Going to motoexpo on Tuesday....
06-01-2003, 04:57 PM
#4
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I'm not jealous or anything - stuck up north (in Leeds) so cant make any of these viewings.
Can anyone let me know is a 6'4" person can fit in the RX8???
I can currently squeeze into my FTO (just), but with no sunroof. Tried one with a sunroof, but it dropped thee room too much.
Cheers
stoo
Can anyone let me know is a 6'4" person can fit in the RX8???
I can currently squeeze into my FTO (just), but with no sunroof. Tried one with a sunroof, but it dropped thee room too much.
Cheers
stoo
06-02-2003, 03:49 AM
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Be pushy. It is the same car on the stand there that was at MotorDriveLive. The guy I saw on the Sunday (who wouldn't let me sit in it btw.. 
) said that it would be the same car, and that he would be at MotorExpo on the Saturday.
Guess which day I'm going.... yup, Sat.
I'm going to take my order sheet, and all the RX-8 crap I can find with me. If they don't let me sit in it, I'll just tell them that I sat in a 350Z and they're getting my order instead (let's hope the bluff works!).
-andy-
) said that it would be the same car, and that he would be at MotorExpo on the Saturday.Guess which day I'm going.... yup, Sat.
I'm going to take my order sheet, and all the RX-8 crap I can find with me. If they don't let me sit in it, I'll just tell them that I sat in a 350Z and they're getting my order instead (let's hope the bluff works!).
-andy-
06-02-2003, 06:20 AM
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Originally posted by Stu C
I'm not jealous or anything - stuck up north (in Leeds) so cant make any of these viewings.
Can anyone let me know is a 6'4" person can fit in the RX8???
I can currently squeeze into my FTO (just), but with no sunroof. Tried one with a sunroof, but it dropped thee room too much.
Cheers
stoo
I'm not jealous or anything - stuck up north (in Leeds) so cant make any of these viewings.
Can anyone let me know is a 6'4" person can fit in the RX8???
I can currently squeeze into my FTO (just), but with no sunroof. Tried one with a sunroof, but it dropped thee room too much.
Cheers
stoo
06-02-2003, 06:21 AM
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I'll be there on Thursday (might also get a glimpse tomorrow as I'll at Canary Wharf).
Am taking my order confirmation too and will certainly be expecting to get a chance to sit inside. Wonder if my dealer (Docklands Mazda) will be on hand too...
Am taking my order confirmation too and will certainly be expecting to get a chance to sit inside. Wonder if my dealer (Docklands Mazda) will be on hand too...
06-02-2003, 07:38 AM
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I've just got back from MotorExpo!
They have a blue RX8 - its a Japanese spec though not UK.
Looks even better than in the pictures - I strongly advise you to go and have a look if you are dithering! Seemed to have a very large crowd around it - more than most cars. Everyone was saying they thought it looked great and were very surprised at the low price.
One of the reps there told me Mazda were putting all the specs for the UK model on their website this Friday (6th June), including insurance group and 0-60 times.
He said the reduction in power was due to CO2 emissions.
The spare tyre (if you buy one seperately as its not standard) clamps to the roof of the boot. He said it was "fairly expensive".
They were allowing people to sit in the car.
I'll try and get some pics uploaded tonight. If you're going along make sure its a nice day as the car is outside on the grass!
They have a blue RX8 - its a Japanese spec though not UK.
Looks even better than in the pictures - I strongly advise you to go and have a look if you are dithering! Seemed to have a very large crowd around it - more than most cars. Everyone was saying they thought it looked great and were very surprised at the low price.
One of the reps there told me Mazda were putting all the specs for the UK model on their website this Friday (6th June), including insurance group and 0-60 times.
He said the reduction in power was due to CO2 emissions.
The spare tyre (if you buy one seperately as its not standard) clamps to the roof of the boot. He said it was "fairly expensive".
They were allowing people to sit in the car.
I'll try and get some pics uploaded tonight. If you're going along make sure its a nice day as the car is outside on the grass!
06-02-2003, 01:11 PM
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06-02-2003, 04:56 PM
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Right then, here are some of my images from today.
IMPRESSIONS:
The Mazda staff were almost spot on today, much improved from Millbrook. They were polite, pleasant, helpful and kind. Particular thanks to the woman who obtained a new RX-8 brochure for me and sent someone to find me to hand it over.
The car looks nicer in sunlight than the darkness of the Millbrook foyer, the blue is sparkly. The interior didn't look as good as it did in the dark but then it wasn't the leather seats so I'm biased.
I stood around the car for a long time and just listened to the passers by: the vast majority were very impressed and one man in particular was astounded when a Mazda rep told him the price. "For that!" he exclaimed, expecting it to cost a lot more.
The Mazda reps were fairly knowledgeable but would bullsh*t with the best of us when cornered. I couldn't resist correcting one who was happily telling a punter about the triple rotor engine (for example).
This time my pre-order status got me immediate access to the interior (thank you delightful Mazda woman rep, you were great!) and I made a point of trying a gear change with the handbrake applied: no problem, it's not in the way.
I opened some of the cubby holes and the plastics are a tad flimsy in places. I sat in the 350Z again, there's no contest about the exterior which the RX-8 wins but the interior may well go the the Nissan for quality if not style and you all know what's been said about that Nissan interior right? Don't get me wrong though, the RX-8 looks good inside but it's no Mercedes Benz.
I had a discussion with a male rep about the ride height. He firstly claimed that it was because the wheels were 17". I pointed out that the car only comes with 16" and 18" rims. Then I noticed the tyres were 18" and pointed that out too. Then he decided it must be because the car has never been driven and the dampers haven't had time to settle... yeah, right!
I also asked a Mazda dealer who was looking at the car about getting the power back. He said that it was bound to be possible but that dealers won't do it and that it will void the warranty. Hmmm...
Surprise of the day was shared between noticing that the roof is idented in the middle (nice!) and that the rear lights have LEDs in the side strips. Both of these can be seen in my images.
Finally, Formula Woman was being heavily promoted. Two FW reps were pouncing on passing ladies and trying to sign them up. I asked what channel it'll be on and to my horror they claimed ITV! Not until 2004 though - but eek!!!
I still badly want the RX-8 and can't wait until September.
IMPRESSIONS:
The Mazda staff were almost spot on today, much improved from Millbrook. They were polite, pleasant, helpful and kind. Particular thanks to the woman who obtained a new RX-8 brochure for me and sent someone to find me to hand it over.
The car looks nicer in sunlight than the darkness of the Millbrook foyer, the blue is sparkly. The interior didn't look as good as it did in the dark but then it wasn't the leather seats so I'm biased.
I stood around the car for a long time and just listened to the passers by: the vast majority were very impressed and one man in particular was astounded when a Mazda rep told him the price. "For that!" he exclaimed, expecting it to cost a lot more.
The Mazda reps were fairly knowledgeable but would bullsh*t with the best of us when cornered. I couldn't resist correcting one who was happily telling a punter about the triple rotor engine (for example).
This time my pre-order status got me immediate access to the interior (thank you delightful Mazda woman rep, you were great!) and I made a point of trying a gear change with the handbrake applied: no problem, it's not in the way.
I opened some of the cubby holes and the plastics are a tad flimsy in places. I sat in the 350Z again, there's no contest about the exterior which the RX-8 wins but the interior may well go the the Nissan for quality if not style and you all know what's been said about that Nissan interior right? Don't get me wrong though, the RX-8 looks good inside but it's no Mercedes Benz.
I had a discussion with a male rep about the ride height. He firstly claimed that it was because the wheels were 17". I pointed out that the car only comes with 16" and 18" rims. Then I noticed the tyres were 18" and pointed that out too. Then he decided it must be because the car has never been driven and the dampers haven't had time to settle... yeah, right!
I also asked a Mazda dealer who was looking at the car about getting the power back. He said that it was bound to be possible but that dealers won't do it and that it will void the warranty. Hmmm...
Surprise of the day was shared between noticing that the roof is idented in the middle (nice!) and that the rear lights have LEDs in the side strips. Both of these can be seen in my images.
Finally, Formula Woman was being heavily promoted. Two FW reps were pouncing on passing ladies and trying to sign them up. I asked what channel it'll be on and to my horror they claimed ITV! Not until 2004 though - but eek!!!
I still badly want the RX-8 and can't wait until September.
06-02-2003, 05:16 PM
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Originally posted by Lensman
IMPRESSIONS:
Surprise of the day was shared between noticing that the roof is idented in the middle (nice!) and that the rear lights have LEDs in the side strips. Both of these can be seen in my images.
[/B]
IMPRESSIONS:
Surprise of the day was shared between noticing that the roof is idented in the middle (nice!) and that the rear lights have LEDs in the side strips. Both of these can be seen in my images.
[/B]
06-02-2003, 05:24 PM
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Wow- great piccies !
Really looking forward to tomorrow now... Hope weather holds.
Great to see cloth seats at last - have seen next to no pictures of them. Looks to me like they dont have the nasty plastic backs of the leather ones , but that could just be the angle of the pics. Will check it out tomorrow I guess.
Gosh - how exciting. A real RX8 at last....
I was going to wait until mine arrived. Mine to be the first I saw and all that , but I just cannot resist !
M.
PS - Dont let nice Mazda rep start me on Formula b****y woman (aggghhhh)
Really looking forward to tomorrow now... Hope weather holds.
Great to see cloth seats at last - have seen next to no pictures of them. Looks to me like they dont have the nasty plastic backs of the leather ones , but that could just be the angle of the pics. Will check it out tomorrow I guess.
Gosh - how exciting. A real RX8 at last....
I was going to wait until mine arrived. Mine to be the first I saw and all that , but I just cannot resist !
M.
PS - Dont let nice Mazda rep start me on Formula b****y woman (aggghhhh)
06-03-2003, 08:46 AM
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Just got back...
Well - I have now seen an RX8 for real.
And the verdict is.... WOW !
This is one of the most beautiful cars I have ever seen. The lines of the front wings are just wonderful.
However excited I was before - it is now greater !
Not much to add to the extensive coverage elsewhere in this thread , other than -
- Tall folks. Worry not. I am 6'3" and this car was great. Even my tall hair did not touch the ceiling.
- Cloth seats folks - Cloth seats are fine. The edges (like the leather) are ribbed (for your pleasure , presumably...) and the smooth bits in the middle was like grey velour. Very supportive , very comfortable.
- The dash - Way cool. Almost black so you cannot see the dials until you turn on the ignition. How they do it , I just dont know. pretty cool though.
- The bulge in the driver footwell is utterly insignificant. If you did not know you would not notice.
- The door are just so cool.... Plenty headroom in back. Legroom what you would expect.
A couple of other things worth mentioning.
There were quite a few people about , and alot of manufacturers. Guess which car had the most attention ?
Seriously , in the area the car is in there are Ford , Porsche, VAG, Nissan , and several others. There were as many people around , in , under the RX8 as there were in total on the other stands. Seriously. The public love this car. Stick that in you resale value. The residuals are gonna be great.
Also , poked round the 350Z. Looks better in reality. Did not attract the same interest as the RX though....
So - all you regulars (you know who you are) rest assured. This is going to the *the* car to have believe me.
A very happy Morgan.
:D :D :D :D :D
Well - I have now seen an RX8 for real.
And the verdict is.... WOW !
This is one of the most beautiful cars I have ever seen. The lines of the front wings are just wonderful.
However excited I was before - it is now greater !
Not much to add to the extensive coverage elsewhere in this thread , other than -
- Tall folks. Worry not. I am 6'3" and this car was great. Even my tall hair did not touch the ceiling.
- Cloth seats folks - Cloth seats are fine. The edges (like the leather) are ribbed (for your pleasure , presumably...) and the smooth bits in the middle was like grey velour. Very supportive , very comfortable.
- The dash - Way cool. Almost black so you cannot see the dials until you turn on the ignition. How they do it , I just dont know. pretty cool though.
- The bulge in the driver footwell is utterly insignificant. If you did not know you would not notice.
- The door are just so cool.... Plenty headroom in back. Legroom what you would expect.
A couple of other things worth mentioning.
There were quite a few people about , and alot of manufacturers. Guess which car had the most attention ?
Seriously , in the area the car is in there are Ford , Porsche, VAG, Nissan , and several others. There were as many people around , in , under the RX8 as there were in total on the other stands. Seriously. The public love this car. Stick that in you resale value. The residuals are gonna be great.
Also , poked round the 350Z. Looks better in reality. Did not attract the same interest as the RX though....
So - all you regulars (you know who you are) rest assured. This is going to the *the* car to have believe me.
A very happy Morgan.
:D :D :D :D :D
06-03-2003, 08:55 AM
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Just to back up everything Morgan said. I loved the pics of the car but seeing it for real make me love it twice as much.
And yesterday also it easily had the biggest crowd. In comparison the "Street Ka" stand next to it was almost empty.
And yesterday also it easily had the biggest crowd. In comparison the "Street Ka" stand next to it was almost empty.
06-03-2003, 09:30 AM
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Originally posted by morganrogers
- The door are just so cool.... Plenty headroom in back. Legroom what you would expect.
- The door are just so cool.... Plenty headroom in back. Legroom what you would expect.
Originally posted by GarySargent
And yesterday also it easily had the biggest crowd. In comparison the "Street Ka" stand next to it was almost empty.
And yesterday also it easily had the biggest crowd. In comparison the "Street Ka" stand next to it was almost empty.
06-03-2003, 09:48 AM
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Well Ive booked Friday off now, so after all these glowing reports Im going to have to go along myself and see it in the flesh 
I hope it wow's me as much as the yellow car did at the motorshow last year, but by all accounts it will. :D
On a more practical note, how has everyone travelled to Canary Wharf. Is it worth driving and parking, or train and tube?
I hope it wow's me as much as the yellow car did at the motorshow last year, but by all accounts it will. :D
On a more practical note, how has everyone travelled to Canary Wharf. Is it worth driving and parking, or train and tube?
06-03-2003, 11:26 AM
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Driving and parking are easy if you come down the M11 from the M25 and then either take the A12 or keep going on the A406 until you reach the A1020 via City Airport etc.
However, do not consider trying to get down before 9.30am or leaving any time after 4pm cos the Canary Wharf area rapidly clogs up.
There is plenty of parking at Cabot Square, Canary Wharf (£lots) or on Aspen Way (£8 for the day I think) or at West India Quay (also off Aspen Way).
Public transport connections are not that straightforward - best option would be Northern Line from St Pancras/KX to Monument/Bank and then DLR to Canary Wharf. But you do get time to read this month's copy of Evo on the train...
p.s. See streetmap, multimap etc. for routes.
However, do not consider trying to get down before 9.30am or leaving any time after 4pm cos the Canary Wharf area rapidly clogs up.
There is plenty of parking at Cabot Square, Canary Wharf (£lots) or on Aspen Way (£8 for the day I think) or at West India Quay (also off Aspen Way).
Public transport connections are not that straightforward - best option would be Northern Line from St Pancras/KX to Monument/Bank and then DLR to Canary Wharf. But you do get time to read this month's copy of Evo on the train...
p.s. See streetmap, multimap etc. for routes.
06-03-2003, 11:45 AM
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I trained it from Cambridge to Kings Cross then got a day's tube pass (about £4) which took me from KK to London Bridge, transferred to the Jubilee Line and thence to Canary Wharf - very easy. It's worth doing this to see Canary Wharf station, awesome in the extreme, especially going back down the escalator: not unlike descending into a vast cathedral.
06-03-2003, 11:46 AM
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Originally posted by morganrogers
Well - I have now seen an RX8 for real.
And the verdict is.... WOW !
Well - I have now seen an RX8 for real.
And the verdict is.... WOW !
06-03-2003, 01:05 PM
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Can't believe so many of you haven't seen this car!!!
where were you when they had the yellow one in Birmingham?
Anyway off on Saturday to see it.
Lensman whay did you mean by the ident? Are you referring to the Rotot shape on the bonnet? And also the fact that it is incorporated into other areas of the car like the lights?
I thought that was old news?
where were you when they had the yellow one in Birmingham?
Anyway off on Saturday to see it.
Lensman whay did you mean by the ident? Are you referring to the Rotot shape on the bonnet? And also the fact that it is incorporated into other areas of the car like the lights?
I thought that was old news?
06-03-2003, 01:17 PM
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Originally posted by Contigo
Lensman whay did you mean by the ident? Are you referring to the Rotot shape on the bonnet? And also the fact that it is incorporated into other areas of the car like the lights?
I thought that was old news?
Lensman whay did you mean by the ident? Are you referring to the Rotot shape on the bonnet? And also the fact that it is incorporated into other areas of the car like the lights?
I thought that was old news?
I was referring to the roof of the car which is concave in axis, ie it has a dip in the middle along it's full length making it very appealing to look at. I assumed it was convex in one axis or flat.