nycgps

iTrader: (1)

No heated side mirrors ? wtf ?

At least thats what I see on the list of options.

can I install it myself ?

No rain sensing wipers ? -_-

Does the Blisetin shocks really cost that much extra? O_O

and for some reason, the R3 is heavier than automatic -_-

Icemark

The heated side mirrors are very simple. You can either get the glass and run two wires into the plug in the door or replace the whole mirror assembly with a heated one and plug it into the plugs in the door. If it takes an hour I would be surprised. Pretty much the same amount (or slightly less) work as putting in puddle lights.

Normally only the GT gets heater mirrors.

Rain sensing wipers are only on the 09+ GT models. But I am sure you could add them by plugging in the sensor and replacing the switch or plugging in the control module (ash8 would probably figure it out for you).

The Bilsteins are just OEM Bilsteins and should not be confused with real Bilsteins like what you would get in the aftermarket. The "stock" Bilstiens are simply re-valved stock struts painted Yellow.

Wheels, tires, seats and body kits weigh a lot.

I am more bummed that you can't get an R3 with a Sunroof. Oh well I'll wait until the 16X model comes out and then wait one more year (I never buy the first year of a new car).

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

I did the puddle lights before so if thats all it needs (changing the mirror assembly), that would be easy

not quite sure about Rain sensing wipers, if I can get a copy of the service manual for the 09s, then I might be able to figure it out.

the reason I ask about Bilstein is that, I have HiperMax III installed on my car right now, I like it, and its a ton better than stock Tokicos. so if these Blistein shocks weren't that much "better" than stock Tokicos, if I do get the R3, I will change them out right away (and sell these Blistein off)

19" wheels are real nice, but bigger wheels = higher cost tires =

shazy

Im wondering if anyone dyno'ed the 09+ rx8.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

if they have some good deals like 4K customer cash or even more for 09, I will jumpppp right away and dyno that sucker

robrecht

yes, same.

dondo

iTrader: (7)

i'm sure they do.. why are you looking to change though?

SilverHokie

iTrader: (1)

Man...My dealer here has one. He said 4% APR financing...wow. I mean...I told him is that APR really for black folk and he laughed. I was serious. I would not be approved for that APR...but I think that's what some get with the R3.

Razz1

Definate not worth it for that ugly thing. Keep the 8 for two years and get your moneys worth.

PSTNLSS

iTrader: (3)

I'm not bad talking the 2009's. The R3 comes with some pretty features. But Mazda halted RX-8 production, if I've heard correctly? So 2009 parts are gonna be a bit tougher to fit down the road.

Just my $.02

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

I think the powertrain "update" alone is well worth it. Plus the new car smell ... yum ...

If they didn't fuxked the exterior up like that ... *shurgs*

Lets just see what kind of deals they have for next month. Current 09 deal is just not good enough (I have 700+ points, so I have good credit, even I have tons of loans )

Detrich

i think car & driver's passive aggressive review of the r3 is a sign of their bi-polar disorder... i mean, give me a break, "killer 300-watt bose stereo system?" since when has the oem stereo in the rx-8 come anywhere close to being called "killer?" much less the one on the R3? they must be smoking crack.

i might be tempted to trade up also if mazda had an rx-8 model that combined the best of the R3 with the best of the GT though... ie, the body/ exterior/ performance mods/ wheels of the R3 paired with comfort/ amenities (leather seats, moonroof, navi etc.) of the GT... also, WTF ever happened to lightning yellow as a color? that was THE best color of the 8, and they only offered it in 2004... which is why i didn't get to buy one...

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

Same here, 16X ftw. Mazda can you hear me ...

delhi

Yeah I'm with Icemark... no sunroof for the R3 is a bummer. all my cars have sunroofs and they are great for natural light during the dull grey winters here in Vancouver. I dunno if the Bilsteins will have the same performance as your HypermaxIII nygyps. Best to drive the R3.
370z is also an interesting option.

Chibana

I think you guys are missing the point of the R3. It's the track ready model. It intentionally forgoes some of the fluff of the GT to save weight and keep it simpler. Specifically, power moonroofs are terrible for handling, as they add significant weight high up on the car. I probably will not be getting the R3 after having sat in one (finally)--the seat is just a bit too narrow for me to be comfortable in for more than maybe 30 minutes at a time. However, would much rather skip the power moonroof that is on both of the GTs at my local dealer for better weight and weight distribution. It also digs too far into the headroom. Wearing a helmet on open track days will be a tight fit for me.

Maffu313

iTrader: (2)

I would love to have a cross between an R3 and a GT model =) the moonroof + navi + recaro bucket seats + heated mirrors/seats (i want heated steering wheel >.> so darn cold in the winter)

the '09 RX-8 doesn't look that great though, I liked the '04-'08 one better, especially the Shinka model ones with the accents on the front fenders :D

Maffu313

iTrader: (2)

did i mention that the interior colors for the '09 are really crappy? they're 'red' leather looks so bad, I would much rather have that two-tone leather (red and black) or the one in the Shinkas (the tan colored leather + suede?)

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

yea, R3 is more like a track model, seriously speaking I dont care about the moon roof option. I dont even use mine. and without moon roof, I can get maybe another inch of clearance, with it I can put my helmet on more comfy

and I dont need navi. I can always install them ya know

Im pretty sure HiperMax III that I have is better than the stock blistein.

Lets just see what kind of deal they will have next month (or the coming months)

SilverHokie

iTrader: (1)

I agree...you don't need Navi on the track unless your that stupid and if you need a moonroof on the track too...well you get the point!

In my personal opinion, the R3's interior, body-kit, and wheels are all positives to me...but it should DEFINITELY cost as much as the GT, or even less?

FallenAngelHIM

Personally, I think the R3 is pretty sick. Isn't the point of the R3 to be the top of the line club racer model? Yeah, it's devoid of all the options, but that's the point of a club racer...weight reduction. Take a look at the S2000 CR, lots of parts removed to make it lighter. Dodge Viper ACR, lightened by up to 800 lbs. I think Spec Miatas are the same fashion.

Honestly, I'd take an R3 from manufacturer with stiff suspension and little options to save the weight over one with all the works anyday. But that's just me.

mscamp02

iTrader: (3)

^ Id have to take one with the works but thats just me, I'm not a track kinda guy............yet.

shazy

Im more of a luxury guy... but like to have fun so it's pretty cool when you have all the kit in your car. But seriously, if I would think about getting this car, I wouldn't get the Nav and the moonroof because it's like a track version... The GT version is another story :D

Icemark

The R3 is a poser track car, not a real track car. If it was a real car made for track use, it wouldn't have the bose stereo, advanced keyless, fog lights, side sills and rear spoiler and a optional automatic transmission.

The R3 is nothing more than a Shinka or 40th AE just in S2 form.

arghx7

I think the R3 does have a lot of its option package in common with the original R1 of the FD3S. The R1 had no sunroof, a spoiler and front lip, same wheels but upgraded tires, dual oil coolers (which every FD should have had), with stiffer suspension and a few other "stripper" options like no leather or rear wiper. But the R3, just like the Rx-8 in general, is a little softened from what the FD was. So they throw a few other options in there like a "killer" sound system

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, I dont really get the Bose part.

IMO, Bose makes mediocre system. if I want anything above mid-grade, Bose? Hell no

But I guess this has something to do with the market. Average joe thinks "Bose is da ****!" and there're always more "average dumbass" than "people like us who knows what we're doing"

so yeah. R3 will have Bose. (and its a pain in the *** to remove it all. thats why I didnt remove mine in my 8 )