If you look at the rear lights of the RX-8, MX-5, Mazda 5 and CX-7, which are all pretty new models, don't you think that the "Altezza" style lights are out of date? The only other car that I can think of that currently has those style of lights is the Lexus RX330 and the Altima. And both have been around for a while. Mazda has those lights on pretty much all of their cars and it just seems to me that they're almost a decade behind on the "Altezza" light craze! The blacked-out version of the Altezza lights like the ones on the S2000 and Mazda 3 are at least more up-to-date, but the crystalized style (ie. CX-7) is out IMO.

 

Well, i dont know about that. I personally like the lights. I don't find anything wrong with them. Actually, kinda think its moving forward. The lights are very visibile and imo very nice. But yeah, just my opinion. You know good tailights when the aftermarket can't come up with replacements. haha. On the other hand, the altezza's for rx7's are fugly...

 

The new altima got ride of the busy taillights too.

Ours are quite busy but I got used to em.

 

i like ours because it is really really unique.

 

Good point. I was just thinking the same thing the other day while washing my car. I will say that blacked out headlights look pretty nice on the 8 as well.

 

I actually like the RX-8's lights as well... but its more of the CX-7's lights that I was referring to. They are so RX-330 style, which is now old school. I don't see other car manufacturers doing this altezza thing!

 

it's not outdated, the rx-8 looks great.


altezza lights look cheap. Something about the silver and the plastic they use, it's easy to spot from a mile away. I don't get that cheap look/feeling when looking at the rx-8 lights.

 

As Jeremy Clarkson said on his much-beloved Top Gear review of the RX-8:

"They're busier than a bishop's hat!"

 

Mazda has the blacked out tailights for the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 for 2006. Looks sharp and not at all outdated to me.

 

The new Mazda5 lights I don't like, they are huge...but I LOVE the RX8's lights and rear end. Alot of cars now a days get to the rear of the car and all of the sudden there is a brain fart. So, what I will complain about is that 50HP we all wish we had.

 

^word lol

 

look good to me

 

Blacked out light housing seems to be the new trend. The RSX, Mazda 3, 6, Altima and S2000 all have em. I figure it will be a matter of time before they start appearing on the 8. But those CX-7 rear lights still annoy me.

 

I would say Mazda's style is outdated in the sense that every model they have out right now has basically the same front bumper/grille and styling. Their current lineup just looks like altered versions of the RX-8's once unique exterior. This is especially the case with the MX-5 and the new CX-7.

 

While I agree that every model in Mazda's lineup now has the look started with the RX-8 and 6, the newest generation of Mazda's corporate look is only about three years old. As a former Miata owner and fan of the first generation Miata, it kind of put me off to see the new MX-5 get the fender flare and Altezza treatment like the RX-8, but the look has since grown on me. For better or worse, Mazda is trying to create a brand identity by making all its cars share a family resemblence.

German manufacturers have really learned how to take advantage of making every model look the same. Even if you don't know much about cars, you can tell what's a BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Porsche. VW also does a good job with brand image. So, whether or not you buy a 3 Series or an M5, you own a BMW and feel like a BMW owner. Thus, when it's time to buy a new car, you're likely to buy another BMW.

Other manufacturers are learning the benefit of corporate styling. Chrysler/Dodge and Mazda come to mind.

 

the lights are way too busy IMO. you can look modern, sexy, and clean at the same time. just look at the G35sedan and Coupe lights and the Infiniti M.

 

i like the style, its like the guy on Top Gear said the car is a suggestion box of ideas and they used them all. yeah its busy but looks great.

 

hahaha...brain fart!! yes i agree that a lot of cars rear ends are no where near as sexy as teh rx-8's. i think mazda keeps the rule 'if it ain't broken, don't fix it' with their designs..still better than most cars out there even if its been around for a while.

 

Not just that, but they go well with the car. I can't think of any other lights that would fit this car so well.

 

still dont like the *** of the rx8. its so fat and chunky like the old Eclipse... but the front is to die for.... awhhhh *seizure*.

 

As a representative of the styling of this time - th RX-8 is perfect - in 7 years it will seem dated, but it is a classic, like the old bath tub Porsch, the port hole Buick, Route 66 Sting Ray, or Red and White Chevy - it will remain beautiful regardless of time and will probably be a collectors item in about 20 years. The only thing missing, to make it a true investment, is an inflated price tag to keep it out of the hands of the peasants... A Rolls doesn't have to be stylish, it just has to be reserved for the upper crust - if it happens to be lovely as well, like the white convertable, it become priceless...
Right now, the RX-8 because of the engine as well as the style makes even it's poorest owners seem rich.

 

i think the rx8's rear is the smallest compared to other cars i would maybe replace it with. Z, evo, sti, new mustang, the only smaller rear end is the s2000 and the porsche boxster.

 

I agree with you, the rear for the 8 could be better, but right now its already very good
________
Novana Residence Condos

 

I feel the opposite. The stock front end looks like a fish. It annoys me so much that I said to myself that I had to get an aftermarket front fascia if I was going to buy the car. The *** is great! Its got a wide ***, race car look to it.

 

i wish mazda come out wtih these body kits to sell :P these are the fromt he 06 tokyo show .