RX-8 Appearance package opinion
 

Do you think the RX-8 looks better with or without the appearance package?
I wonder if anyone has a side by side shot with and without for comparison.

I have been trying to decide the same thing. I really like the look of the front air dam (subtle change from standard but I think it adds a little extra flair) but I am not sure I like the front and rear flares :confused: Think its OK to just get the front air dam and not the flares?

No, because it will look really awkward imo.

I'm leaving it without... it's $1000 that doesn't do anything for the car so I'm just as pleased without it. I can spend that money on other things.

I think I might add the front air dam and nothing else. I did that to my base miata and it made a lot of difference without making the car look to ricey or heavy.

I like the appearance package only because the base model front end looks like its missing something if its suppose to be a sports car. ;)

The HKS RX-8 concept drawing seems to be based off the base model front end look (just a bit exagerated in a very good way) and, to me, it looks like something is missing in the middle. I just expect the bottom front end to be one piece, guess thats what I'm use to seeing.

Appearance package, lowered suspension, and a modest spoiler (retractable!!!) is for me.

i'm all for the Appearance Package...after seeing the RX with it on, it just seems to be missing something without...besides that, it also needs a nice wing...i don't like the Mazda or the Mazdaspeed one, i'd prefer something in the middle - higher than the standard but lower than the over-rice looking Mazdaspeed version

Does anyone have a side by side comparision of the RX-8 with the appearance package and without?
I think a side by side by side shot would clear up a lot.

I've got 2 sunlight 8's with the black leather, grand touring package, and navigatoin. One has an appearance package one doesn't. Both due in to the dealer and not pre-orders.

My father says get the appearance package, but I want to be sure.
I do agree that I like the front air dam.

Can't really capture the entire appearance package in one shot. Here is some art from "Wave". Look up some of EAST MOON's photos for the front air dam.

No Package
http://home.covad.net/~store0003/01.jpg
Appearance Package
http://home.covad.net/~store0003/02.jpg
Appearance Package + Rear wing spoiler
http://home.covad.net/~store0003/03.jpg

Thanks for the photos!
I looked up EAST MOONS's stuff as well. I think I may like it without the appearance package......I dunno.

Decisions, decisions!!!!!

here's where some other pics are posted for anyone interested.

http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.p...5&pagenumber=3

I think I am going to go with the side and rear flares, with no front air dam. If anyone knows the 1997-99 Eclipse RS, they'll know that the car had a huge front air dam (like all Eclipses, regardles of model), but the RS didnt come with the side panels, and it made it look really awkward. The same would happen to the RX-8, I think. If you just do the options in the back of the car, it will look balanced...getting lower towards the back of the car, instead of starting low, then going high, only to taper off low again. NOW, i only say this because the side flares on the RX-8 don't go the whole length of the side of the car...if it did, I would get the whole darn thing.

I was thinking of just the front air dam also. Dont think the front or rear flares add much. Would also like the lip spoiler. May have to go aftermarket on that one.

The more I look at the appearance package (rear sections) the more I think it tends to look a bit cheap. Doesn't seamlessly integrate with the stock panels. Not worth $1k.

The MazdaSpeed version looks much better.

Leaning more towards no appearance package and maybe an aftermarket front air dam and spoiler instead. I tend to think most cars look great when they are lowered just a bit.

BTW, I don't think you'll be able to pick and choose. You either get all or nothing.

I'm getting my car without the appearance package and wait for the Mazdaspeed kit. Or I might just wait for the Mazdaspeed RX-8 altogether.

Appearance Package request
 

Hey Brother!

Would you bve able to post a pic of the RX-8 (Red if possible) without the Appearance Package but WITH the rear spoiler? Would love to have that for the final comparison.


Thanks!!
Dean
dsuraci@nc.rr.com

Re: Appearance Package request
 

Remember, this is "Wave's" stuff not mine, I just composited the above from his original work. But go here and you will find what you're looking for (no appearance with spoiler) but it's in Titanium not Red.

http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.p...e&pagenumber=5

plain jane RX-8:
http://www.rx8forum.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=45096

RX-8 w/ Appearance Package, rotary accent, side strakes, Mazdaspeed wing:
http://www.rx8forum.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=45349

Does anyone have any pictures of the silver 8 with the front air dam?

Go here and you can monkey around with it yourself.

http://www.mazda.co.jp/accessory/garage/rx-8/rx-8.html

Question on Front Air Dam on Automatic Transmission
 

does anyone know if i can purchase the front air dam, if i'm ordering my car with an automatic transmission?

Let me reword that previous question
 

does anyone know if the front air dam can be used (installed) with an automatic transmission?

the booklet says it can't be used on an automatic transmission, but i ordered it bia the dealership....

just wondering if anyone knows for sure, if so i want to keep my order the same; if not, then i'll need to set my dearler straight

please help

I don't care for the appearance package stuff at all.

It's taking a beatiful, purposefully designed piece of engineering and art, then gluing some extra chunks of plastic on it. They don't even seemlesly fit the car... just extra pieces stuck on the car.

Even the Mazdaspeed front air dam just looks overly big, low, and out of proportion.

The stock 8 looks tight and clean with very nice, flowing lines.

Just my opinion.

-----does anyone know if the front air dam can be used (installed) with an automatic transmission?----------



pugslysgirl,

The appearance package is available with AT. The Appearance package has the front air dam.
I think the 8 is beautiful stock in all colors, but I also think that it looks good with the appearance package. Some colors it just screams....add me on...(like black). ;) :D

the side flares aren't worth it to me. after 12 years of cleaning tar off the side panels weekly, i've sworn to never drive a car without splash guards ever again. side flares = no splash guards = i'm not interested in getting that friendly with kerosene again.