Went to the Kansas City International Auto Show last night to see the RX-8 in person. I was a bit dissappointed because the car they had on display was the black pre-production unit. Also, it was roped off so I could not get too close or sit inside. It was interesting however because this pre-production unit has some extras on it like chin spoiler, side skirts and rear tail. The Mazda representative said that these accessories will be available from Mazda at some point. I must say this is a very attractive car! Much better in person than in the pictures. I have some digital photos if anyone is interested. Let me know.

 

I saw the car this afternoon. Light traffic near the display and I asked to get a closer look which was obliged by the 'spokesperson'. The interior was a bit of a mess, missing the cover for the fusebox and the covers for the shift padels on the steering wheel. The 'aero' bits on the rocker panel look not unlike the appearance package trim on the Miata (which I hate ). I asked if I could see the trunk and was pleasently surprised. My initial thought (based on the few pix I've seen) was that it wasn't very deep - front to back. It looks big enough to take a week's worth of luggage/gear for two.