Somethings that might be neat iin the years to come.
Lubricious
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,425
Likes: 4
From: SF Bay Area, California
Originally posted by Gord96BRG
Nope, not Ford, it was someone from Mazda's Customer Service Department, combined with their Accounting Department - back in 1995! The first Miatas had a proper analog oil pressure gauge. Mazda got tired of the endless phone calls from owners who had never seen a real OPG before, and who never bothered to read the manual. "My oil pressure is moving around all the time!" "My oil pressure is low at idle" "My oil pressure is real high when I rev the engine when it's cold". All perfectly normal, yet they had way too many calls from people asking silly questions. Also, the on/off type of sender and gauge head are significantly cheaper than the proper analog equivalents, so between those two factors Mazda switched the Miata from the real gauge to the idiot (on/off) gauge for the 1995 model year. The RX-8 just continues that usage (as the Miata still does too).
Regards,
Gordon
Nope, not Ford, it was someone from Mazda's Customer Service Department, combined with their Accounting Department - back in 1995! The first Miatas had a proper analog oil pressure gauge. Mazda got tired of the endless phone calls from owners who had never seen a real OPG before, and who never bothered to read the manual. "My oil pressure is moving around all the time!" "My oil pressure is low at idle" "My oil pressure is real high when I rev the engine when it's cold". All perfectly normal, yet they had way too many calls from people asking silly questions. Also, the on/off type of sender and gauge head are significantly cheaper than the proper analog equivalents, so between those two factors Mazda switched the Miata from the real gauge to the idiot (on/off) gauge for the 1995 model year. The RX-8 just continues that usage (as the Miata still does too).
Regards,
Gordon
"...I'm a Dapper Dan man"
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 840
Likes: 1
From: Newport News, Va
[i]
vertical doors that open up... \_/ [/B]
vertical doors that open up... \_/ [/B]
Weld up the two doors and put them on gull wing hinges. Or maybe with hydraulic lifts. Now that would be killer!!
Just imagine the looks you would get at the local K-mart when you get in or out of that!
:D
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 493
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, Calif.
We all want the automotive Holy Grail: more power on less fuel!
The separate oil supply idea is great.
I'd also like to see:
A CD changer that reads CD-text info.
Vehicle status included on the Nav display -- such things as compass (that actually looks like a compass and reads out your actual heading), current MPG, mpg since reset, and full engine instrumentation. This would make for a cluttered display, so make it switchable.
An auxiliary power socket that is powered all the time.
A little larger centre console for larger items that you still want to keep handy.
All options available in all markets, and available on an a-la-carte basis -- no having to take a whole package just to get one or two items.
Integrated cell phone (Bluetooth?) with auto-answer and speakerphone that automatically lowers the stereo volume.
An auxiliary audio "line-in" jack in the centre console or glove box (console preferred).
True dual exhaust system (unless there is a technical reason not to). Two rotors, two exhaust pipes; it just makes sense.
Auto-up and auto-down on both windows with retained power for a few minutes.
Two-door/four-door option -- some of us don't need the back doors, and wider front doors would be preferred.
True hatchback design and more room for the (standard!) spare tire.
Wow! It's hard to think of ways to improve this car that are legal.
The separate oil supply idea is great.
I'd also like to see:
A CD changer that reads CD-text info.
Vehicle status included on the Nav display -- such things as compass (that actually looks like a compass and reads out your actual heading), current MPG, mpg since reset, and full engine instrumentation. This would make for a cluttered display, so make it switchable.
An auxiliary power socket that is powered all the time.
A little larger centre console for larger items that you still want to keep handy.
All options available in all markets, and available on an a-la-carte basis -- no having to take a whole package just to get one or two items.
Integrated cell phone (Bluetooth?) with auto-answer and speakerphone that automatically lowers the stereo volume.
An auxiliary audio "line-in" jack in the centre console or glove box (console preferred).
True dual exhaust system (unless there is a technical reason not to). Two rotors, two exhaust pipes; it just makes sense.
Auto-up and auto-down on both windows with retained power for a few minutes.
Two-door/four-door option -- some of us don't need the back doors, and wider front doors would be preferred.
True hatchback design and more room for the (standard!) spare tire.
Wow! It's hard to think of ways to improve this car that are legal.
Pu-36 Space Modulator
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 463
Likes: 0
From: St Charles, MO
Originally posted by ultrafit1
..... a gear indicator light that would tell you what gear your in !!!!!
..... a gear indicator light that would tell you what gear your in !!!!!
I also agree with the power rear windows. I would love to open them to get a good cross breeze, but they're WAY TOO inconvenient to open.
North County Boi
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: The OC
Here's my list:
- Auto headlights
- Power rear windows
- Move interior trunk release to the door
- Auto up/down front windows (my $15k Golf had these!!!)
- Make gas filler flap release electonic and move to door with trunk release
- Integrated key fob and key, like Audi/VW
- Move cupholders forward
- 5 speed auto trans with more power
- Glue on exterior badges so they can be easily removed
- Telescoping steering wheel (again, $15k Golf had this)
- Adjustable seat belts
- Auto open/close sunroof
- Satellite radio option
- Climate control
I'm sure I'll think of more later...but this is a start...
- Power rear windows
- Move interior trunk release to the door
- Auto up/down front windows (my $15k Golf had these!!!)
- Make gas filler flap release electonic and move to door with trunk release
- Integrated key fob and key, like Audi/VW
- Move cupholders forward
- 5 speed auto trans with more power
- Glue on exterior badges so they can be easily removed
- Telescoping steering wheel (again, $15k Golf had this)
- Adjustable seat belts
- Auto open/close sunroof
- Satellite radio option
- Climate control
I'm sure I'll think of more later...but this is a start...
uhhhhh....hello?
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 0
-auto on/off headlights
-bi-xenon
-integrated key with controls
-auto up/down windows
-power rear vents
-auto sunroof
-toggleable trip computer that will display:
current mpg
drivable distance on tank
front tire pressure for both tires (not REALLY neccessary)
rear tire pressure for both tires (not REALLY neccessary)
trip a
trip b
these can be toggled through with a button on the rear/front (doesnt matter the location i suppose) of the steering wheel
________
OUTDOOR COUPLE
-bi-xenon
-integrated key with controls
-auto up/down windows
-power rear vents
-auto sunroof
-toggleable trip computer that will display:
current mpg
drivable distance on tank
front tire pressure for both tires (not REALLY neccessary)
rear tire pressure for both tires (not REALLY neccessary)
trip a
trip b
these can be toggled through with a button on the rear/front (doesnt matter the location i suppose) of the steering wheel
________
OUTDOOR COUPLE
Last edited by P00Man; Apr 16, 2011 at 08:50 PM.
Junior in High School
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
5 or 6 speed auto... like some you said... mazda would increase sales by having a high pwer auto... they would a sale from me... half the Z's are automatic ... cause the power is there with the auto.
"...I'm a Dapper Dan man"
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 840
Likes: 1
From: Newport News, Va
Another thing that would be nice would be auto tilting side mirrors.
Considering that the car has such a high beltline and it is hard to see when backing into a parking space (i'm 5'4").
My 2002 VW Passat W8 had these mirrors that would tilt down to a preset position when shifting the car into reverse. You could put into reverse and adjust the mirror so you could see the line or the car next to you or whatnot and upon shifting into drive or first gear, the mirror would return to its original position.
This is one feature that I really miss. I sometimes must open the door to see the line and the position of the car in the parking stall.
Considering that the car has such a high beltline and it is hard to see when backing into a parking space (i'm 5'4").
My 2002 VW Passat W8 had these mirrors that would tilt down to a preset position when shifting the car into reverse. You could put into reverse and adjust the mirror so you could see the line or the car next to you or whatnot and upon shifting into drive or first gear, the mirror would return to its original position.
This is one feature that I really miss. I sometimes must open the door to see the line and the position of the car in the parking stall.
Registered
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, AB
Originally posted by rx-7~rx-8
5 or 6 speed auto... like some you said... mazda would increase sales by having a high pwer auto... they would a sale from me... half the Z's are automatic ... cause the power is there with the auto.
5 or 6 speed auto... like some you said... mazda would increase sales by having a high pwer auto... they would a sale from me... half the Z's are automatic ... cause the power is there with the auto.
Regards,
Gordon
Lubricious
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,425
Likes: 4
From: SF Bay Area, California
Originally posted by Rotary Nut
Another thing that would be nice would be auto tilting side mirrors.
Considering that the car has such a high beltline and it is hard to see when backing into a parking space (i'm 5'4").
My 2002 VW Passat W8 had these mirrors that would tilt down to a preset position when shifting the car into reverse. You could put into reverse and adjust the mirror so you could see the line or the car next to you or whatnot and upon shifting into drive or first gear, the mirror would return to its original position.
This is one feature that I really miss. I sometimes must open the door to see the line and the position of the car in the parking stall.
Another thing that would be nice would be auto tilting side mirrors.
Considering that the car has such a high beltline and it is hard to see when backing into a parking space (i'm 5'4").
My 2002 VW Passat W8 had these mirrors that would tilt down to a preset position when shifting the car into reverse. You could put into reverse and adjust the mirror so you could see the line or the car next to you or whatnot and upon shifting into drive or first gear, the mirror would return to its original position.
This is one feature that I really miss. I sometimes must open the door to see the line and the position of the car in the parking stall.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Goleta, CA
Originally posted by Nubo
You can get a little stick-on convex mirror that applies to the side mirror. They come in small sizes and I find them useful for gauging rear traffic. Also lets you see parking lines without opening the door. Not everyone likes them but I do. Not as neat as auto-tilting mirrors but they work.
You can get a little stick-on convex mirror that applies to the side mirror. They come in small sizes and I find them useful for gauging rear traffic. Also lets you see parking lines without opening the door. Not everyone likes them but I do. Not as neat as auto-tilting mirrors but they work.
100% Italian
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 9,422
Likes: 0
From: orange,ca
Originally posted by -=Zeqs=-
I wouldn't feel right looking at a 3 dollar mirror within my side rear-view mirrors on my brand new 30K sports car.
I wouldn't feel right looking at a 3 dollar mirror within my side rear-view mirrors on my brand new 30K sports car.
but they might help from chrashing your 30k car
Registered
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis, MO
I love my 8, but since you asked.....
- CLIMATE CONTROL
- auto headlights
- interior oil level gauge
- cup holder moved forward
- auto seat controls on the center console
- CLIMATE CONTROL
- integrated key/remote
- auto lock doors when car engages
- option to have the entire car with a clear 3M coating
- integrated phone
- CLIMATE CONTROL
- better sound system
- dual sun visors to cover front and side windows if needed
- random play for all 6 CDs
- option to add Nav system after market (my fault, not Mazda's)
- CLIMATE CONTROL
- peel off stickers on the sun visors.....heck I will even sign a waiver to have those off
- power after the ignition is off to close the sun roof
- auto window up
- auto sun roof close
- CLIMATE CONTROL
Did I mention Climate Control?
Yes, yes, I know the aussies and brits have it.......sigh......
Last edited by RedJade; Dec 2, 2003 at 10:31 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Utah
Here is a thought. Why not have three
spark plugs per roter instead of two? It seems to me that the biggest complaint so far is the poor gas milage. If you have three, one at each end of TDC and one in the middle, then fuel burn would be more thorough and HP would increase. It would also improve fuel economy. Just a thought.... But the engineers probably thought about that too. Probably too good of an idea.
spark plugs per roter instead of two? It seems to me that the biggest complaint so far is the poor gas milage. If you have three, one at each end of TDC and one in the middle, then fuel burn would be more thorough and HP would increase. It would also improve fuel economy. Just a thought.... But the engineers probably thought about that too. Probably too good of an idea.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Ventura County
Random on all 6 cd for sure - (hard to believe we'd have to ask)
Climate control - (Pisses me off that you can see the impression in the logicon for it)
E-brake flush
Auto Seat Presets
MPG status
Oil Metering Tank - (2 cycle mix) with auto motor oil bypass
Dimmable white gauge cluster - (only dimmable in orange mode, and too bright in white mode)
Single button sun roof - (Like the 3rd gen RX-7)
Rotor Shaped radio cluster ring - (What's with the circle?)
Accurate water temp gauge - (Looks like mazda still doesn't want us to know how hot the rotary runs)
Quick Shift Auto in manual mode - (feels a bit too slow)
Better window buttons - (I think they forgot or ran out of time to do a focus group on this area)
Louder door lock actuators - (Just a personal thing. I like to hear them lock rather than turn around to see the lights flash)
Adapt the tail lights of a late 3rd gen 7
Climate control - (Pisses me off that you can see the impression in the logicon for it)
E-brake flush
Auto Seat Presets
MPG status
Oil Metering Tank - (2 cycle mix) with auto motor oil bypass
Dimmable white gauge cluster - (only dimmable in orange mode, and too bright in white mode)
Single button sun roof - (Like the 3rd gen RX-7)
Rotor Shaped radio cluster ring - (What's with the circle?)
Accurate water temp gauge - (Looks like mazda still doesn't want us to know how hot the rotary runs)
Quick Shift Auto in manual mode - (feels a bit too slow)
Better window buttons - (I think they forgot or ran out of time to do a focus group on this area)
Louder door lock actuators - (Just a personal thing. I like to hear them lock rather than turn around to see the lights flash)
Adapt the tail lights of a late 3rd gen 7
Pu-36 Space Modulator
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 463
Likes: 0
From: St Charles, MO
Originally posted by Magnesium
Most of all, I think a light under the hood to see the dipstick receptor. It's a pain looking down there in the dark and find where it goes.
Most of all, I think a light under the hood to see the dipstick receptor. It's a pain looking down there in the dark and find where it goes.
Rotary eXperimental-8
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,830
Likes: 0
From: Gander, Newfoundland, Canada
This does absolutely nothing to benefit the performance but wouldn't it be cool to have our analog gauges do a full sweep everytime we start our magnificent 8? I think it adds to the already huge "cool" factor of the car
Sunlight GT
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
From: VA
my wish-list includes features related to the seating position that I believe are very important to best enjoy your rx8 drive:
1- driver seat memory
2- telescopic steering wheel
3- power adjustable padels ... like in Nissan Titan for ajusting distance from the steering wheel.
Titan's Power Adjustable Pedals are connected to the memory system, so you can program settings for two different drivers. I think #2 and #3 above should get you into that perfect seating position.
1- driver seat memory
2- telescopic steering wheel
3- power adjustable padels ... like in Nissan Titan for ajusting distance from the steering wheel.
Titan's Power Adjustable Pedals are connected to the memory system, so you can program settings for two different drivers. I think #2 and #3 above should get you into that perfect seating position.
Last edited by Maximus; Dec 31, 2003 at 08:53 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville, NC
Originally posted by Rotary Nut
Get rid of the holes/dots in the sun visors and make them solid.
Get rid of the holes/dots in the sun visors and make them solid.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: norfolk, va
The factory radio looks nice, but I'd like to be able to upgrade to an in-dash DVD/TV/CD/MP3...
How about a driver side handle to help with the dismount from the cockpit...
A larger trunk opening or folding seats...
An easier way to engage reverse... (I ended up in a ditch trying to make a 3 pt. turn and didn't fully engage) yeah I'm a new manual driver
How about a driver side handle to help with the dismount from the cockpit...
A larger trunk opening or folding seats...
An easier way to engage reverse... (I ended up in a ditch trying to make a 3 pt. turn and didn't fully engage) yeah I'm a new manual driver