Okay, that just doesn't sound right does it. But here's my (ill)logic. For the past 2 weeks (length of time I've had my RX), I've been babying the car, shifting under 4,000 RPM, etc... You know, the break-in. So today, I hit 600 miles! I watched 598 go to 599... then 600! At the next light (I live in Atlanta, by the way), I nailed it! Finally!!! 1st gear - 8,500 RPM! 2nd gear - 5,000 RPM... Oh $*@ I'm already speeding!

So I noticed something - the faster the car gets to, say 60mph, the "less" time the driver gets to enjoy the acceleration! It was so damn frustrating! I wanted to "open it up" - to drive it! But the car does 0-speeding in 3.5 seconds! And to make it worse, I've got to double the posted warning speed on curves just to get the car to notice the turn!

I now see why old muscle cars are so popular - a huge 4-barrel, loud exhaust and crappy suspension = loud acceleration and dramtic tire-screeching turns (at 35 mph).

Obviously I'm kidding - I love this damn car! I'm really digging it now that I don't have drive like a chauffer any more! But I do think I've got to look into getting some track time at Road Atlanta...

 

I wholeheartedly agree. The car is wonderful! Take it to a few SCCA events and really enjoy it. You'll also learn how to drive it better that way.

 

not to nag, but even though your car just hit 600 miles, you should still be taking things easy. Start to go to 5k rpms, then at 700, start to hit 6k, and so on.

 

Oh so you like high-rpm usage, eh? This car is fun, especially on open roads, and the track. Hopefully, I can get some autoX time in my car.

 

I tend to agree. I had a Miata before the RX8. It is tough to play around on some of the roads that I used to play around on because the 8 is so capable. Not that it is bad, just different. Actually it's awesome. :-))))

 

I used to autocross an Integra GSR. It was a blast! But it pushed way too much (understeer) and too easily spun the front wheels when it did - I can't wait to do it in a "true" sports car... with rwd!

I agree about learning how to drive - in a driving school a guy made a cool comment regarding mod's - "... the best money spent to make the car go faster is on the driver..." I took that to heart and learned all I could. That season, I raced novice class and beat (actual - non-Pax a.k.a. "corrected" times) a 427 cobra, a twin turbo supra, a Lotus Esprit Turbo, countless Mustangs and a super charged Integra the same year as mine. Their cars were all much faster than mine... but "they" weren't. I just did as I was instructed.

Wonder what'll happen when I race the RX... this is an entirely different level...

 

This is a good example of why there is so much more to consider than how fast a car is when it comes to sports cars. You simply wont get to use that superior speed very often in daily driving.

Taking it to a track is the right thing to do. Then again, I wouldn't want to tear up my nice brand new car either. That's why I did the best thing: if you want to get involved in one of the most "pure" examples of racing, get a Shifter Kart! 0-60 mph in 3 seconds! 3 g's in the corners (the best handling sports cars in the world are lucky to acheive 1 g)!!! They have a 6 speed sequential gearbox, 125 cc motor, and are a blast to race. One inch off the ground. Top speeds near 100 mph. Too cool!

 

Yes, the car is too sports minded to enjoy the limits in everyday traffic. That's why I routinely autox my car and bought 7 cones so I can set up my own course to test the limits safely. Did I say I love this car? I do!

 

Great thread. I've had my 8 for only two days but I've already noticed exactly what you said, I can't even feel a curve unless I'm going way beyond illegal. I had two first generation RX-7's and this car is so much more capable it's frightening.

Last night I took an on-ramp @ 90mph and it felt like 50, or maybe even 40. (Please don't flame me: empty road, no chance of other traffic from anywhere, long sight lines, etc.)

Track time sounds like fun except for the wear and tear.

Anyone else old enough to remember this jingle...
Wouldn't cha really rather have a Buick?
A Buick? A Buick?
Wouldn't cha really rather have a Buick?
This year!