Does anyone else think they should bring this package to the US?
Possibly for the same price as the auto but with an LSD and possibly 17in vs 16in rims??? I think it would be idea for the new age rotary Enthusiast on a Budget (aka Me) any thoughts?

 

It is very unlikely to happen. Manufacturers are reducing numbers of models and options to keep costs down. This car should be a bit hit for Mazda anyway.

 

Well, it's an interesting idea, but I wouldn't think that the "lopo" would cost that much less. At least not enough that it would draw enough customers to make it worthwhile for Mazda.

---jps

 

I am thinking of the standard engine with 5-speed. It is about 3.000 EUR cheaper (but with Bose which would be standard fit inthe high power). It is not only this difference: The car will be lower in insurance, fuel and so on... However, I think VANCOUVER you're right, keep costs down (e.g. spare parts). Manuals are not SO popular in the U.S.A.? are they? If you WANT manual you must (and most likely will) get the high power version....

 

I wonder if the lopo engine will actually have better fuel economy. The engine isn't any smaller or anything, and the tuning that increased the peak torque number slightly might not make a difference at idle or cruise.

---jps

 

Yea Vancover you are probally right about them wanting to keep spare parts and whatnot to a minimum. But on the other hand I think it would be nice to have another RWD car in the recent colledge graduates realistic price range (admittedly the high end) which i estimate to be from 10-25k. Right now as far as RWD cars in that market there is the miata(which is pretty sweet) and the Mustang(not my bag but hopefully the new one is good) and the MR2 (WRX half fits in this catagory). Basically nothing with 4 real seats and a trunk. Anywho I know that Mazda can only make so many rotaries a year due to the labour intensive nature of them but i really think more car companies should get into this market. Especally since BMW is coming out with the 1-series soon(although admittingly it will cost more than the sum of its parts but then again thats BMW). I think it would be a mistake not to compete for this market better by offering something with 4 seats and a trunk. I think a low power enthisiast(LSD) RX-8 would cover this pretty good and is much more feasable than the revival of the RX-3 (although Ford/madzda/volvo's new global small platform is RWD capable)

anyways time to eat breakfast and go to class

 

The specs on Mazda's site show the manual having slightly better city mileage (one tenth of a gallon, I think), and the auto having better highway mileage (half a gallon or so, I think). Sorry I don't remember the exact numbers and am too lazy to look them up right now, but they are there.:D

 

Official (but still provisional) numbers from Mazda Switzerland say:

std engine 192HP/5-speed: 10,9 ltrs/100km
high power 240HP/6-speed: 11,4 ltrs/100km.

in a test mode called "standard EC mix"....

http://www.mazdarx8.ch/chd/upclose/s...ecs_prices.pdf

 

just a sidenote..and somewhat related...

anyone knows why the automatic is a 4-speed instead of 5-speed? 5-speed autos is becoming the standard, especially upscale and sporty cars. shouldn't it have been a 5-speed manumatic in the 8...?