Barry Gross

After several days of wet, cold, windy weather conditions, today proved to be fairly pleasant. For working so hard, I treated myself to a little jaunt along some country roads just outside of town. This was the first time I had driven my Velocity Red 8 in about 5 days. As usual, enroute to the country roads, other drivers were quick to notice my little car as we tolerated the traffic until we could get some breathing room. Once on the backroads, she wanted to stretch a little, so for the first time, I let her take me up to 100 mph...just for a short distance as I am super paranoid about getting ticketed. When I returned home I couldn't wipe the smile from my face. That made me think about how lucky we are to have our little 8's. They are such super little cars and so much fun to drive!

cstokes24

"Can I get an amen from the congregation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

juikster

I like the part where your car is in complete control of your actions and it takes you with out your help to 100 mph. priceless....

Barry Gross

Perhaps you're reading between the lines a little too eagerly to suggest my car was in complete control of my actions. Of course, most of the work to get to 100 was that of my 8. I just added a little bit of pedal pressure!

army_rx8

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMEN

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

meh *shrug*

glad you had fun

Chasvhill

I've got the same paranoia. I have two teenage kids and insurance is already eating my alive. I've had my car up to about 110 one time. I've been driving Hondas lately which are absolutely pegged out at about 100. I was amazed at the solid and controlled manner of the 8 at speed. Also, even at well above a hundred miles per hour, I still had lots of pedal left.

Stop&TurnFreak

I don't condone the 100 on the street, join a track day.....but yes, you guys are the lucky ones. I got to drive Legos RX8 at the track, and it is amazing the power ban these cars have.

StewC625

AMEN BRUTHA!

I'm stunned at how easily and quickly this car will go up to triple digit speeds. I manage to see 100 MPH on my speedo at least monthly, always in a short "between traffic clumps" burst on the expressways around here, only when I can see as far as I can, and only when I'm relatively sure I won't find an officer looking on.

To those "oh my god you should never do this on public highways" folks - I generally agree, but you also don't drive on the "Chicago Autobahn" - Interstate 94-294 between Golf Road on the south and the Wisconsin state line on the north. On days without heavy traffic, the lowest speed traffic out there is going nearly 75. The fast lane traffic is going 80-85 mph or more. You get an open half mile in front of you across all lanes when you're already going 85 mph in the left lane and 100 mph is yours in about 5 seconds with a downshift into 4th. Or 10-15 seconds leaving it in 6th.

Barry Gross

I was at a spot on the little country road where I could see for about a mile ahead of me. That said, I do realize that my day could have been ruined by a deer choosing to cross the road at that particular time. I think about that some times when I am on my motorcycle. On I-10 around the Tallahassee area the speed limit is 70...I usually go at 75...and a lot of traffic is passing by at 80+. Gotta go take another look at the 8...see you guys later!

iRX-8

Come on...it's not as if there was any street racing going on! If it's done safe (i.e. long straightaway with nothing in sight) then have a little fun!

swtblnde

We certainly are the VERY fortunate ones! As soon as you get behind the wheel of the 8, all worries just seem to disappear.
Life is Good in an "8".

Darkrose

I agree. I completely forget about my day at w...ww...work....when I get into my car to go home. So when's the next track day?

Roaddemon

I have to agree, i don't ever warm up my 8 during the week because of my closeness to work. so now and then I'll open it up on the freeway to get rid of all the carbon and burn off any wet gas in the Cat exhaust. Well I forgot I was in 4th. stepped on it around 70 mph. In less than a 1/4 mile,I looked down and saw 120 mph staring back at me. I was at around 8krpm in 4th. I just aboutshit and slowed down fast. I swear it felt like 100 not 120. The Dunlop snow tires smelled bad when i got home. like burning rubber. I can't imagine what this car can do with the oem tires. I'll never do that again. Too hard on my pacemaker.

Hi Elara, I was'nt racing so leave my post alone.

Stop&TurnFreak

I am not telling anyone what to do, nor do I 'really' care how you choose to drive. However, having worked with the PoPo, I have seen a fair number of accidents, where people were speeding, and not able to dodge something in the road, or because some condition changed, a deer or dog, whatever ran out in front of the speeding car.

I have a friend who's cousin was killed in Germany this week, I just don't want to see someone put themselves into a situation like that. Track days are cheap, and for the money, you can't beat the controlled environment the track provides. Ask any of the RX8 guysin the southeast, I am ALL for exploring the limits of your car, however, I like to do so in a controlled and safe environment.

Again, not bashing, it is totally your decision. And, I was guilty for many year, before I learned about open-track evfents.

dtorre

I don't know how you guys drive your cars....but 100+ is a daily thing for myself.. and pretty much every weekend coming back to Central Texas from San Antonio is like heaven's bliss with speeds of 130-150.............

There are certain parts on Highway 281 where you can speedo limit at 155...on one particular area get it up to about 120 shift into 6h come around the slightest curve ((SLIGHT SLIGHT)) and have a easy 1.5 mile look down hill into open country ((no trees nothing...just 2 lanes on each side of the road divided by a 15 foot grass median...DOWN HILL)) and burn the car to its rev limiter...and the downhill view lets you have a clear view of cops before you can ever be radar'ed

The highest i've done is 127 around the turn and then 153 down hill ....stopping only because the car started rattling lol...

Have a picture of the speedo doing 127 around the turn and then a quick little vid showing what speeds of 140+ look like out your passenger window ....not sure if I would get in trouble for posting those though =P.....

also for you texans who have driven 281 ...you know its the most desolate highway in the world just watch out for those Blanco County and Burnet County troopers about 1.5 hours worth of driving time in between those counties with nothing but country air

dtorre

Also needless to say I have to carry about 4 gallons of oil with me and have to refill on tanks of about 6 mpg on the weekend ((130-150)) drives...

yiksing

Not everyone has access to track days.