OK, so it looks like this is in line with what most of you seem to get out of your RX8s, eh?. About 2/3 of this stint was Hwy miles, Chevron 91, and of course trying to keep it <4500 rpm.
I guess I do have to expect slightly lower numbers after I'm done w/ brake-in...when I will be using the *other* half of the rev range also

 

Sounds about right. I took my father's RX-8 on a round trip between VA and MI, via the mountains of WV and hills of southeastern OH. Great roads down there.

In the mountain stretches I got about 15--this was with a lot of time between 5k and 9k. On the 3/4 highway stretches I got a bit over 20. I figured straight highway would yield 21.

 

This may sound stupid, but... How do you know how many mpg's you are getting? Do you have some special trip meter or something that tells you? Or do you just divide it all out by the number of miles you have been and how many gallons of gas used?

 

Zoom Zoom, yup, it's really as simple as that. Just re-set your trip odometer when you fill up; then when you're almost empty again, fill up again and note the miles travelled and the # of gallons you filled up with.
there's some variability at work here, though. this assumes that you fill the tank to 'full' exactly the same each time. if you depend on the gas pump's automatic shut-off, it's not gonna be exactly the same from pump to pump. but close enough for the purposes of this discussion.

 

Crap... I just filled up for the second time (first time between fillings that I did myself) and Wow... 13.98 mpg. Mostly 80% stop and go driving... But wow That's low... I'm trying the No DSC method to see if it helps...

Also, I noticed with the no DSC it still handles very well and is a little more predictable... Some times the DSC kicks in when I'm not ready for it to kick in yet and it drives me crazy... I do drive it pretty hard so I guess that's what I get...

Of course like an ***, today when I filled it up I noticed there was only a $.05 difference between 93 octane and 94... so I figured what the heck right... Woops! Better see the eye doctor... When I got back from checking my Oil. I noticed the bill was up to $50 already! LOL... It was actually $1.05 more... LOL...

Not going to make that mistake again...

Speaking ofwhich, What octane do you all run? Thanks, G.

 

It's weird, but I find I don't get much of a difference in MPG when I drive it hard (near redline) or baby it.

But your numbers of about 18 mpg are not bad for your type of mixed driving you do - based soley on my experience.

 

I actually didn't notice that much of a difference with out the DSC. I've driven RWD cars that were around long before DSC was even around so I'm pretty comfortable with it. Although, if my tests show no change i will gladly leave it on.

As for the gas Grades... I live in the US so they don't sell 87 but there is a .10 diff between 89,91 and 93 but the 94 went up a buck 05! Crazy huh! Sunoco. Nuts.
Anyway, It doesn't drive any faster with it and usually the higher octane burns fast then lower anyway. i may just switch to medium or 89.
Does using 89 void the waranty?? Thanks, G.

 

Yeah, my car is still new to me but the DSC seems to be 'gravy'...nice to have but not essential...assuming of course you've had/driven performance cars in the past (as garynjr said, sports cars were enjoyed for decades before DSC was invented). My most recent RWD car was a 911SC....the RX8, DSC or otherwise, seems utterly disciplined in comparison!!!

 

Seriously! and to put it so close to the price of the 93 Who looks at the first number anyway?? I was had. My fault. shouldn't have waited until after work to fill up. Half asleep! Anyway, I completely forgot to turn off DSC today... Oops. there goes my study. oh well.
Thanks... G.