RX8Club.com - Picked Up My Baby.

Picked up my tit grey 8 on Friday, just a few words;

First sight;
The car was kept in he garage under the RX8 dust sheet which was slowly peeled back at my arrival front to back and what a beautiful car this is. Under the garage lights the tit grey really sparkled, so glad I chose that colour.

Accessories;
Some may know I went OTT here spending nearly £2k but I think well worth it. Whilst probably more expensive than non-Mazda after sale items I know they have been fitted well and have full comeback should they drop off or similar. Whilst most are well known via the booklet pictures there were some which are better in real life and worth a 2nd consideration;
1. Pillar strip - goes over the dull metal between the doors this strip is piano black with RX8 symbol near bottom. Look very classy and finished the side off brilliantly.
2. Ashtray covering in piano black, elongates the central control console and makes that whole central section looks a lot more impressive. With it and unknown to Mazda came piano black surrounds for the door handles which match those surrounding the window controls on the doors.
3. Sports exhaust - Does improve the 'weaker looking' back with larger bores. Does sound different, a lot deeper especially at higher revs with definite pinging/ growling effect.

Drive;
Great, really excellent. Easy gear box although reverse a bit tricky. More than adequate acceleration, low noise, smooth all the way up though the revs, comfortable seating position, adequate headroom without moonroof (6'2''), controls no problem with digital speedo easy to read and understand.

Comparison to my last car, TTC;
1. Better in TTC - more grip (in this type of wet weather anyway), better wipers, quieter roof (when rained on), better mpg, some minor components better quality
2. Better RX8 - quieter drive, more luxurious interior, no power band lunges, back doors plus room in back, more storage space., better looking, nicer drive when not racing, similar drive when racing but a lot quieter and smoother, more accurate steering. BOSE is far better, louder, clearer with more treble and bass response.
Overall the TTC is more of a basic sports car, smaller, harsher, noisier with less refinements. Whilst the RX8 has the sports capacity but adds some luxury touches.

Pity they could not have added LED alarm light to suggest alarm is set to those approaching the car and a way to kill seat belt alarm.

In summary this car is really superb, over this week-end with all the bad weather felt safe and sound even when pushing it. Mainly kept revs down below 6K although now and then could not resist. My dealers (rotary petrolhead) suggested off the record to go for it, not to redline but to play with the range to allow earlier bedding in, improved performance and better mpg.

rael