endless112

As mentioned earlier, today we were a small but lucky bunch to be taken out on the track with production RX8's.

I've been listening to the hype and discussion for the last 9 months and i'm now having spent 2 hours thrashing one around on the racetrack, i'm trying to find the right words......

Don't want to duplicate what else has been said about the car earlier so I'll note some points that are worthy of mention:

1. Ignition sound - you could site there all day and hear the cars start up. It sounds unlike anything out there and is absolutely delicious.
2. Sitting in the back seat observing the tacho hitting the 8k mark and feeling the back of your seat.
3. Sitting in the back seat and hearing that serious engine note, especially after it hits the 8k.
4. We drove the automatic straight after driving the manual and it was an anti-climax. Nevertheless, my comment is not to be misinterpreted. I would more then likely buy an auto as the car still retains its driveability and handling fun factor but you'll never get the feelings described in point 2 & 3 above.
5. I know this point has been raised before, but the car is an abosolute stunner in real life. Why? Because it somewhat looks "fatter" or "beefier" then what it appears on photos. I spent a couple of hours in the car and somehow I liken it to a beautiful woman, you just can't get enough of it.

There's a lot to talk about, and I don't have the time so I'd rather leave it to the curious out there to drop me a question and i'd be more then happy to answer you.

cheers
endless

P.S> Mazda staff were fantastic.....

Lock & Load

Today was the test drive for Queensland, Australia drivers at the Willowbank Raceway. Much anticipated the day finally arrived for all the family to go.

This is my honest and objective review:-

Style: Great effort at producing a 4 door 4 person sports vehicle.
Misses the WOW factor. Nice lines without the macho feel of some of its competitors.

Brakes: Great! What one would expect from a car in the 21st century.

Interior: Looks good. Questionable is the durability and wear and tear on the laquered areas and chrome look plastics on the drive train. I'm an analogue fan personally and the digital speedo is both difficult to find on the dash and read. 2-tone red and black leather really dresses up the interior so the red, silver, titanium and black buyers should be pleased. Cloth interior changes the look and feel - average.

Suspension: For my taste this is too soft and not sporty enough. AND YES there is some body roll if the car is driven hard.

Steering: Pin point accurate!! GREAT STUFF!! Hard to fault.

Turning circle: Could be better.

Engine: Smooth, linear and constant acceleration but IMO definately lacks low down torque and whilst overall power is adequate for its intended use the real sports drivers will find this not really up to speed. Fun only between 6,000 to 9,000 rpm. Needs more overall power.

Visibility: Good for most areas and for adults but small children cannot see out if sitting in the rear. When changing lanes care is needed as side mirrors are wanting.

Exhaust: Whilst twin they are small in size and definately don't look as sporty as they could. Rear end needs dressing up.

Rotary sound: Yes it's sweet but lacks real OOMPH - this could be improved - bad for us but the aftermarket guys will be happy.

Boot space: Enough room, above average for a car of this size.

Under the hood: Lacks in presence and presentation. Loses out on visual appeal - there's nothing to show off - only plastic covers.

Road holding: Tried really hard to shake her off but excellent grip and handling.

0-100: If you are prepared to rev to 8,000 rpm you may get 6.2 secs. Otherwise, who knows???

Overall: This car is easy to drive and drive relatively fast even for ordinary drivers. It is a very forgiving car. Fun car to drive if you want a faster and better than average Sunday drive, however, it lacks the "EDGE FACTOR" that I want in a sports car. Red lined the car 3 times and it was fun. Looked out for the car running hot - this was not a problem. The car sits nicely if not a bit too high.

Mazda has been brave in putting this car together. In trying to please all the people by the car's diversity it may have compromised itself and lost some of the edge it could have had.

I am still undecided about my pre-order and will wait until I can drive the car in the suburbs rather than a racetrack with only 2 other cars in very safe and controlled conditions. After my own drive, I was lucky enough to experience the car as a passenger whilst it was being driven by Tim (our guide and a professional race driver) who knew and really put the RX8 through the paces which was great fun.

Can't help but wonder how much better the car could be if it had not been compromised. Maybe the Mazda Speed RX8 or the next RX7 will really ZOOM ZOOM!!

Mazda put on a great day and most people seemed generally pleased. Everyone's expectations of what makes a great car are different so we all need to drive it for ourselves and not rely only on reports and reviews.

rxeightr

Thanks for the observations.

What didn't you like, besides the slower response from the auto version? Did you get to drive? Any impressions there?

Fab 8

Isn't the redline at 9,000 rpm rather than 8,000? Was there a limit on the rev imposed on these test cars?

endless112

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endless112

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Charleston

I read your review and I believe you are being candid, thanks; nevertheless, I am 44 years old and I can honestly say the last time I was really WOWed by how a car looks was the Datsun 240Z. With the RX-8 I am WOWed again and it is for the very same reasons. The RX-8 is like a breath of fresh air in the Los Angeles basin of look alike cars that have come out in the recent past. Most of the new Sports cars with numbers or letters for names either look like the Incredible Hulk slightly squashed a VW bug or like a cookie cutter Infiniti or Acura.

I know to each his or her own cup of tea, but I'd like to know what cars have WOWed you in the past?

Uh, let me qualify that with in the same price ballpark.

Remember that all ports don't open til you hit 7,000 RPMs. This factor is an important one in evaluating an RX-8's performance. You can't play around in low RPMs if you really want to go Zoom Zoom.

revhappy

Your review mirrors the impression I picked up from numerous reviews and what I feared for quite some time.

Wizza

I have not posted much on these boards but i read them every few days. I believe everyone here speaks there mind honestly.
BUT... 60% of the posts on the Australian forum are complaining about Mazda's lack of communication, or the rx8 not being powerfull enough, or the red is to red, or the tyres are to round.

For the life of me, I don't understand why if this car is so inadequate why the first shipment is sold out, why it won international engine of the year, infact why do you guys continue to even come on these boards to post.

I'm not meaning anyone in particular here so please no-one take this personally. This car was not designed for Daytona. It was designed for driving on everyday roads for people who want style, grace, above average power, and to turn a few heads.

If the rx-8 is so below your expectations....three words "don't buy it!!!"

pepe

Isn't that 3.5 words? :D lol

Totally agree, I myself have lots and lots of concerns about this car, but the thing that keeps me going is the fact that I get to test drive it before I buy it, if I don't want it, then I get my deposit back and the dealer sells it to someone else.

Time will tell, this'll be the perfect car for some, but not for others

msydd

This is the fun part... we all get to try it... and form our own opinions.

So, let's go easy on those who are just having their say...but also, leave room for some of us to love it...(from what I'm reading, there will be plenty).

Lock & Load

My definition of wow factor is an overall impression of the car ,and not just the looks ,and i agree with you CHARLESTON that unfortunately in today car desings it seems to be same old same old for most car designers .The rx8 is a breath of fresh air ,maybe i have grown used to its shape and a bit complacent ,hey ihave been looking at it for nearly 3 years .

As previ0usly said i want to drive the car in real life situations and not only on the race track as rxeight er has reconfirmed that race tracks dont give a true sense of real speed or on road feel .

In posting my opinions i dont want to influence anyone one way or the other ,GO and drive the rx8 on and off the track and DECIDE for your self.

Wizza

"Nods in agreement with a sheepish look on his face"

I just re-read my post and that sounded a bit harsh....my appologies to all.

Saying that, i agree it really comes down to a test drive, your own personal taste and also what sort of cars you have owned b4 to compare it with.

Time will tell.

Charleston

Fair enough. We have different definitions for WOW, but we share the common opinion that a lot of cars look alike nowadays with an occasional breath of fresh air. I must admit that I did not know about the RX-8 until fairly recently so I have not had the opportunity to grow familiar with its look and design. I do know what you mean in that regard. I think overall your comments are fair and based on a lot of prior experience with sports cars. I can accept the shortcomings of a vehicle if the attributes I like most overcome them. One of those attributes is a little bit of individuality and I think the 8 gets an "A" there among many other areas.

rollin8

i drove them at willowbank on friday also

the auto was a dog but the manual rocked

would have loved more time alone without the instructor screaming at me tho

ZEXC-33

Lock & Load......go and test drive a new Track model 350Z. Its got all the low down power u want, Porsche equaling steering and handling, and even pips the Monaro CV8 over the quarter. And its the same price as a fully loaded RX8!!!

I read an article from a UK magazine comparing the Z and RX8. They basically concluded just what ur honest feedback indicated, the car is softer and more benign than a true sports car. It somewhat fills the void between a cushy 4 seater and a hard-edged coupe. The Z however is more driver focused, the truer sports car, but its at the expense of two less seats. To b honest, i liked the RX8 initially, specially with the MazdaSpeed kit, but its more suited to the family man who wants small time thrills on the way to the mother-in-laws. For me, at age 20, the Z is better suited to my traffic light duals and back road caning.

mktchin

that last comment about the RX-8 suiting a family man looking for small thrills driving to the in-laws sounds a little like me. christ, i don't think i could have afforded the car when i was 20. only could afford a 1971 VW Beetle with more rust than BHP! and now i'm mid-30s with a kid, the 350Z is too imprcatical and the WRX is too damn ugly!

the rationale behind the RX-8 is pretty sound and that's why i'm getting one.

cheers

mike

Winning

My current car is the 2002 WRX Sti, it is fast, has alot of torque and unbelievable grip. But I am not happy with the car, it is so boring. Used to own a CLK430 V8, but the worst day of owning the car was when I test drive a 330Ci. It is not as fast but it is a lot better car in every other way. Cheaper too, by almost $60000.

Tested 350Z, looks good for a few days until I realise the car does not have character at all. A bit of TT, 911, Skyline and even the new Maxima. Interior is so ugly other than nice Z polished aluminium details. Performance wise, it is a nice car to drive but not fantastic. Exhaust note is terrible, handles OK but not 3 series and Subaru's league. The car feels very heavy. No way I am going to trade it over my STI.

Tested an MX-5 before I put a deposit for RX-8. What an awesome little car. No where near as fast as my Subaru but it is so fun to drive and handle beautifully. Push the throttle at the apex, a bit of opposite lock and come a very big smile. Of course you can also drive it sensibly and take advantage of it sharp cornering ability and amazing balance. If the RX-8 handle better or even as good as an MX-5, the dealer can keep my deposit and I pay the balance.

The UK magazine that comparing the Z and RX8 (Car Magazine) is the same magazine that choose an Audi A6 over 5 series, S4 over M3, and many more comparison that has opposite result than other magazines around the world. So far they are the only magazine that choose the Z over RX8.

If you just want straight line speed it will be very difficult to appreciate the RX8. Well, I admit it will be nice to have little bit more power. For me the RX8 is coming at the right time, because it is about 3 years away before they release the new RX7. And 3 years is when the warranty expire.:D

ZEXC-33

mike i hope u didnt think i was being arrogant with my perception of the RX8. Ur comments about the VW Beetle and WRX make me laugh, ur a funny dude.

Winning, i disagree with the handling of the Sti over the Z. My bro just purchased an 03 Sti as his daily, and the handling sucks. My current car is an 01 Alfa Romeo GTV6, and that doesnt even understeer half as bad as the Subaru. The Sti is merely a point and shoot car, it couldnt carry corner speed like the Z, nor is it as much fun tackling corner after corner. It just ploughs into understeer, u back off, get it back online, then nail it until the next corner, albeit only slighter quicker than the Z......just a note i live behind some great driving roads, that my bro and i often tackle :p I havnt heard an RX8 in person yet, but from the Best Motoring DVD i scored, it doesnt sound all that exciting either, and couldnt post track or slalom times newhere near the G35, 330i and S2000.

I agree that the interior isnt a quality proposition, but its aluminium details r impressive, and compared to the Sti, which has the same quality and design as a $19,990 GX, blue carpet and pink steering wheel decal excluded.......come on! The RX8 appears to be better quality, but its a bit messy and over designed, specially the centre console IMO.

The BMWs r great driving cars. My dad has an E46 M3 MSG Convertible as his daily, and the smooth power delivery and chassis balance r well above nething Japanese, but so is the price.

The Z isnt perfect, but for the money its a cheap way to enter the dedicated sports car genre. The exhaust note can be remedied by a Borla aftermarket fitment and Injen intake. The RX8 i also like, and if it werent for the fact that i feel its a little underdone for the 68K on road ask, i would go the RX8......and the MazdaSpeed kit to boot.

Lock & Load

Winning and others thanks for your advice ,i have driven the 350z trak and NO this car is not for me, too heavy ,only fun in straight runs handling is moderate ugly and low quality interior and only 2 seater .I have considered a 2 seater the honda s2000 which i have driven and liked i can get a 2001 model for 50.000,iam still undecided .Subaru are releasing the liberty GT in september a 2 liter boxer engine with ihi turbo same as current STI, THIS HAS 206KW AR 6500RPMAND343NM @2400 RPM on paper it sounds like a great car and its ALL WHEEL DRIVE.

Ithink i will wait till 2004 till ive had a chace to test as many cars as ican as ussually i keep my cars for between 3to 5 years .

Wizza

I tested the 350Z and overall the only way i can explain it was that it was uncomfortable. Cornering i found to be lacking compared to my STI also. Straight-line power was good but all in all, i didn't think it had any personality at all.
I got out of the car thinking "yeah...It's good". The look is obviously different to most cars on the road, but it reminds me of the Porches of old......Fast but thats it.(A tin can with a fat engine)

I guess after having the STI i'm now after something with a bit more character and style. I'm willing to sacrifice some power for the overall feel, comfort and look of the car. At the end of the day, I now want and every day driver that i can put the foot down if i'm running late for grandma's birthday, but still turns heads.

ZEXC-33,
Got to say, i wish i was able to have your choice in cars when i was 20.
When i was your age, i was driving a 1958 FC Holden Station Wagon.

Lock & Load,
Have you had a Subaru b4?
If not, by the sounds of your taste in cars i think you will absolutely love it!! The STI is a great car and i have not complaints about it at all. I've had a WRX for years. Now i just need a change.

Winning

The Sti is not an easy car to drive. You have to keep the rev high, heel and toe all the time to keep it at the proper rev. It is a car that you have to learn to drive over time to get use to. Very different with the 350Z where you can have a higher entry speed. But the STi is all about exit speed and four wheel drifting. It has an amazing exit speed. But at the end it(STI) is a boring car to drive, slow in fast out. If I have to choose between STI and 350Z, I will have a difficult time. I might choose the Z since the STi looks so ugly inside. Since I have the STI already, I personally think that it is not worth it to lose some money over the STI and trade it to the 350Z.

I am not saying tha Z is a bad car, it is just feels too heavy for me. For me straight line speed is important but not as important as handling and the balance of the car. There are three cars that I love so much to have at the moment, M3(manual), 911(Carerra 2 or GT3) and MX5.

At the best motoring, the RX8 is not as fast as the rest simply because is has less power and almost half the torque of the G35 and 350Z. It has almost the same power with the S2000 but then again the S2000 is more than 100kg lighter. The RX8 only lose out to the rest at the straight, but it look as fast or even faster at the corners.

Winning

:D :D :D I understand exactly what you mean!


PS: Are you selling your STi? :p I am having a difficult time selling it, been two weeks already.

Wizza

I havn't advertised yet to be honest, but i have had a few people enquire through word of mouth and they want to talk when i'm ready to sell.

What state are you in Winning?
Sounds like we have similar tastes.

Lock & Load

Wizza the turbo lag on the b4 put me off the subaru ,and also not totally rapt in body styling and ordinary interior .Good luck on tryng to place your baby in the back of the rx8 ,i had a bmw 635 csi and even though i managed to get my 1st born in the back seats after a while it became a real pain in the back and the backside ,i eventually sold it and bought a boring station wagon .

Unfortunely babies prams and other accesories are not a great combination for any type of performance type car excepting something like proper 4 door cars with large boot.