Mine...all the way...and not because it's mine...but because the front is tacky and too busy on the New RX8...Ours is smoother looking...

 

voted.

I like them both but I prefer the current style. I don't like the side lights and missing vents as much on the 09.

 

i think the problem is that designers sometimes don't know when good enough is good enough.

 

Great comparison shots Leesha.....my mind is now made up. I'm with the 75% majority....

 

Has to be the current model.

New model does not have clear corners.

 

No I think its because as has been shown here, people bitch and moan that things HAVE to change and the companies try and please them. And then your point comes in, its hard to better someting that is so good already and you generally end up destroying it.

 

The new side vents look like a Buick Rondezvouis. I know I spelled it wrong but lets be phonetic.

 

I don't think so.

People complained about:

1. Power.
2. Torque
3. Fuel economy
4. Red center dash with 80's style LED display


From these photos, the changes made do not appear to fix anything listed. Instead, we get random changes to the body panels - what amounts to a new body kit.

It's fine since we knew this was a face lift, and I think it's a good idea to make the car look different, but you're fooling yourself if you think Mazda made these changes to quiet people complaining about the RX-8, since none of the changes fix anything that needed fixing.

 

Most of the complaints are made by philistines.

1. There's nothing wrong with power ... more the delivery
2. This is a rotary, if you want torque go buy a V8
3. Fuel economy isn't too bad in comparison with a modified KL V6 producing 20kw less
4. I like the red centre dash

They have made an effort to improve acceleration by changing the gear ratios apparently.

 

As long as everyone is clear that those aren't MY complaints. They are however, the complaints I see most frequently on the forum and on automobile reviews.

 

According to drive.com.au the gear ratios have been shortened for better performance. This has to mean worse fuel economy.
Another 10litres in the fuel tank would be nice.

 

Hmm. Philistines...heres my 2c worth.

1. When you consider the size and weight of a rotary engine compared to a Turbo 6 or V8, its got enough power for me.

2. Very true. If you want fast from start to stop...horsepower is important. Torque is important if you are pulling a trailer or are driving on long steep hills.

3. Our tanks hold about 60 litres and we average 450kms. Fuel consumption has been discussed in great detail...wont go there.

4. They could have put put more LED colours into the centre dash.

At the end of the day its an RX-8, and we love our car no matter what....

 

Hahaha, yeah I'm okay to keep it for a while. Actually, I haven't turned over cars that quickly in the past. Not like my Dad anyway - I've seriously lost count of the number of different cars he's owned but it must be well over 50 by now.

I might get my nose cone, guards and bonnet resprayed after all. They're starting to look very tired from stone chips and scratches...

Gotta get my finger out and get my end links and brake lines fitted too.

 

Dead right, which is why I'd never buy it as a commuter car. You'd be better off with a torquey little hatchback...

 

There's a lot of truth in that I suspect. Probably just a function of loving something - you're suspicious of whether it can be replaced adequately.

 

That's because like fashion designers they know that change means more sales (usually).

And to speak generally, the theory that the way a car looks cannot be improved upon can lead to stagnation (just ask Jaguar). I'd prefer to see lots of new ugly cars if it leads to the odd beautiful one (e.g. AM Vantage).

Unfortunately, I don't think Mazda got it right here.

Hmm, I wonder if the old guards and nose cone fit the new car....

 

If it weren't for the black nose, I'd like the new one. Id see the black part fading over time and looking cheap after 3-4 yrs.

 

A lot of car manufacturers are going for that black plastic ... it must be dirt cheap.

 

Although I also dislike the black plastic 'moustache', Meguiars and similar brands sell a product that spruces up black plastic trim wonderfully well.

 

Arent there mandatory requirements for pedestrian protection , hence the placement of plastic bits as part of the new regulations ?



Cheers
Michael

 

You could allways spray paint the plastic , if it annoyed you

Cheers
Michael

 

In europe yes, down here not so much ... but you're right, it is probably the reason for the new nose.

 

Cant I just vote that they'll all have a good time???


They're all rx8's . . . even with the current model people put different bits on them to make them look unique. Not everyones tastes are the same but some will like it and some not so much.

Personally, I think everything but the new steering wheel looks great on the new model. Its not really any better or worse overall though.