Suggestions for the 2nd gen RX-8
08-14-2007, 08:04 AM
#26
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08-14-2007, 10:14 AM
#27
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08-14-2007, 11:02 AM
#28
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How about a glass dash?
One or two LCD screens with user programmable skins.
Want just a tach , speedo, & lights? -keep the default.
Want full gauges with histograms, just download one from the skins forum.
The options become infinite.
One or two LCD screens with user programmable skins.
Want just a tach , speedo, & lights? -keep the default.
Want full gauges with histograms, just download one from the skins forum.
The options become infinite.
08-14-2007, 03:04 PM
#32
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Dude, mine has that. It was in the "Fat *** American Package", right below the GT package. You didn't see that?
Anyone here who wants FI is silly. No way will it pass emissions. The only States that would get the FI version would be states with no emission laws, and that doesn't make Mazda any money. The RX-8 barely passes California emissions as it is, rotaries are dirty, and a turbo or supercharged Renesis will be uber dirty. Give it up, it ain't gonna happen.
I agree with this. It sounds harsh but it's true. Plus, this will make RX-8 demand rise in a few years after it's killed off, so our resale prices will go up a *little*. Just look at the third gen 7, a clean example can cost you well over $16,000 and that's an at least 12 year old car.
The problem was not too many people got the memo that the RX-8 isn't an RX-7 replacement and expect the same mind-numbing performance a third gen 7 when they hop in an 8.
With Nissan importing the Skyline, Mitsu has the Evo, Suby the WRX, and Toyota is stiring the pot by rumoring a Supra comeback; Mazda has to play the RX-7 card, and figure a way to get a high-powered rotary to pass emissions, and keep it uber lightweight.
Anyone here who wants FI is silly. No way will it pass emissions. The only States that would get the FI version would be states with no emission laws, and that doesn't make Mazda any money. The RX-8 barely passes California emissions as it is, rotaries are dirty, and a turbo or supercharged Renesis will be uber dirty. Give it up, it ain't gonna happen.
I agree with this. It sounds harsh but it's true. Plus, this will make RX-8 demand rise in a few years after it's killed off, so our resale prices will go up a *little*. Just look at the third gen 7, a clean example can cost you well over $16,000 and that's an at least 12 year old car.
The problem was not too many people got the memo that the RX-8 isn't an RX-7 replacement and expect the same mind-numbing performance a third gen 7 when they hop in an 8.
With Nissan importing the Skyline, Mitsu has the Evo, Suby the WRX, and Toyota is stiring the pot by rumoring a Supra comeback; Mazda has to play the RX-7 card, and figure a way to get a high-powered rotary to pass emissions, and keep it uber lightweight.
08-14-2007, 03:07 PM
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08-15-2007, 03:19 AM
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how about dual auto climate swoope? sounds good to me. also def get rid of the radio and throw in a touch screen navi oh and that digtial read out from the 80's it is the year 2000 i seen better digtal writing on alarm clocks
08-15-2007, 02:58 PM
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Slightly larger motor -- broader power band and simply more power (ought to be at least an honest 275 next time around and regain the mantle as Mazda's fastest car)
Direct Fuel Injection -- This would really benefit a rotary motor, IMO, what with its weird combustion chamber shape and all, especially with fuel economy.
DSG type tranny -- would be perfect for a hi-rev rotary and the general character of an RX-8 -- ditch the MTX and ATX and focus resources on one excellent DSG.
Less weird styling -- Sure, the current ones distinctive, but so was the Pontiac Aztec. Recent Mazda concepts bode well in this regard in being both distinctive and pretty.
Lower beltline -- never could understand the gun-bunker styling mentality, sports cars should be about communing and interacting with the outside driving world, not hiding from it.
Hatchback -- they're just soooo useful and with proper styling and egineering, need not have any negatives in terms of weight, rigidity or looking like an economy car.
Direct Fuel Injection -- This would really benefit a rotary motor, IMO, what with its weird combustion chamber shape and all, especially with fuel economy.
DSG type tranny -- would be perfect for a hi-rev rotary and the general character of an RX-8 -- ditch the MTX and ATX and focus resources on one excellent DSG.
Less weird styling -- Sure, the current ones distinctive, but so was the Pontiac Aztec. Recent Mazda concepts bode well in this regard in being both distinctive and pretty.
Lower beltline -- never could understand the gun-bunker styling mentality, sports cars should be about communing and interacting with the outside driving world, not hiding from it.
Hatchback -- they're just soooo useful and with proper styling and egineering, need not have any negatives in terms of weight, rigidity or looking like an economy car.
Last edited by Rhumb; 08-15-2007 at 03:00 PM.
08-15-2007, 11:19 PM
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how about a better sunroof/moonroof. take note of the Scion tC. The roof doesnt stick all the way out like a wing, and it's a larger opening. That's not too much to ask for is it? I think that'd be doable. that and don't make the clutch pedal too deep. my two cents.
08-15-2007, 11:34 PM
#41
I suspect the size/design of the sunroof is limited compared to ordinary cars. Something about the non-B pillar design that necessitates more support/structure in the roof?
08-16-2007, 12:13 AM
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quad rotors
quad turbo
twin turbinators
top mounted inter cooler with a scoop
43.2 miles per gallon
18 inch 10 caliper carbon ceramic brakes
Z rated soft compound tires
quint-exhaust system
free Geneva auto show model
26 inch pimpstar rims http://youtube.com/watch?v=kb3THwZjnHY
starts at $16,991.67
quad turbo
twin turbinators
top mounted inter cooler with a scoop
43.2 miles per gallon
18 inch 10 caliper carbon ceramic brakes
Z rated soft compound tires
quint-exhaust system
free Geneva auto show model
26 inch pimpstar rims http://youtube.com/watch?v=kb3THwZjnHY
starts at $16,991.67
08-16-2007, 03:49 AM
#46
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I want GM to buy Ford's stake in Mazda. Then I want GM to put a turbo LS7 in it that converts carbon dioxide to cottoncandy that gets shot out the exhaust for all to enjoy.
08-16-2007, 10:07 AM
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I was going to start a thread like this myself to express my personal opinions but I may as well state some of them here:
My first issue is all styling related. A new RX8 needs to be more mature; by this I mean less of a boy's car and more of a man's. The styling of the present car has too many frills, too many rotor symbols including the dumb one in the bottom of the front bumper that looks like a buck tooth as many have commented. Think about what separates this car from a BMW3 series or an Infiniti G35 or a Lexus IS. I would suggest that a lot of it is the boy racer poser image. The RX8 isn't taken seriously in many arenas due to many factors, the first of which is styling. The problem seems to come from not knowing what market they were attacking or trying to create a new segment. I call the 8 "The GREAT COMPROMISE". It's really a wonderful car, it just doesn't know if it's a sports car or a a sedan. I would use the new IS as a good example of very sporty and aggressive while still being elegant.
Okay, the horsepower issue. I don't have a problem with the power or torque figures other than being truthful and wise about the way that they are stated and advertised. I found my 8 to be quite quick and exhilarating. Since so much emphasis is put on these peak numbers by the American consumer especially, it's good to have some more powerful versions in your lineup from the start like Lexus or BMW do. The present weight of the car is the heaviest a 13B powered car should ever need to push so that gearing doesn't have to be so funky and compromised which obviously has some effect on your fuel mileage. On the topic of fuel mileage there are several approaches that Mazda's sharp engineers are obviously considering, probably including hybrid technology and direct injection. The current mileage is unacceptable when engines 3 times the size are getting better numbers.
Now to the oil metering system. As I've been saying for years, there should be a separate tank with a warning light for low level and a large sticker under the hood reminding to refill with oil changes. Having to constantly monitor the oil level yourself is insane and again unacceptable for 'normal' people.
All in all, it should attempt to truly be a $30k car through becoming more adult and classy (Chrome where chrome needs to be) and be made more user friendly. No woman for example wants to keep on getting under the hood of her car to check oil (Or most any way).
God willing, then give us a more hardcore RX7 with skin stretched tight and a lightweight body (2500 lbs) and forced induction as an option.
Glad I could get that off my chest.
The Seal.
My first issue is all styling related. A new RX8 needs to be more mature; by this I mean less of a boy's car and more of a man's. The styling of the present car has too many frills, too many rotor symbols including the dumb one in the bottom of the front bumper that looks like a buck tooth as many have commented. Think about what separates this car from a BMW3 series or an Infiniti G35 or a Lexus IS. I would suggest that a lot of it is the boy racer poser image. The RX8 isn't taken seriously in many arenas due to many factors, the first of which is styling. The problem seems to come from not knowing what market they were attacking or trying to create a new segment. I call the 8 "The GREAT COMPROMISE". It's really a wonderful car, it just doesn't know if it's a sports car or a a sedan. I would use the new IS as a good example of very sporty and aggressive while still being elegant.
Okay, the horsepower issue. I don't have a problem with the power or torque figures other than being truthful and wise about the way that they are stated and advertised. I found my 8 to be quite quick and exhilarating. Since so much emphasis is put on these peak numbers by the American consumer especially, it's good to have some more powerful versions in your lineup from the start like Lexus or BMW do. The present weight of the car is the heaviest a 13B powered car should ever need to push so that gearing doesn't have to be so funky and compromised which obviously has some effect on your fuel mileage. On the topic of fuel mileage there are several approaches that Mazda's sharp engineers are obviously considering, probably including hybrid technology and direct injection. The current mileage is unacceptable when engines 3 times the size are getting better numbers.
Now to the oil metering system. As I've been saying for years, there should be a separate tank with a warning light for low level and a large sticker under the hood reminding to refill with oil changes. Having to constantly monitor the oil level yourself is insane and again unacceptable for 'normal' people.
All in all, it should attempt to truly be a $30k car through becoming more adult and classy (Chrome where chrome needs to be) and be made more user friendly. No woman for example wants to keep on getting under the hood of her car to check oil (Or most any way).
God willing, then give us a more hardcore RX7 with skin stretched tight and a lightweight body (2500 lbs) and forced induction as an option.
Glad I could get that off my chest.
The Seal.
Last edited by CERAMICSEAL; 08-16-2007 at 10:09 AM.
08-16-2007, 01:03 PM
#48
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I also prefer the functionality of the hatchback design.
It's one of the reasons I first bought an RX-7.
After looking at the way the rear struts are braced using a sort of rear bulkhead, it might mean adding weight.
An open trussed brace across the back might keep it stiff enough.
I like moonroofs, but hate to pay the high CG weight penalty.
Hmm - a shorter, 2-seat, light weight version - (sounds like a 4th gen RX-7).
Sound deadening is not one of my priorities in a performance car.
With less weight & better exhaust tuning, she'd scoot.
We could keep the plush GT luxury automatic for the posers.
That way we will have a larger used parts pool as our cars get older.
-Bill
It's one of the reasons I first bought an RX-7.
After looking at the way the rear struts are braced using a sort of rear bulkhead, it might mean adding weight.
An open trussed brace across the back might keep it stiff enough.
I like moonroofs, but hate to pay the high CG weight penalty.
Hmm - a shorter, 2-seat, light weight version - (sounds like a 4th gen RX-7).
Sound deadening is not one of my priorities in a performance car.
With less weight & better exhaust tuning, she'd scoot.
We could keep the plush GT luxury automatic for the posers.
That way we will have a larger used parts pool as our cars get older.
-Bill
Last edited by SureShot; 08-16-2007 at 01:07 PM.
08-16-2007, 01:55 PM
#49
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quad rotors
quad turbo
twin turbinators
top mounted inter cooler with a scoop
43.2 miles per gallon
18 inch 10 caliper carbon ceramic brakes
Z rated soft compound tires
quint-exhaust system
free Geneva auto show model
26 inch pimpstar rims http://youtube.com/watch?v=kb3THwZjnHY
starts at $16,991.67
quad turbo
twin turbinators
top mounted inter cooler with a scoop
43.2 miles per gallon
18 inch 10 caliper carbon ceramic brakes
Z rated soft compound tires
quint-exhaust system
free Geneva auto show model
26 inch pimpstar rims http://youtube.com/watch?v=kb3THwZjnHY
starts at $16,991.67
08-16-2007, 01:58 PM
#50
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