I know some of you don't think there is any place for an on-board navigation system but if Mazda does offer one, I hope they follow the lead of Infiniti and offer a 3D Display, rather than a one-dimensional flat map. The Infiniti system is really nice.

From time to time, manufacturers of car sound systems have incorporated circuitry to automatically adjust the volume to compensate for ambient noise. This is particularly desirous in a convertible. Mazda did it once in the Miata (I think '93 SE). My second wish is for Mazda to included this very usefull feature in the RX-8.

 

I want the best nav system available too.

As far as most factory systems, they adjust on speed, not ambient noise levels. But it's still quite effective.

---jps

 

So if you are holding a lower gear in a spirited drive or in an attempt to pass, the radio won't compensate as well? Interesting. I'd rather see it adjust for noise. Then again, when the stereo is cranked, the stereo is cranked.

 

1). I’d love to see some king of standard or optional Performance (3) Gauge Pack* (I haven't noticed anything that resembles any additional gages on the RX-8 on any of the images that I've seen ... but I hope it does) Plus some king of trip computer.

*gage displays like the engine manifold vacuum and or engine temperature, voltage and oil temperature/pressure? Most cars out today have been replaced by simple dashboard warning lights. I personally prefer the analog gage displays (but I’d take some kind of digital styled meter or bar readout over a warning light) … I really liked having them! A couple of times they warned me of problems before things just broke down and failed.

I only am aware of the Nissan 350Z offers a Gauge Cluster and Subaru offers the Performance Gauge Pack as an option.

2). Some kind of Navigation System with GPS**.

**As well as like some kind of Navigation System. I completely agree with boowana’s 3-D request (It would be an added plus if maybe it would be able to show movie DVDs too --- I’m sorry to say, but if I take any long road trips, I’ll have 2 kids in the back seats and my wife in the front --- and I think that this could be a good idea when the question comes up "Are we there yet?")

But, I’d also like a sunroof and a hatchback (maybe in some future form, since it appears to only be a trunk) also … I’m very happy about the 2 back seats!

 

Sat Nav is good, as I don't always remember to take my map. Would be a great inclusion in the 8. Does not weigh much either.