Revisiting Push Start

Jerome81 · 04-26-2002, 12:40 AM

Sorry, I searched for this, but didn't find the thread I was looking for.

Anyways, are we absolutely sure that push start is not going to make it to production? I know the R&T article said no, but is there any chance he might be incorrect?

While I do understand the push start is pretty much redundant to just turning the key a little further, I must say I think it is just one of those really cool touches that add a lot of character to a car, particularly a sports car such as the RX-8. I have only driven an S2000 two times, but when I sat in that car, the little red "Engine Start" button just got my juices flowing. To me that button was more than just a starter. That button really encompassed everything the S2000 was about, and encompassed everything Honda has accomplished in the automotive world. The button is a representation of Honda's history and it put a big smile on my face both times. It conveys a message that the S2000 is nothing but a serious sports car. All these messages I believe would apply to the RX-8 as well.

Has anyone had more experience with the S2000 starter? Does it indeed get old after awhile or is it always kinda fun? What are your opinions?

I realize I COULD add one later, but that just is silly in my eye. If it doesn't come from the factory, I won't add it. It just seems like a great little representation of everything at which Mazda has been great.

Lastly, why do you think they removed it? Besides possibly getting old, could they have removed it for cost reasons?

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alear · 04-26-2002, 02:19 AM

In my opinion, I really don't want the start engine button. I was suprised to see it in the S2000 and thought it was neat but I don't think much of it now. I would rather they put out a solid car that can be modified and customized to each persons personality. I agree with you and say that most people probably wouldn't actually add the button after the original purchase.

Grimace · 04-26-2002, 08:24 AM

According to the R&T article the push start button officially got the ax, along with the body colour-keyed instrument pod (thank god).

"The rifle-handle parking brake will make it to production but the colour-keyed panel on the top of the instrument pannel and engine start button will not."

Pity, because I thought it was pretty cool. Something to amaze your friends and stump valets.

It would probably get old with time, but I liked it nevertheless.

RX-EIGHT · 04-26-2002, 05:50 PM

I like it. I wish it would make it to production. As far as I'm concerned, there can't be enough subtle references to the rotary. maybe it will be on the performance trim??? Mazda are you listening?

SanJoRX7 · 04-30-2002, 03:43 PM

Push start is wack. First off, like said before, it's redundant. Put the key in, turn it and push a button? WTF? Many of us know that rotary engines have been gremlin-prone for years, so my thinking is KISS...no reason to add complexity for the sake of complexity, right? I'd rather see them do something performance related and make the effort worthwhile. While the pushbutton is a "neat" item, it doesn't *do* anything, and is unnecessary.

Of course, this is my opinion. Ultimately, I'll be happy if they release the car and it doesn't have anything stupidly wrong with it (mechanically, aesthetically, or functionally). Mazda's been making good quality, long lasting cars for a while, so I don't see as how many of us are going to be severly disappointed. If you want a push start, get an s2k

PossibleRX8ownr · 08-06-2002, 11:01 AM

The push button starter, although it may be redundant and seem like a big gimmick, it's GREAT. The S2000 starts easily and pushing the button has never gotten old :D. Yes, you do have to put the key in first but it doesn't take much time at all. I love it and wish it was standard equipment on my other cars.

IMO, it would be "right at home" in the RX-8!

RX-pecting · 08-06-2002, 01:39 PM

MAZDA SHOULD HAVE KEPT THE D$%N BUTTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the ideal would be to allow for further turning in the key hole, so if one wants to forgo the button pushing, one can, but (if the key isn't turned all the way) the button would also work.

but if I had to choose either of the two: BUTTON BABY!!

Sure it's gimmicky, but so is the concept of a sports car available to the public. I know some of you will do your true-racers duty and race in your RX-8's but I (along with most of us) won't, the power will come in a little handy in every day driving, but let's face it, this car is a toy! and the push button start is a cool way to add playing value to it. thats my $.02!

toddkageals · 08-07-2002, 08:33 AM

I wanted them to keep the button too. No other reason than it's cool.

Todd

SureShot · 08-07-2002, 11:47 AM

I like the button. How many of you remember when the starter switch on most cars was on the floor?

zoom44 · 08-07-2002, 12:03 PM

i know of a few (buick i think was one company) that put it on the floor under the gas pedal. never actually seen one in person. saw one on a tv show recently.

T-RX · 08-07-2002, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RX-pecting
MAZDA SHOULD HAVE KEPT THE D$%N BUTTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

but if I had to choose either of the two: BUTTON BABY!!

Sure it's gimmicky, but so is the concept of a sports car available to the public.

right on, the whole idea of a "true sports car" being available to the public is amusing, so why not have the push button starter??? I think if you really want a car like this, it shouldn't be the most versatile and convenient one on the planet.

RXRX · 08-07-2002, 03:22 PM

i would buy it just for the button!..seriously though, the push button starter gives it that race car feel..which would be great

boowana · 08-07-2002, 04:43 PM

Hey MAZDA...Where's the button?/ We want the button back, unless...
you're thinking of using the Smart Cards where preferences can be programmed to the individual user. (One for me and one for the bride.)
Also, you could have a Valet Card that did things like reduce the horsepower to 50 or something like that. You know these car jockies are going to be waiting for the first unsuspecting owner to leave his new RX-8 to be parked. A Valet Card would really leave them scratching.

This wil also take care of those S2000 button guys.:D

RX-pecting · 08-08-2002, 08:46 AM

that sounds really cool, boowana!

what is a smart card, some magnetic signature on your key? if so what kind of options can it influence?

I still don't see how that can replace the push start though

?

ZoomZoom · 08-08-2002, 07:13 PM

Give me the button!

TheLaw · 08-08-2002, 09:31 PM

You guys realize they sell for like fifty bucks a push button kit that hooks into your cigarette lighter or electrical outlet. They come in several colors, and designs, as well as glowing or not.

RXRX · 08-09-2002, 07:15 AM

This may be true, but there is something about a car that already has a feature like that.

BlueAdept · 08-09-2002, 07:50 AM

Lighter socket...

OK, tell me why it would hook into the lighter socket and not the starter circuit of the ignition switch?

RX-pecting · 08-09-2002, 08:32 AM

...and why it could potentially negate the need for a start button

BlueAdept · 08-09-2002, 08:42 AM

Is the final version using the smart card system?? I thought it was a "concept" feature in the RX-Evolve and didn't /couldn't make it into production.

It was supposed to allow you to program lower performance for when you let other people drive...

boowana · 08-09-2002, 09:19 AM

A smart card is like a credit card that has a programmable chip on it. Smaty cards are used for credit/debit purposes in Europe and have been for some time, particularly in France.
They have a number of other uses and could, in my opinion, be easily adapted for use in cars.

Now if we really want to get fancy, a finger-print reader (very economical now) would be really cool. You would still need a service key for others like valet parkers. What if you put the finger-print reader on the nice red button. Hop in your RX-8 and if you are a recognized user of the vehicle, just press you pinky on the stater button and off you would go. You would never have to worry about loosing your keys :p

hamx0r · 08-22-2002, 03:13 AM

hey all,

apparently the following info in this post is incorrect, so feel free to ignore it. i guess i need to practice reading my german better (or else Auto Bild needs to be more careful what they publish). anyway, ill leave these pics up for fun or something, and if they need to be taken down, ill let a moderator do it. maybe they belong in the Photos section now.

/* begin wrong info here.
this months Auto Bild magazine (in german) has some cool pics of the final release model of the rx8. i can post the whole articles if you want, but like i said, its all in german. anyhow, it looks like the push button made it to the production line as well as the red reuleaux triangle on the back bumper (seen in another photo in the article). the dash looks quite different as well as some changes to the sound gear it looks like. enjoy!
end wrong info */

hamx0r · 08-22-2002, 03:15 AM

in order to get the photo quality good enough, i split it up into 2 pics. heres the other one. enjoy! (again)

Maurice · 08-22-2002, 06:46 AM

I hope your right about the start button, hamxOr.

Grimace · 08-22-2002, 07:36 AM

Isn't that the old car from the R&T article?
(And whoever decided to use a fishbowl lens for the top shot must have been on crack.)