KCROTOR

I for one would like Mazda to fix the ugly tail lights on the RX-8 in a future model. The earlier concept of the RX-8 that had the clean looking two round lights on each side looked much better. Not to mention that the two rounds on each side is classic signature RX styling (R-100, RX-2). Why did Mazda miss such a great chance to capture a classic RX styling cue?

The other RX out there in the market has exactly what I am talking about. Look at the Lexus RX300 tail lights. They look like they were lifted straight off an early Mazda rotary. They are PERFECT Mazda rotary styling, so why are they on a Lexus and not the RX-8 while the RX-8 has something that should be on a Lexus? Bad enough that Lexus took the RX name plate but they also stole a classic RX styling cue.

Have you seen the RX300 tail lights? Do they not scream classic Mazda RX (R100, RX-2)? What do you think?

Ajax

Man.. I love the tail lights on the RX-8. I think yer nuts!

To each his own tho.

KC_Prelude

I agree that the tailights on the 8 are a little too "bling bling" and do belong on some kind of lexus luxury car. I would love to see a change to a two circle style like on the 89 turbo II, that is my idea of a perfect tailight.

Riccio

I'm another one that likes the tailights - they look very "agressive" to me.

I've seen a few for sale on eBay - are there aftermarket replacements available?

Shocka

i would like to see lights that are similar to those of the FD. But then again im not spending 200+ to change my taillights any more.

as for the ones on ebay ironically they also sasy honda civic.. basically giving the idea for a tail light conversion for civics.

Spin9k

I used to own a 99 RX300 (and did NOT like it) I think the as-end (and lights) of the new 03/04 RX330 version is HIDEOUS. Not just bad, but offensively butt-ugly, hummm like a fat-*** Dumbo maybe w/tiny ears!:o :o

Each to his/her own. take a look...if that is attractive, I need my head examined (might need that anyway, but not to tell that how bad this is!) :p !

PS The 8's are not perfect, simple would be better, but they're not bad either.

Sue Esponte

I think the rear end of the RX330 looks like an elephant's ***.

To me, the lights are more bling bling than Lexus....then again, so is the IS300.

-Eric

P.S. My wife thinks the 8's diminutive looking rear end is the only fault in its otherwise pleasing and aggressive design. I kind of agree...but I still love it.

Spin9k

Here is an RX-2. I don't see any relation to an RX330 or RX300?

I owned a '72 orange one... one hot stealth sedan (nice tail lights, I had forgot, by the by!)

And looking at my 8, why, gosh I see two of the RX-2 lights!! Yes, right there on my 8! Holy Batman, what's old IS new!!

beachdog

IMO, the lights on the RX8 look great, especially at night. I for one don't want to see any styling changes for a good few years. One of the reasons that I bought the RX8 in its first year of production was to have a new car for as long as possible. (and retain maximum resale value - one of the reasons Mercedes doesn't radically change the look of their cars is resale value)

Those that want the car to look different, look to the aftermarket. I'm in no hurry to see Mazda make any changes.

BTW, my other car is an RX300 and wouldn't prefer those lights on the 8.

rotarynews.com

You mean like this?

KC_Prelude

Ugh. That concept pic somehow reminds me of a pontiac. But seriously I had not seen that pic of the lexus rx and it is absolutely an eyesore. Looks like a hyundai santa fe (barf).

KCROTOR

You can not see the two round lights in the picture provided. The reflection on the clear cover is hiding them. It is the assembly behind the clear cover I am talking about. There is nothing other than that assembly I am suggesting for the RX-8. The rest of the RX300 is not appealing.

Sue Esponte

The two "lights" built into the rearend cluster are the tie to the RX2? Ummm...ok. If that's the case, I guess Ferrari "stole" the idea for its Enzo Ferrari too. (HEAVY sarcasm)



-Eric

Btw, even with beer goggles on, I don't think I'd see any similarity between the RX330 and the RX2's rear lights.

rotarymagic

I also disagree, the taillights are top notch in my opinion.

David_M

Another vote for likeing the tail lights. Very modern. Give APC 6 months and they'll be copying them for other cars.

cortc

Think the lights look great, they have a very modern yet classic look to them...

KrustyKlown

I think the tail lights look great! Adds to the exotic look. I also get a lot of complements on my tail lights. One of them from a guy who has a 350Z (He also told his wife she can have the 350 and he is going to get an RX8 after he got a chance to drive mine).

mmmdowning

I think the lights are great! I wouldn't change anything. But if you want a change then do a custom mod. Then it will be your way.

zyran

As you can see in rotarynews.com's sig, theres one of the concept version of the RX(I might be blind, it could be the RX-8 itself) and those two round lights look f**king ace to me!

rotarynews.com

That's the RX-Evolv ... Here's a larger pic:



Note to aftermarket: make lights like these?

Sue Esponte

Note to Mazda: Shape the entire rear end like that.

Mikelikes2drive

RX-evolv? WHAT THE HELL IS THAT? that looks very disgusting IMO.

but newayz, yeah the lights are a little too busy IMO but still look nice.

RXilar8ed

I also love the taillights on the RX8. My hubby even commented on how great they looked. That RX-Evolv rear to me looks like a mouth with two overhanging fangs on the side. And as far as Lexus goes, IMO that RX300 SUV is ...bleeck...barf... to me. But, of course, Toyota can't let that share of the market that appeals to SUV drivers go completely ignored.

Sue Esponte

Ummm...it's the reason we're on this board since it's the concept that lead Mazda to produce the RX8. And, since its lines so closely mirror that of the 8, I'm not sure how you could call the car in that pic "very disgusting".

-Eric

zyran

Jeremy Clarkson : "Look at those lights! Thats busier than a bishop's hat!"