knihc2008

i went to the local mazda dealer with my dad this night (claremont mazda) hoping to catch a glimpse of the rx8 (it was already 9:30, so i was expecting not much more). lo and behold, a yellow and a red one were standing in the lights outside with a couple of guys signing off from work swarming around the two cars haha. one guy, i suppose, had just come back from a vacation and this, like mine, was the first time seeing the rx8 in the flesh (he owned an fc as well, so he knew what the rx really was).

of course, with the sight of us customers he quickly asked us "hey wanna go for a drive? i haven't been able to get in one of these yet."

response? "heeeell yeah!"

some of you might find this report helpful because i've been in the market for a 350z and a g35 coupe for a veeery long time now and have test driven both like 4 or 5 times each so here goes:

first thought: the interior materials are NICE. they are eons better than the plastic stuff they have in the z and the center console is so much more solid made than the huge expanse of titanium colored plastic in the g35. everything was solid and well built. cloth seats (in both the yellow and red ones i saw) were very nice and are easily my choice. ergonomics are top notch, however the shifter is placed a little too far back...my hand kept grabbing for the shifter and bumping into the front console.

space: generous. my salesperson was about 6 feat and he fit into the back seat with about an inch left of headroom. i'm a short guy so it was even better for me. front seats are excellent. my cello definitely wont' fit in the trunk, but it will definitely fit sitting position behind the passenger seat with it moved all the way up or sideways across the back seat...with something covering that divine center console, of course.

driving the car: wonderous. the z and the g35, both heavy cars, seem reluctant and ponderous compared to the 8. they both sound like they're really working hard, and there is always that second of hesitation before takeoff with those two cars. none of that in the 8. just pure get up and go. the power delivery is smooth and linear such that the 8 feels so much more powerful and faster than both the z and the g. below 5k, the car feels solidly powerful, unlike the s2k (though i've only driven one once), and smooth and efforless, unlike the z and the g. above 5k, this car is a beast. took it up to 7k once (the salesperson, eager to see what this predessor of his fc could do, kept on urging "come ON let's GO" so i let him have it once on the freeway...was scary as hell) and it was a divine experience. my dad compared to the linear and quick power to his 01 porsche turbo, so i guess that says quite a bit. the shifter is okay...for some reason i'm liking the z shifter the best. i drove the s2k a while back and remember it being wonderful but i also drove an acura tsx with the same s2k shifter and my god that shifter SUCKED. but the rx8 shifter is fine. shifting to 5th and 6th i was always worried i had missed the shift but i got them every time so maybe it's just a mental thing.

post note: yellow is too bright (under flourescent lights, at least) but the red is beautiful, with the gold flakes. will go back when i have time with my digicam to see the cars under the sunlight.

overall, this car is awesome. it quite simply and easily erases the z and the g35 from my list of cars...this is the one for me.

Maximus

wonderful, wonderful review because you have described the 'feel' of driving this car very nicely. This is an amazing car when you look at the complete package: the looks, the beast under the hood, build quality, roominess, interior and uniqueness. How did the instrument panel look at night? I think it turns red at night but you have various settings for the lighting. Did you happen to play with those settings?

knihc2008

the instruments are beautiful. i couldn't find the switch to change it different colors not because i wasnt' looking but because i kinda forgot...the white number/red needle combination is SO BEAUTIFUL i can not even describe. haha i remember sitting at the dealership in the car with my foot on the pedal just staring at the needle go up and down the tachometer and listening the the revs. it's definitely a beautiful thing.

hmm. in all honesty i don't even remember anything bothering me about the digi speedo. i was so caught up in just DRIVING. this car is wonderous to all the senses.

also, them xenons are beautiful too. as i was leaving i caught my salesperson taking it out for a drive on his own (not to worry, nothing long, just up and down the driveway) but the car in motion looks so nice.

also, did anyone else notice the small rotary shaped hole on the bottom of the projector headlight bulbs? something i've never seen or read about...very cool.

knihc2008

just remembered...one bit of worry. after the test drive i felt that the center console was a bit warm. hmm. but the hood was still very cold. wierd.

rxeightr

I've got a feeling we will be hearing a lot of this as others get to test drive the RX-8.

Good review!