Roidz

I wouldn't mind a boosted 4 cylinder Mazda sports car either, but wouldn't that just cut into potential new rx sales? And that would just diminish the possibility of a new rx car because it would make even less sense to produce one. I know the new rx would still have it's 'followers,' but perhaps not as many if there were a 4 cylinder boosted sports car. Just my opinion.

Supernaut6

The rx8 is an rx8 because it uses a rotary. The small engine helps in the 50/50 balance and all the unique characteristics of the rotary make it what it is. Lets face it, we aren't driving hondas here. Our engines require care. If you want a no maintanance car go buy a civic. From my experience and of other people I have met, our engines blow when we mess with it or get lazy in maintanance.

New Yorker

Thank you.

Spin9k

I'd like to invent the perpetual motion machine, earn 3 billion dollars next year and fly to the moon for an extended vacation. None of that is going to happen. So I continue to tinker in my workshop, work at my job, and take weekend trips.

Likewise - Mazda has to decide whether they sell market-competitive Sport Cars (aside from the MX5) or they sell rotary engines. If they can't (and they should know, we don't) build rotary engines to put in Sports Cars, then they should get back to the business of selling Sports cars with piston engines, and do it well, and do it soon.

Pissing around and not being able to 'get on with it' with the rotary doesn't get them anything and loses them loyal customers each passing month, and cred each passing year people say..."Yea...Mazda...they're those Japanese car guys that keep trying to make that weird little engined sports car ..but I guess they couldn't cause they stopped selling it ... all the problems and no performance ya'know ...there're history I guess...too bad.

Anyway!....Hey have you seen the new BWW, Porsche, Hyundai, GM, Toyota, Nissan...or whatever Sports Car?

I'm gonna check that out...maybe trade and buy one of those!"

Renesis07

iTrader: (1)

I agree with you, but bear in mind, Im sure Mazda didnt plan on rising fuel prices and stricter emissions.

It's not easy to produce a rotary thats reliable, meets emissions, affordable, competitive performance-wise, etc.

The Renesis was great in 2003 when it came out, it wasnt too far behind the 2003 350Z and S2000. But as those cars received more power, ours stayed the same.

Now, its to the point where there is little motive to purchase an RX8 over the competition unless you're an enthusiast who appreciates the balance and driving feel of the rotary.

Most people in this segment could give a **** less as long as they look good pulling up to their business meeting and the car has a cupholder for their coffee. And they dont want to be bothered with topping off oil.

That's the new car market for 30K sports cars at least.

Never L8

iTrader: (5)

I think I've been a little misunderstood. I love my rotary. This is my second rx8. I don't want to see Mazda ditch the rotary, I'm just saying that Mazda has a massive struggle ahead of them to bring another rotary to the market and to get the non-enthusiasts to buy into it after the myriad of issues with the rx8. I very proudly do all my own work, including having just rebuilt my tranny. Only time will tell what Mazda does.

hornbm

iTrader: (1)

No rotary no sale. I bought the car for the engine, the chassis was just a bonus. There are many like me. Mazda knows this. Everybody wishing the rotary out of the car, go buy a Nissan, because it isn't going to happen. The 16X will be here soon enough.

rodjonathan

iTrader: (6)

i too wish they would hurry up but thanks to the economy and the way epa regulations n stuff are going i highly doubt it

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

with the shitty economy now and the double-dip recession coming in a month or 2 or sooner.

Any company to try to release a sports car around this time its just stupid or got too much money to waste.

maybe 2013 we will see something, if we can get pass 2012 that is (END OF DAYS IS NEAR RUNNNNNN!)

New Yorker

You'd have a car that I – and most RX-7 and RX-8 owners – would have no interest in purchasing. None. Despite what you keep saying, it seems you don't understand that the rotary engine defines the car. For many reasons, the car cannot exist without its small and light rotary engine. It's that simple.

If you're referring to flooding, that is certainly not the experience of the vast majority of RX-8 owners. Like with any car, they start their 8s – day after day, year after year – thinking about work, their wives, their kids, golf, football, mortgages, and twisty roads. Not whether their engine will start or not.

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

^ Very well stated, as always, New Yorker. I bought my RX-8 specifically because it had a rotary engine. I would have had no interest in it if piston-powered (although admittedly it does have other great attributes).

With the BHR ignition system, no praying required.

Never L8

iTrader: (5)

Hahaha...love it! It's probably my own fault for not clearly stating my thoughts. First off, the rotary does define the car. No doubt. I don't want a no-maintenance, run-of-the-mill sports car. Like I said, this is my second RX8. My one and only point is that Mazda has a ton of work ahead of them to attract non-enthusiasts and to sell them on a rotary engine. It's not to say they won't do it or it's not worth the effort.

Let's face it. We're here, on the forums, because we love our cars. Maybe not all the time, but we love them most of the time. Most of us (myself included) would not hesitate to purchase another rotary engine. The problem is the perceived issues with our car as it relates to those who don't own and understand the rotary. Mazda has a lot of work to do on image alone of the rotary and its reliability. Now factor in low performance numbers and low MPG. That's all I'm saying.

I, like everyone else here, bought this car because it's unique. I don't want to be one of a thousand 350Z's in my area. I want to stand out and therefore accept the issues this car brings with it. All of that being said, how many people will ACTUALLY consider purchasing another rotary unless Mazda makes some serious changes, including reliability? Maybe I stand alone since mine is a 2004 and I seem to have to address one issue after another, hence the "pray it starts" comment. Believe me, I maintain this car like mad. I am a little disappointed, however, at just how much work I personally have had to put into this car just to make it run right and keep it running right. It seems a little like I'm trying to fix areas where Mazda fell short.

Maybe some comments are emotional because we are rightfully defending our cars. I'm not attacking the RX8. I'm just trying to add some different perspective. You can go to the worst of all car forums and find people defending their ride because they are emotionally attached. I'm just trying to add a different angle.

Renesis07

iTrader: (1)

The series II have eliminated most issues and havent had any abnormal issues just yet..

I personally will be holding the title to my RX8 hopefully next year if I dont lose my job or anything (heaven forbid!).

After this RX8 is paid off, I plan to keep it and use the budget to get another car. I was hoping that a new RX with the 16X engine would be out but it seems it may not happen. All I can say is that a pre-driven R3 will be heavily considered when this time arrives. It'll be between that or something AWD such as a WRX or Ralliart Lancer.

That's just me though, I would love a newer RX8, just need to see where Im at and what makes sense financially lol

yiksing

After owning a rotary powered, I really couldn't imagine myself getting a piston-powered sports car unless the next RX gets the same shitty performance like the 8 compared to competition.

This time I'm saving up to buy the very last revision of the next RX, more peace of mind in terms of reliability and hoping for a really lightweight rotary rocket.

fyrstormer

Seven years? That's just getting broken-in. Why are you looking to replace it already?

fyrstormer

That applies to ANY car, not just RX's. ALWAYS let other people find the bugs for you.

Renesis07

iTrader: (1)

Some people like getting new cars ever few years, which is okay. Im the type where I keep my cars until they die, crash, or just arent worth the expense.

I came across a crossroad 2 months ago. My trans, diff, and driveshaft on my car were all bad paired with bad tires/brakes/ and needed an ignition tune up.

Pretty hefty bill

But........ it was my first time in 80K miles needing to spend that kind of money. It's nice to have a car that feels brand new and know its almost paid off

Car payments are overrated....

New Yorker

Ah, I understand what you're saying better now. And certainly, if you have an early RX-8 that's problematic, that's obviously a pain in the ***. I suspect if you had a post '05 car you wouldn't be praying.

Regarding the rotary in general, obviously it's important to Mazda as a symbol of their dedication to engineering - and it's important to us because we're members of a very small club: sports car enthusiasts who – for reasons practical and emotional – appreciate the subtle pleasures of the rotary engine. But to the average car buying Joe and his wife, the rotary is obviously a non-player. And I doubt that would change even if the Renesis were super reliable and fuel efficient. Why should any non-enthusiast purchase a car with a weird engine when "easy-to-service-anywhere" piston engine cars satisfy all ordinary Joe needs? (Smoothness? Sublime handling? My Accord handles just great, thank you.)

So that leaves the rotary to the small world of sports cars, which are a small sliver of Mazda sales. Probably a small sliver of Mazda sales even if there were a wildly popular, highly regarded Renesis engine. Sales of the RX-8 notwithstanding, I sense that Mazda, as a company, is doing rather well. Seems like there are more Mazdas on the road than there were 5 years ago. So at the end of the day I wonder if the Renesis' reputation significantly hurts Mazda's bottom line.

The rotary's tarnished image probably only costs Mazda a relatively small percentage of the small percentage of sports car buyers. (And even there, Mazda won't lose 'em all; many will continue to buy the most popular sports car in history.)

I'm not a sales or business guy, so obviously this is just my unprofessional 2¢.

Supernaut6

I don't think anyone is being emotional here. I think alot of us have had different experiences than you. I've seen alot of reliable rotaries and lets face it, alot of the times, people who have had no problems don't post on the forum. Why would they need to.

fyrstormer

You wore out your transmission, differential, and driveshaft in 80,000 miles? What the hell are you doing with your car, rallying it?

Whether it's "okay" to buy a new car every few years isn't really the issue, though in my opinion it's terribly wasteful to replace instead of repair; rather, he likes the car he has and he doesn't see a new version of it available, so the only way to keep driving a car like the one he has is to keep driving the car he has.

Renesis07

iTrader: (1)

Had a trans leak, shop didn't put the driveshaft in properly. It was at a dealership I worked at 2 years ago and there was no RO since it was internal as a 'favor'.

Cannibalized my entire drivetrain. BTW, in 2008 I hit 70K miles. Im at 82K now. My car barely drives at all so no Im not rallying. It all **** out (at the same time) within 4K miles.

My cars nickname is snowball. Literally that's what my friends/family call it. One thing goes wrong and 3 more follow. My car is very tempermental. And I my trans is still leaking dammit!!

Never L8

iTrader: (5)

Damn...well stated sir. Props also to Supernaut6 and Renesis07. You guys have all made great points and shed a little light on my own thoughts. I also agree that, in the end, I probably would be standing on your side of the fence had I purchased an '05+ RX8. I guess I'm more jaded than others because of my '04 battles. Thanks for calling me out and setting things straight.

I, for one, am getting tired of the speculation of what Mazda intends to do with the RX line. I'm dying for some real information! As it stands right now, I would love to purchase a newer RX8 and I'm excited to see what comes out of Japan.

To the OP...your wait is likely going to continue for some time. Unfortunately for you, it's either buy a 2011 RX8 or wait FOREVER for the new RX line. That's a tough choice.

fyrstormer

Damn, that sucks. I also own a 99 Passat, second year of that model run, and I know what it's like to have a car that ***** the bed every time you turn around. Right now it's got a cracked radiator, which, like everything else on the car, will cost $1000 to replace, mostly labor. And the suspension arms are worn out. Again. I've half a mind to arrange for the fuel line to accidentally burst while I'm driving on the highway. Since the fuel line runs directly over the catalyst, the effect should be immediate and decisive.

Spin9k

^well said yourself sir! That's 110% my feeling. I look at it this way. A couple years ago the 16X was seemingly ready to market...almost. Then we heard there were problems. End of story. Mazda stopped all further communication about it. Period.

Fast forward to today and the "rumors" as such are "..nothing before 2013". Fine, but it's late 2010 calender year, so 2011 models are afoot everywhere. There is general concensus that a couple years before new model release something is leaked and sketches about a new model are feed to the 'system' to prime the market, pique the interest, or what ever you want to call it. To date ...nada from anything that could be called 'realistic', just rehashed photochops.

That leads back to the 16x. Given the current rotary info void...apparently things aren't going well, and that applies to the world market..forget it may never show up in NA at all. It's just sad and disappointing, there's no way around it.

Bottom line, THAT is why (at least some of us) are frustrated and dispondent...the signs are all to apparent what's NOT happening that should be.

Renesis07

iTrader: (1)

haha, yea my 8 is turning into a lil nickel and dimer now. But its all good, it's expected at higher miles so Im not going to about it.

Right now my shitlist:

Output shaft seal leak (trans, installed a month ago, dipshit used original seal)
Rear brakes (ordered, waiting)
Coils, plugs, wires (Sitting on my kitchen table for a week, god Im lazy)
Driver Rear Wheel bearing (probably happening over the winter)
Coolant Flush (82K - 7 years old - never had it done, yea I know. )
Front Bumper (Damaged after driving through flood, search for the thread I posted a month ago if interested)

Once this shitlist is completed (Ive been saying this for 3 years now, the list keeps replacing itself with new items haha); its back to modding!!