Kind reader, please consider that for many of us, it's not that we're cheap, but that we appreciate the technology that's built into our cars. That may translate into a desire for our cars to be notably "efficient", i.e., good weight, HP, MPG, handling numbers, in addition to having great aesthetics. For example, although the new 'Vette might cost way more than our car, should we be happy that the big-block Chevy gets significantly better MPG while maintaining a way higher HP/Lbs ratio? And who wants to keep burning up fossil fuels (and enrichening their producers), unnecessarily? :o

Yet, there's so much about the '8 that makes it unique and pleasurable, that I'm seriously thinking of trading my '04 up to a "factory" '05 or '06 MazdaSpeed. :D This is in light of the likelihood that, in 5-10 years, there will be more options using "performance-tuned" hybrid technologies (and/or hydrogen) that are expected to yield the best of low-end torque, high HP, and exceptional mileage that may make their way into our car. Sure, that might mean rotarys get transformed into super efficient electrical generators, but what would be wrong with that? Especially, if the rotors were still employed at the top ends of the shift ranges as you whang through the gears!

Too "revolutionary"? Hey, technology is advancing - don't let your predispositions keep you (or our favorite builder) from moving forward. Have you noticed the exponential increases in the numbers of new and used SUVs being dumped vs the backlog on hybrids of any sort? Sure, the current production models got no cajones, but have you seen the "rollerskate" prototypes with electric motors at each corner netting 600hp to the ground? Remember, electrics produce the greatest torque at 0 revs, where they're needed the most, plus almost infinite control over the power being used (and "recovered").

That's been my "little thing" about the RX-s for the past 20 years. Just can't wait to spendz my $$ and see our current "platform" evolve and get transformed into something even more amazing than they already are!!