ahead and tell me ONE PERSON in/on the Mazda R&D checked the oil while the engine was hot (if they did they WOULD have asked for a relocation of dipstick). DId the R&D discover the squeaky brakes or HUGE amount of brake dust from the original pads (the REVISED pads are much better) DID they R&D the RX-8 in climates where they had to use the A/C? Did they test with the original starter motors? batteries? Heat shields? OBVIOUSLY testing in HOT DRY climates was not performed for ANY length of time!


EXACTLY what was R&D'd? and for how long? Like I said it's a relative term, and I think Mazda did a really POOR job on the R&D of this car, the fact that it is still a great car is a tribute to the designers, NOT the R&D team.

Nice marketing article.

They did a great job.

No, (I wish I did), but since we are almost through the alphabet with flashes and I predict there will be a few more indicates that some aspects weren't tested in regards to starting and drivability. Go ahead and tell me ONE PERSON in/on the Mazda R&D checked the oil while the engine was hot (if they did they WOULD have asked for a relocation of dipstick). DId the R&D discover the squeaky brakes or HUGE amount of brake dust from the original pads (the REVISED pads are much better) DID they R&D the RX-8 in climates where they had to use the A/C? Did they test with the original starter motors? batteries? Heat shields? OBVIOUSLY testing in HOT DRY climates was not performed for ANY length of time!


EXACTLY what was R&D'd? and for how long? Like I said it's a relative term, and I think Mazda did a really POOR job on the R&D of this car, the fact that it is still a great car is a tribute to the designers, NOT the R&D team.

Wow, :rant:

I agree with you on the dipstick location. :sweatdrop

:)

???

My 2006 Shinka has auto down for the driver, yours doesnt? Not for the passenger.

Time
They all auto down for the drivers side, it'd be nice to have up/down for both windows.

Also how about being able to close the sunroof when you turn off the ignition, just like you can operate the windows after.

Before I bought the RX-8, I had a 2000 Celica GT-S (my first non-Mazda in 10 years). I got it in Dec 1999. ( I Got my RX-8 in Sept 2003). Celica owners waited right up to the day Toyota cancelled the car for more performance, but never got it. Toyota DID give more colors to choose and some VERY minor facelifts, but nothing changed in the performance of the car, in fact some MYs actually lost peformance due to an ECU revision.

The path Mazda is taking with the RX-8 sounds IDENTICAL to what Toyota did to/with the Celica, which was a great car when it first came out (it was the BEST in its class), but 4 years later it ranked near the bottom as the competition caught up and surpassed it.

I would really HATE to see that happen with the RX-8, but it's like Deja-vu (for me).

I see that makes sense. It is clear as day that Mazda has been going this way.

Geez the first year the car lost power... :lol: How much is in their control with emissions standards though? That may be why it is hard for them to add a turbo or supercharger as an OEM add on. I hope I am surprised and proven wrong.

I see that makes sense. It is clear as day that Mazda has been going this way.

Geez the first year the car lost power... :lol: How much is in their control with emissions standards though? That may be why it is hard for them to add a turbo or supercharger as an OEM add on. I hope I am surprised and proven wrong.

I hope so too, but as far as emissions, every car company should (big should) realize that the emission standards get tighter each year. As for adding FI, I think Waranty and reliability are the main concerns.

I think one big hold back is the recall, I mean how is it gona work for the public if mazda launches a turbo version in the midle of a recall?

Thanks for the link....

A trip computer that uses the Ambient/Outside temp display. The space is already there. Average speed, miles to empty, instant MPG, avg MPG, trip timer, etc. My mom's Passat and dad's Chevy pickup have it. That's a nice lux feature.


maybe because they do not want you to see the 14mpg?

I would like the little trip computer, Working Coolant Temp and oil pressure gauges, auto off headlights and one of the rear seat backs to fold down at least.

Before I bought the RX-8, I had a 2000 Celica GT-S (my first non-Mazda in 10 years). I got it in Dec 1999. ( I Got my RX-8 in Sept 2003). Celica owners waited right up to the day Toyota cancelled the car for more performance, but never got it. Toyota DID give more colors to choose and some VERY minor facelifts, but nothing changed in the performance of the car, in fact some MYs actually lost peformance due to an ECU revision.

The path Mazda is taking with the RX-8 sounds IDENTICAL to what Toyota did to/with the Celica, which was a great car when it first came out (it was the BEST in its class), but 4 years later it ranked near the bottom as the competition caught up and surpassed it.

I would really HATE to see that happen with the RX-8, but it's like Deja-vu (for me).

Funny, RSX followed the celica...now it's going away too, w/o any meaningful changes...i'd hate to see the rx8 follow suit.

maybe because they do not want you to see the 14mpg?

I would like the little trip computer, Working Coolant Temp and oil pressure gauges, auto off headlights and one of the rear seat backs to fold down at least.
You'll figure out the low MPG when you have to fill up every 250-300 miles on a tank every week.

I hate how car makers have dumbed down the gauge clusters on nicer cars now to idiot lights. The 8 has penty of gauge real estate to have put an traditional speedometer in as well as digital along with working oil, voltage, and coolant temp gauges. The Z has a better gauge set in their crappy interiors.

I will never forgive Mazda for making me love the rotary engine. I freakin hate em!

I've been gone since.....forever, lol, but it's sad to see "fluff" is still all the rave at Mazda.

The 2007 model-year edition continues to push the parameters of the sports car segment, this year with only minor updates.

This year. Minor. Only.


:rolleyes:

... but equally suitable for taking the kids to soccer practice

And I can't believe this fix in the target group.

I'm driving my second RX-8 and so far I've covered 88.000 km with this car. I'm a so called loyal customer and I'm waiting for something completely different, not this "update".

GREAT JOB ON THE ENGINE UPGRADE MAZDA!!!!!...........not

A 4 door family car that looks great handles better ya point is? rofl

whatever guys i still love my rx8 and am glad to see it continue on. if it were only my descision id have mazda building rotary sports cars FOREVER!!!!!!!!

I just wish they would of bump the horse power to like 260 to 280 then i would buy another one.... I will be saying bye bye come december .. :mad:

232hp would be equally fun as 280hp if the car weighed 300 pounds less. im rootin for a diet plan!

– Rotary-Powered RX-8 Remains the Only Rotary-Powered Mass Production Vehicle in the World –

What's with this statement? Why do they boast this? They are the ones that hold the patent and won't share it thereby keeping any real change and significant development from occuring with the wankel - oh and other cars. It's not a selling point.

232hp would be equally fun as 280hp if the car weighed 300 pounds less. im rootin for a diet plan!

Love the concept but seriously, can't say I have ever seen people riding in the back of the 8. I think I used them once in over a year. I'll take the speed and slightly better mileage. I was going to go all out trying to lose some lbs in my 8 but after reading here that I would only manage 100lbs or so I decided to just punch it when it's almost on empty to get the same effect.

– Rotary-Powered RX-8 Remains the Only Rotary-Powered Mass Production Vehicle in the World –

What's with this statement? Why do they boast this? They are the ones that hold the patent and won't share it thereby keeping any real change and significant development from occuring with the wankel - oh and other cars. It's not a selling point.


Mazda does not have exclusive patent rights to the Wankel engine, as far as I know.

As far as all the complaints about power, if it has 230 HP, it needs 260. If it has 260, it needs 300. If it has 300, then it surely needs 360.


Pointless.........

I have an 04 model. when I bought this car I knew exactly what I was getting. I bought the 100,000 mi. 5 year warranty because I was unsure if the car would stand up to my expectations. Before I took the car home I talked with my salesman about the oddities of owning a rotary powered car :since I had no experience with one. He told me about the possible flooding of the engine if I did not follow a simple procedure. No problem with that. I went home and read the owners manual . Yeah the dipstick is in a goofy place but still not a problem. I have had zero problems with my car . It has 38,000 mi. on it now and I still love this car. All the yack about hp, dusty brakes, headlights that don't auto off, ect. are little things that don't mean shit to me. Sadly I wrecked my car 2 weeks ago. Not bad ,just mashed up the nose. I am driving a CX7 rental while they fix it. It just reminds me of how much I hate front wheel drive and turbo lag. All that being said, just enjoy your car and don't sweat the small shit. Have a good day all..

What is amazing is that they still have not added automatic climate control (which all the international models have had since 2003), auto-off headlights, auto door locks, power passenger seat, power rear window controls (so people will actually use them for once), and a more functional cluster gauge. They'll ignore simple crap like that which other less expensive cars they sell come standard with, but will waste resources making an advanced remote entry system and start button feature.

well said.

You know guys after reading over this, i did the one thing I think is needed... I shot mazda an e-mail with the link to this particualar forum. I even told them it would not hurt to actually respond to this and answer a few questions... not to mention take a few notes on what owners really want to see in the car. Lets see what happens. I hope they take the challenge and decide to reply or issue a statement or something ya know? :fingersx:

dude, it is well known that Mazda does read this forum, regularly too

dude, it is well known that Mazda does read this forum, regularly too

Well I didnt know well now I do. Maybe they will actually respond to something sometime after the e-mail is sent... hopefully

You girls think your hard core whinging now. (Americans remind me of my wife :boring: ) Just wait until the RX-8 gets dropped.

Look back to 1990. Mazda released the Eunos Cosmo. Sales did not live up to expectations so it was axed after 6 years. During that period, there was no significant changes for the series-II update from 94-95.

Since 03 there has been no significant changes on the RX-8. Colours, trim colours, little things here & there (just like the Cosmo). It seems the colour rotation is happening again in 07 but I personally fear the RX-8 may not last as Mazda are doing the same to the RX-8 that they did to the Cosmo plus they are not making any noise about the future of the rotary right now.

I know the words "USA, stop whinging" will fall on deaf ears but the decision may have already been made over in Hiroshima

REgards

Cool...Mazda reads the forum.

Please someone translate this to Japanese:

Hey Mazda, pull your heads out of your butts and give this car what it needs to compete in the power-hungry USA: FI, turbo or supercharged.

Your 'halo' car is dying of benign neglect, you dumb donkeys.

Sorry you don't like your wife friend. Either way whining or not mazda should know what thy need to do to be competitive. They know that each of the products in their line needs updates on a schedule and what it takes to compete in it's niche. If not the sales figures speak for themselves. I think mazda along with the rest of us know the RX8 needs enough power to compete with the Z and G35 in acceleration. We'll see what we'll see.

Cool...Mazda reads the forum.

Please someone translate this to Japanese:

Hey Mazda, pull your heads out of your butts and give this car what it needs to compete in the power-hungry USA: FI, turbo or supercharged.

Your 'halo' car is dying of benign neglect, you dumb donkeys.

Somehow I don't feel this will translate nice in Japanese :hahano: ...

...not that it's quite so positive a phrase in English too though....:rofl:

The RX8 is an awesome car for the money... More importantly it has better looks (in my opinion) than any car within it's cost range +/- 10K... My next choice would be a Corvette... But everybody and their mom drives a friggin corvette, so it loses my interest...

Simply driving the thing amazes me though... I have to remind myself daily how the Renesis engine works... I really don't care about power, because that can always be increased with money... Even though I have yet to gain enough money to get where I'd like...

Quote:
Originally Posted by JeRKy 8 Owner
What is amazing is that they still have not added automatic climate control (which all the international models have had since 2003), auto-off headlights, auto door locks, power passenger seat, power rear window controls (so people will actually use them for once), and a more functional cluster gauge. They'll ignore simple crap like that which other less expensive cars they sell come standard with, but will waste resources making an advanced remote entry system and start button feature.

I liked the keyless entry system thing and I think it's one of those things that helps sell cars (novelty factor and all). I do, however, think your list of features that should be added is pretty much spot-on.

Oh please, more automatic bullshit to go wrong? Pull your heads out guys. None of the automatic climate controlled cars that I have ever driven work as well as me roating the knobs myself. Auto climate control can easily add 50 pounds to a vehicle. NOT what the RX-8 needs.

Guys like you that buy into the gee-whiz gizmo flash like this ruin good cars for the rest of us.

Another example? Auto-dim rear mirrors. What crap. Doesn't do what you want it to do when you want to do it; which the manual one does every time for less cost and weight.

So take your automatic climate control and shove it!

:greenchai

Can't please everyone all of the time.............

I too would love to see more power, etc etc but they are a business. With more power means higher cost of production (both in parts and manufacturing tolerances, on top of the enormous expense to manufacture a rotary engine).

Just so you know, I can see the future: :ylsuper:

Mazda will "listen" to the forum and give everyone the car they want, but the car will now have a price tag of $40k-$45k. And then all the whiners are going to start comparing the car to other $40k cars and start saying it doesn't have this feature and that feature and the Mazda nameplate isn't worth that much $$$... (BMW, Audi, etc territory)


Mazda is trying to produce a sports car that will sell to a lot of people, attracting a large customer pool within a reasonable price range. They are not going to change something to please just a small segment of enthusiasts and risk losing sales from all the other folks (that don't roam enthusiast boards) that can't afford $45k on a toy. Keep perspective...there are a lot more RX8 owners to consider than those represented on the internet :)

wow.. ya'll are a bunch of cry babies... if ya don't like the car, don't like the features, don't like enough about the car, don't buy it. if ya bought it, then that was ur choice and no one forced you to, so quit whining about it. you bought it 'cause you liked it and liked what it offered. if ya wanted power and torque and muscle go buy a good ole american muscle car. if you want luxury and cool gadgets and features go buy a lexus or cadillac. just quit trashing a car that you must have liked enough to purchase. now i'll step off my soap box.

Mazda is trying to produce a sports car that will sell to a lot of people, attracting a large customer pool within a reasonable price range.

Well they obviously didn't do a very good job at that here in the US. Take a look at what the domestic sales figures for the car have been the past few years.

They are not going to change something to please just a small segment of enthusiasts and risk losing sales from all the other folks (that don't roam enthusiast boards) that can't afford $45k on a toy. Keep perspective...there are a lot more RX8 owners to consider than those represented on the internet :)

They wouldn't change something that would have helped them sell a hell of a lot more of them? Trust me, the whiners on here are not the only ones who complained about the lack of upgrades (in the horsepower department). Someone came over to me at a gas station last year who said he just bought the G35 a few weeks ago, and said he was really looking into getting an 8 at the time but was too disappointed by the lack of power.

Also if they released an F/I 8, the price wouldn't be as high as you have imagined. The car would probably have been around the same ball park as a G35 Coupe...32-36k, and there are shitloads of those cars out there. Plenty of people can afford them.

All I'm saying is that in the US, for majority of sports car buyers, horsepower is everything.

Sales may not have been great, but I doubt ANY increase in price (even for an extra 50hp) would do anything to improve those numbers.

Like I said before, I would have liked to see more power but the only way they would sell more of these cars is to increase power and lower price. With quality also being a concern, throw that into the mix and you will see that the requests in this thread are nearly impossible to meet (ie more power, more options but same or lower price)

And about the comparison to the G35, I almost bought an 05 G35 6MT Coupe...it has HP on paper, but drive one after driving your 8. I expected a big jump when I heard of the 300hp, but I was thoroughly disappointed. I don't know if the "idea" of 300hp make you guys think that car is faster, but it made me decide to keep my 8.

wow.. ya'll are a bunch of cry babies... if ya don't like the car, don't like the features, don't like enough about the car, don't buy it. if ya bought it, then that was ur choice and no one forced you to, so quit whining about it. you bought it 'cause you liked it and liked what it offered. if ya wanted power and torque and muscle go buy a good ole american muscle car. if you want luxury and cool gadgets and features go buy a lexus or cadillac. just quit trashing a car that you must have liked enough to purchase. now i'll step off my soap box.


preech on my fellow Phantom Blue Brethren, Preech on! :rock:

You girls think your hard core whinging now. (Americans remind me of my wife :boring: ) Just wait until the RX-8 gets dropped.

Look back to 1990. Mazda released the Eunos Cosmo. Sales did not live up to expectations so it was axed after 6 years. During that period, there was no significant changes for the series-II update from 94-95.

Since 03 there has been no significant changes on the RX-8. Colours, trim colours, little things here & there (just like the Cosmo). It seems the colour rotation is happening again in 07 but I personally fear the RX-8 may not last as Mazda are doing the same to the RX-8 that they did to the Cosmo plus they are not making any noise about the future of the rotary right now.

I know the words "USA, stop whinging" will fall on deaf ears but the decision may have already been made over in Hiroshima

REgards

Hang on mate the Cosmo 20B was never exported outside of Japan new...only RHD JDM. Totally pointless to compare it to the RX-8...

To date they have made more RX-8's when compared to the RX-7 apart from series 1 in the same production period.
Mazda have made more RX-8's since it's birth than their only other sports car the MX-5-Miata to the end of January 2007.
If you recall the MX-5 (NA) had NO changes apart from colors and limited editions in its first 4 years also..

I am very sure we will see a mild face-lift in the RX-8 later this year for 2008MY.

To Quote Mazda Australia's customer services manager yesterday...

"The RX-8 is still very much our flagship model now and into the future as our unique sports car. Speculation on forums and blogs make for interesting reading if nothing else"