hmmm.....is it just me or does the re-fresh look a bit softer esp the headlights.

I can dig the tail-lights. I can dig the re-fresh on the interior console.

What seems to be a step back are the guages, ours are electroluminicent and these guages look to be a normal background lit. I have to say the electrolumnicent guages gives the RX-8 a touch of class/luxury. You don't find them on many sporty cars.

Also dont like the rear bumper for some reason and the exhaust tips are hanging loose. Seems like they should either fill the exhaust tip openings with bigger exhaust tips or have something that goes across the exhaust openings like the current valence. Also miss the front and rear rotary accent as well.

IMO it's missing a few pieces that used to make an RX-8 a bit unique esp the exterior rotary accents which always had people curious as to what that dorito triangle is on my car......

Also, the side marker blinker seems to be a bit tacky or afterthought, doesn't look as integrated as it could be. Definitely do not dig the grey plastic that is assisting the front plate mount. Protrudes a bit much for me. Last, i have to agree the steering wheel doesn't look as good as the current RX-8 steering wheel. Looks like a mustang steering wheel, even though it probably shared with an MX-5, CX-7 wheel.

 

Any engine info? Not much of a chamge over 5 years. C-

 

monday we should get the official press release that says what's changed officially for the US market

 

Maybe its old news but, according to Autoweek, the only drivetrain change is a shorter (numerical) rear gear for improved acceleration. That might be a bolt on improvement, but probably with a fuel mileage penalty to go with it. Some firmed up suspension pieces as well.

 

The rear mounted foglight in the current car is found in the rear rotary accent. Since they deleted that item from the back, they have to put them somewhere, and I'm guessing that it is the lights over the exhausts. Just a thought. I could be wrong of course.

 

Mazda should really look into letting the niche market of the 8 vote on cosmetic improvements. I don't see how it could hurt anything and it's a win for the consumer and Mazda. I read the other thread and nobody likes the steering wheel and the front is not getting a good response.

 

You ever see the Simpsons when Homer designed a car? "I want a horn here, here and here 'cause you never can get one of those things when you need it". A committee designed car would fail like a lead balloon.

 

I've, again, tried to be objective but I'm just not getting it. The exterior changes are too busy for my taste. The interior is nice, but not necessarily better. The new seats are certainly nice, but not really better than current touring.

 

I would have to agree. It looks like Mazda has added every modern styling trend/cliche possible just to make it look different, which it does, but not necessarily better.

I would like a more aggressive seat setup similar to the one pictured, though. The seats in my '05 feel generic and Buick-like when getting back into my car after riding in a friends '04 WRX.

 

The RX8 is a committee designed car anyway. I did see that episode, only Homer's ideas were used. What I'm talking about is entirely different. Have a couple of pics of steering wheels etc... and let current RX8 owners have a say in it. Right now there is no feedback from the consumer other than sales and reviews from critics.

 

that is pretty sweet I like the seats especially a little change from the norm

 

Fake oil pressure gauge gone.

fully functional fuel gauge still there.
Or is it fake too? Seems like it is always on a 1/4 tank in my 8.

 

+1 Yeah, I seem to have the same problem.

 

That is almost definetly completely not true. I'm sure Mazda does all kinds of testing behind closed doors with current customers, the fact that you weren't involved does not mean they did not do it.

 

I hear what you are trying to say, but quite honestly, with things like this, too many voices just lead to total mud. You end up with a Homer if you take too many people's opinions about what they have to have. I think that I have to respect the decision to take a singular vision from a designer then try to make it work for everyone. Yeah, the wheel isn't to my taste, but I like the seats, and very importantly to me the turn signal and wiper stalks are still in the right place. There are so many interior design decisions in the 8 that make driving the car more seamless than other cars at ten times its price. I like the feel of the interior for me, and the only thing that I can see in the redesign that works better for me than in the old car are the Recaro seats. It's just how I see it.

 

I like.

 

wow, thats ugly as hell. the styling is way too busy. the only thing good about the car is the relocated dipstick.