how many different models do you think the Rx8 will have? I am thinking around 2 or 3...

 

I imagine there will be a base, a touring (read: automatic), and performance.

 

According to my dealer, there will be a base plus two packages; one of the packages will include an automatic.

 

There will be a base which comes with 16" wheels, and either a package or a different trim level that comes with 18" Z-rated tires, and probably a few other goodies.

 

You write this as if it is a fact. Do you have any other information that what has been previously released or in auto mags?

 

I think it was in the R&T article last month that indicated there would be 2 trim levels, one w/ 16" wheels with a 6 speed only and another w/ 18" wheels with an automatic available as an option.

mark me down for Orange (with confederate flag and "01" on the doors:D ), 6 speed, with 16" wheels. OK maybe just orange

 

I have that issue of R/T and I believe it was 18" w/6 speed and 16" w/auto.

So General Lee will have 18" wheels.

 

My bad, the article doesn't state which wheels come with which transmission. I just assumed 18's with 6 speed since that is what was tested. You can read the article here, Road & Track - RX-8 .

 

Look at the new 350Z offerings as a template. There's a base (smaller rims), touring (auto), and performance (18" rims). I'll bet Mazda won't stray too far from that model.

 

It was in R&T, as others said above. The article is online now at www.roadandtrack.com, its probably the best one yet on the RX-8, complete with a test drive.

 

I believe they said the automatic would likely be slightly depowered, something around 215 hp, no?

I think the Acura RSX might be a good comparison. Base engine (215hp) with perhaps a 5 speed or a manumatic or the full out (250hp) 6 speed with 17" rims I'd guess with 18"'s as an option I would think.

Be nice if all versions had the 250hp with manumatic or 6 speed only. However, I believe there is some difficulty in doing an automatic with super high revs. If you think about all high revving cars, all the automatic versions have a reduced redline.

RSX Base - about 6700 RPM I believe manual or auto.
RSX Type S - 7900 RPM manual only

NSX- auto has a less powerful engine with reduced redline.
NSX- manual I believe is either 8K or 8400 rpm redline.

S2000 - 9000 RPM, manual only.

I would guess this will apply to the RX-8 since redline is likely to be 9K+ RPM. I would think the auto will HAVE to be a detuned version because the redline will have to be lower.

Simple solution? If they got it ready, put in a CVT or paddle shifting automatic manual transmission for those who foolishly want an automatic

 

Not in the R&T article. Don't know about other mags.

I think CVT has the same problem with high power engines. Look at Audi for example.

 

Audi was the only one that was able to put CVT in big engine so far...

I dont really care that much, it will be 6 speed for me