7to8

Update

dillsrotary

looks like a f**ked up cazoomer map

mysql101

I was going to comment on how the graph is impossible, but it says production (which is global) vs US sales, so the graph is possible..

Go48

Doesn't bode well for future production of the RX-8, IMO. A refresh might help, but this is a specialty car that appeals primarily to enthusiasts so I doubt if that would help much. Oh well, we shall see.

Raptor75

Mazda needs to address three problem to assure this cars future.

1) Gas Mileage problems - they need to improve it and stop ignoring current problems.

2) Power - they need an FI model.

3) Customer Service - They need to stop blaming problems with the RX on the owner or ignoring problems and just fix them. Stand behind their product.

If the RX dies Mazda only has itself to blame.

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

That would be true if the car was perfect, so your logic is bad.

Mazda is really doing the right thing to save the car - even if it seems like they are ditching on their current owners.

Business is buisness.

teen_living_a_dream

exactly, global production. this is expected since the US isn't most of the world. This proves it is selling well because the US is what, a 1/10 of the global population that they sell to (1/10 was a completely random guess).

I agree though that the next rotary powered car should be $50,000 or higher because at that price people usually do not care about gas consumption. A 3 rotor engine would be nice.


EDIT: Also, if that were US production than after the first 2 months, Mazda would have slowed production down to be near the rate people buy them.

Skythe

My logic can't process your syntax.

Can you define for me the following parameter: "right thing"

Thanks

Ike

From a business standpoint North America is the most important market in the world for a company like Mazda. We may not have as many people as other parts of the world but we have the most buying power. The idea of a 50k+ rotary is also an awful idea, they tried that, it was called the 3rd gen. RX-7 and it failed miserably sales wise.

OzzieRizz

Well I don't know about you guys, but selling it for 50k+ for only the gain of an FI and/or maybe a bigger engine is kind of ridiculous. The selling point of the rx8 should the be the fact that its great value for money. Yes competition is high, but if they can push the base price down to say under $25k(or as low as they can possible go), they might have the edge to the likes of 350z and G35. I mean who wouldn't be pschyed to get a beautiful looking AND practical sports car for under $25k.

well anyway thats just my thoughts on it.

Raptor75

Business is business and their falling sells and production indicates they have a real problem.

What is Mazda doing right???? Besides creating the car they have failed in the three mentioned points, advertising, updating, correcting dropped HP, ect....what planet do you live on?

Don't get me wrong, I want this car to succeed and to see that which is holding it back corrected, I don't think that sticking your head in the sand and saying all is well is the best way to do that.

mysql101

Pretty much all car models follow a similar path, huge sales up front then it trickles down. They do a model refresh, which boosts sales, then it trickles down again. Rinse and repeat.


Just look at how many Rx-8's have been sold in the last 3 years vs all the RX-7's ever sold and you should have an idea on how well the RX-8 is doing.

Paul_in_DC

You do realize, of course, that 1) and 2) are polar opposites?

mysql101

no! mazda should be able to add 200 more hp to the car, and get 30 mpg. And for a price under $14,500.

Also, how about chilled cupholders? I'm tired of my drinks getting warm.

MP3Guy

I'm not sure this is wise. Mazda's brand image does not have the cache to sell a $50,000 car, at least not now. They once thought of doing a Lexus style spin-off, but shelved the plan.

It is very hard to be heard in a crowded marketplace.

teen_living_a_dream

Mazda does sell a lot around Japan. The rx7 isn't nearwhat I was talking about. It was overpriced. I am talking about at least 450 horse power. Also, rx7 was 38,000 USD which is a good difference from 50,000.

teen_living_a_dream

06's seem to have less problems but I get your point, Mazda isn't the best at this. Advertising was the biggest flaw. A year ago I couldn't see a commercial break without seeing a 350Z. Mazda keeps advertising for the Mazda6 & Mazdaspeed6 and CX-7 but not the 8. They should show off the sound of the engine, roomy rear seats (and of course rear doors), and the handling and have the words MID ENGINE in a commercial.

Ike

Great, but the US is still the most important market. The FD was not overpriced, it was a very impressive car for the price and when you consider inflation the FD would be close to 50k today.

RotaryRider36

50,000 units a year in the U.S. alone? I dont think so sir. I dont know if 50,000 rx7's were sold in the U.S. throughout the entire 80's.

Quest8

I got this from the Wikepedia entry for the RX-7: "Overall, the second generation was the most successful for Mazda saleswise, with 86,000 units sold in 1986 for the US alone."

Ike

Considering there were about 700,000 RX-7s produced in the 80s. In 1979 Mazda sold 50k RX-7s in the US, I think it's safe to say they sold more than 50k in the 80s...

RotaryRider36

Then I most certainly stand corrected and retract my previous statement.

CosmosMpower

Wow, looks like I bought mine at the all time low May 2006. No wonder I suckered them into giving it to me for 10 grand off MSRP.

saturn

The best thing about the RX-8 besides that it exhibits total pwnage in tha twisties is that US sales are so bad. Getting very huge discounts has become the norm it seems.

Raptor75

I was referring to two separate models. One Turbo, one non with properly tuned engine management.


You must be referring to the 90s series car, that car was selling at close to $40K at the time, that would be close to $50K today. That is why the RX-7 sales fell off. If I recall the RX-7 of the 80s was a very good seller.