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Let's be real
I have a laundry list of wishes too, but you have to be realistic here.
If you ask for 350 hp, you're talking FI and extra money, less reliability, and more weight. Everything is a tradeoff. Basically, it simply wouldn't be an 8 with the car designed around super hp. However: 1) A better tune. There's no excuse for someone coming out with an aftermarket piggyback ECM (coughCANZOOMERcough) that trumps the OEM in every way and adds 25hp to boot. 2) Cupholders, repeatedly mentioned above 3) Stronger interior components. I had to take out my glovebox for my sub install and the hanging pin holder (on the right) snapped....I looked closely at it, and it's amazingly fragile. Same goes for center sliding console latch. I know you're trying to keep down weight and cost, but this stuff is balsa-wood fragile. 4) Better stereo. Just because it says Bose doesn't make it good. The "agility" of the sound transfer between channels in the car sounds great. The oomph of it, and the channeling of mids to the 9"ers in the door was a godawful mistake. Bose option is extremely overpriced and performs VERY poorly for that money you charge. 5) Headroom is snug with the moonroom unless you like driving "gangsta". 6) Options are PRICE-GOUGING. $65 for a clip-on piece of aluminum? $200 for 4 accent pieces of polished aluminum? Give me a break guys. $60 for four pieces of rubber to cover the floormats? This stuff costs so little to make, and we know it. Stop gouging us on options prices to make us complete our car. 7) Better battery OEM 8) Hotter plugs OEM 9) Reshape trunk opening for easier access...make more of trunk rear go up with the trunk lid if you must. |
Originally posted by zoom44 i dont understand this one. please elaborate. |
1. I think the back seats would be more usuable if the driver side had a quick release feature mentioned earlier in this thread. I wouldn't mind if both seats were non-powered ones. I hate adjusting the driver's seat just so someone can get into the back seat.
2. Some type of mod to make interior cooler (heat shield, cabin air intake farther from engine, etc.) 3. Changing dipstick angle (mentioned earlier) is a good idea. 4. Aux input 5. Not doing the other stuff mentioned earlier in the thread that would raise price and weight, and potentially reduce reliability. |
Originally posted by Haze ...Currently, I have bought the trunk net thing and have used metal rings to clip off a part of it so a single bottle of oil can stand up in there, but the bottle gets crunched sometimes by stuff in the trunk sliding around at high G's. (The car seems to experience high G driving although I'm not sure how that happens :) That's my thinkin' on it. Tomorrow or the day after i'll have my camera, if you want i can show you how I did it and never had a problem of oil spoilage :) |
Lots of great ideas here! I've heard others say they wanted analog speedometer. Personally, I really like the digital and especially it's location. I typically drive with left hand at 12:00, which blocks speedo in most other cars.
"quick release" on drivers side would be really appreciated. more storage in the center console and/or doors would be nice. The cupholders should have those removable inserts I see in other cars to make cleaning them easy and ability to snugly hold a range of drink sizes. My biggest issue is with the mileage. I know I'm pretty lead footed, but even when I make an attempt to drive like a grandma to see the best mileage I can get... I'm still barely getting over 16mpg. That hurts at over $2/gallon over time. Just to throw in some positives too... I love the car overall. It handles fantastic, comfortable as can be, and gets lots of looks. It really does seem to be a great enthusiasts car for an affordable price. |
Oh yeah... interior heat... I live in the south where the sun is hot as $#*@. The black interior does look cool, but the big black dash soaks up and retains the sun's heat and makes the car an oven. A light colored interior would be a nice option for us sun-belt drivers.
How about a dipstick that is more easily accessible too. |
Originally posted by policyvote Okay, you realize that you're asking for 300+ HP (meaning forced induction), but you also want it to weigh 200 pounds less than a stock Civic Si? That's physically impossible at the 8's current dimensions, and completely impractical at the Miata-like dimensions you'd need to hit that weight target. In fact, during the development of the Mazdaspeed MX-5, they tried a 250-HP version, and REJECTED it. They said it felt like a Mustang convertible, with the power completely overwhelming the chassis' ability to handle it . . . and that's what you're asking for with the 8. The 8 is not supposed to be an ultralight, ultrapowerful supercar . . . it's supposed to be a sport sedan that's blast to drive. If you must have the track star, buy an FD and mod the hell out of it. Peace policy Lotus Elise Engine: Toyota supplied, 4 cylinder, dohc 4 valves per cylinder with variable valve timing and lift Capacity: 1796 cm3 Bore/Stroke: 82.0 mm / 85.0 mm Maximum Power: 190 hp (141 kW) @ 7800 rpm (DIN 70020) Maximum Torque: 138 lb ft (181 Nm) @ 6800 rpm (DIN 70020) Compression Ratio: 11.5 : 1 Fuel tank Capacity: 10.5 U.S. gallons Gearbox/Clutch: 6-speed close ratio with single dry plate clutch Ratios - First: 3.17:1 Second: 2.05:1 Third: 1.48:1 Fourth: 1.17:1 Fifth: 0.92:1 Sixth: 0.81:1 Final drive: 4.53:1 Reverse: 3.25:1 Technical Data Wheels: 8-spoke cast alloy Front - 5.5J x 16, Rear - 7.5J x 17 Tyres: Yokohama Advan Neova AD07 Front - 175/55 R16, Rear - 225/45 R17 Performance 0-60 mph: 4.9 sec, 4.7 sec (Sports Pack) 0-100 mph: 13.0 sec Standing 1/4: circa 13.6 sec Top speed: 150 mph 0 - 100 mph - 0: circa 17.5 sec 100 mph - 0: circa 85m Fuel consumption: to be finalized prior to launch Curb weight: under 2000 lbs to be finalized prior to launch. Full fuel, road ready, no passengers Weight is the enemy..........I am sure the RX-8 could go on a diet. |
It's all about balance -> many have already referenced the give-n-take impact on price, weight, reliability, performance. I think the Rx8 has hit the mark nearly dead on. My comments would be limited to:
1) Gas mileage - again, it's about balance. For the MPG I get (15-16), I should have better power OR have better mileage for the power I have. 2) Drink holders and seat heater switches need to be moved or redesigned such that they do not interfere with driving. 3) The drivers seat should have the "quick release" feature. Otherwise I think the vehicle is truely awesome!! |
Hey Baller,
That Lotus is sharp! The performance reads excellent as well. It is, however, a two seater thats over $40K. Lots more stuff in the RX8 to add weight, so dont' know if Mazda could get there. |
I'll agree on the cupholder issue- maybe a telescoping holder up by the middle vents? The sliding console cover does feel pretty flimsy, although I haven't had a problem yet. Funny how everyone wants better HP and mileage- aren't they inversely proportional? I know rotarygod's gonna come back at me saying it could be tuned better. Maybe it can, and if so, do it! Also, my right knee would often hit the keychain dangling from the ignition. My solution was to get a valet key chain, which I now keep in my pocket while driving with only the key. Just brought that up since a lot of people complained about being too tall. Telescoping steering wheel would be nice, too. Other than that, no complaints. Keep up the good work, Mazda!
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We can all find things we want to add, and would never get enough goodies. We already got a great machine for the money, so if you want more be prepared to pay more. The only thing I need to make me happy is for them to come up with a definitive convenient fix for this cycling a/c. All my dealer said was take it in and they'd check it out, which means nothing. If and when this a/c gets improved, I'll be a 100% satisfied buyer, but it still pisses me off you pay all this money, and the a/c bites the big one.
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Uh, the Lotus Elise is a TINY TWO-SEATER, like the Miata or RX-7 . . . which were the two vehicles I mentioned that would be small enough to MAYBE hit that weight target.
So, let's try this again: the RX-8 is a four-door, four-seat sport sedan. It's a very small and sporty four-door, four-seat sport sedan, but it is what it is. Again, if you're looking for an ultralight, ultrapowerful supercar, get an RX-7 and mod it. Or wait for that Elise to finally get launched Stateside. Or wait for the new RX-7. Peace policy |
Originally posted by RotorManiac C'mon Haze its very easy to hold a bottle of oil in the trunk! Tomorrow or the day after i'll have my camera, if you want i can show you how I did it and never had a problem of oil spoilage :) Can't wait to see what you've got, and if you can't some up with images just use a good desscription. Look forward to hearing it. |
Originally posted by murix Yeah, the heavy engine and that really heavy carbon fiber driveshaft. The brakes are one of the last things that need to be upgraded. I am fine with the stock tire sizing as well. A larger fuel tank would cause more weight. Fuel is heavy. I guess I am fine with the car as it is and some minimal upgrades. I just want the Mazdaspeed version with more efficient ecu tuning. |
I am VERY pleased with the 8!!! I only see a couple of things for improvement, and the #1 complaint for me deals with the moonroof. I LOVE light and the moonroof gives me such pleasure. But here in the South, sudden thunderstorms are frequent. WHY oh WHY is there not a 1-touch close for the moonroof?? You have to HOLD the button while it closes. That is a danger if you are driving and it suddenly starts raining! An auto close just like the driver-side window would be easy and safer! This is the first vehicle I've owned that didn't do that!
Thank you and keep up the good work!! :D |
Please do NOT add things like powered back windows or passenger seats, at least not standard.
Put the front cupholders back further, so they are not in the way during driving. I do not care about sipping on a soda while driving. Please make a Telescoping steering wheel. I'm only 6 foot but my legs are long and arms are short, it really sucks to have have my legs cramped a little bit in order to reach the steering wheel comfortably. Make it so that the doors do not swing shut on their own. Its kinda embarassing to open up the door and have it almost slam into you as your getting out in a parking lot. Taller gearing for 5th and 6th gear is a must. As it is now 5th gear is utterly useless and it would be nice to cruise at 80 MPH @3k rpms or slightly less Give an option of a factory or dealer installed supercharger/turbo. Mica Blue and Amber exterior colors would be great too. |
Oh, yeah, one more thing- It seems like turning on the front defroster also turns on the A/C. This seems standard on a lot of vehicles. However, if it does indeed turn on the A/C, make the A/C light also turn on. If it's supposed to, maybe mine's just broken, but let the driver know if the A/C is on or not, especially if it can be activated by pressing anything other than the A/C button.
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I agree with policyvote. I'm not sure that the Elise should be the goal for the RX-8. They are different in every way. I have had my eye on Elise ever since their England birthday, but driving my family and me around in a go kart isn't what I wanted, and definitley not why I bought the RX-8. I like my near-perfect-for-me RX8 for what it is, and isn't.
Good luck getting an Elise. They planned on importing 2000 in the first year and have already taken orders for more than that. Interestingly, there was a big CEO shakeup and now the previous SE MNAO regional general manager took his place. So there is a Mazda connection to Lotus USA now! See link: http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=02629959 |
This is more in the interest of refinement rather then the, add this and that please....
- Guages - please make the analog guages in the car "REAL" guages, not on/off "dummy" gauges. Also if possible please include (sorry I said I didn't want to add) a voltmeter. - Seat Heater Switches: Change them as this would be an easy thing to do, even without moving the location (I do hit them on rare occasion). Just replace them with flush mount (a la 3rd gen Rx-7 (FD) ) style. They have 3 swithes there that don't impede past the height of the center console. - Passenger side mat should include a peg as well ($2 option) so it doesn't slide forward. These are small and not expensive (read as realistic) that could be easily be implemented. |
Originally posted by Haze Hit me, I'm all ears!!! I'm sure that lots of people would be interested in your solution, but I've got to tell you now, I'm lookin' for elegance. :) Can't wait to see what you've got, and if you can't some up with images just use a good desscription. Look forward to hearing it. Here is the bottle on the trunk of my car. Sorry, the photos are not good because it was raining very heavily that day and got everything dirty! |
Originally posted by Haze You are correct about the compartment in the pass through, and you have caught me out in my laziness. I hate crawling into the back of the car to open that thing up and reach into that bin so much that I gave up on it. It was really pissin' me off, and it seems to me that it would be mind bogglingly easy to mold a small compartment into one of the trunk trim panels. There is plenty of space because of all the insulation in the back of the panel. It's totally doable, and it would be much easier to acccess than the compartment in the pass through. |
Oh... heh:D forgot to write the description. Its 1litre bottle (you can find one in a pharmacy maybe, I have lots of them in mine:) ) I removed the blue sticker from the original 5litre bottle(that was impossible to fit in the trunk!)
The bottle itself does not allow oil to be spilled, but just in case I wrapped it with that yellow paper, which absorbs oil quite well, I tried it! That paper roll near the bottle is just extra paper for checking the oil (with the dipstick, so that I don't get my hands dirty every time). It also helps to keep the bottle upright! |
There are many differences between Greece and America . . . men dancing with men at weddings . . . lots of isllands filled with beautiful topless women, and that bottle. I've never seen one like it in my life. Of course here, oil is sold in quarts in plastic bottles that do the job OK, although wrapping paper around the top is a good simple idea.
I like strapping it to the patch kit. God knows it would make something useful out of that thing. However, your solution has the same fundemental problem that mine has (putting it in a looped off part of the cargo net posted above). If I put anything heavy in the trunk and it smashes into the bottle, I've still got trouble. I don't know; I'm not convinced. I want a compartment in the side that puts the oil out of way of harm at least a bit. I'm thinkin' of trying to strap it to the underside of the cargo deck. Thanks for posting your solution though! I'm going to try wrapping some paper around the top too. All the best - Haze |
Originally posted by Haze There are many differences between Greece and America . . . men dancing with men at weddings . . . lots of isllands filled with beautiful topless women, and that bottle. I've never seen one like it in my life. Of course here, oil is sold in quarts in plastic bottles that do the job OK, although wrapping paper around the top is a good simple idea. Originally posted by Haze I like strapping it to the patch kit. God knows it would make something useful out of that thing. However, your solution has the same fundemental problem that mine has (putting it in a looped off part of the cargo net posted above). If I put anything heavy in the trunk and it smashes into the bottle, I've still got trouble. I don't know; I'm not convinced. I want a compartment in the side that puts the oil out of way of harm at least a bit. I'm thinkin' of trying to strap it to the underside of the cargo deck. Believe me, the problem you are talking about never occured to me and I've travelled many trips with the trunk full of heavy luggages and because the roads here ain't so good the bottle has definately been severly squeezed. I also go sideways, full throttle and heavy braking, not a SINGLE drop has come out! The wrapping paper hasn't been stained at all :) Unless you want to put an anvil in there...:D Originally posted by Haze Thanks for posting your solution though! I'm going to try wrapping some paper around the top too. All the best - Haze |
1) colder AC
2) More torque 3) Move cupholders and make them deeper 4) Telescoping steering wheel (as option) 5) Get gas mileage into the low 20's consistently |
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