Why are you all so obsessed with every ounce of speed?
05-11-2003, 12:30 AM
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Why are you all so obsessed with every ounce of speed?
Don't get me wrong, I think the world of this group and of the impending release of the RX-8, but you guys need serious help. I just don't understand why everyone is so anxious to eek out every last ounce of speed out of this car?! In another thread, you guys would even not opt for the GT Package to save weight due to the sunroof. I think you all are missing the point of what this car is intended for (IMHO).
I have owned and driven just about everything there is out there... and yes, I too have fallen vicitm to the "Need for Speed", but I am here to tell you that this addiction to fractional benefits in speed is a bit short sighted. When I race, my home track is VIR (Virginia International Raceway). It has a 4,000 ft. back straight. Coming out of "Oak Tree" at 40mph you can really only get up to about 160 mph before you have to get hard on the brakes even in a 2002 Porsche 911 Turbo or 2000 Acura NSX.
I am intrigued by Mazda's approach here to focus on what really matters. This car is not about 0-60 times, it is not about quarter mile time, it is not about torque (clearly), it is about a well balanced piece of mobile art. Instead of raw power and speed, Mazda has chosen to focus on what really matters in the nature of the driving experience:
1) High reving engine providing sound and feel of power, even if there doesn't appear to be much of it.
2) Understanding of laws of physics to create a car with perfect balance and a low polar moment that turns in and appears almost telepathic in resposne to inputs.
3) Room for 4 with HUGE wheelbase normally reserved for BMW 750iL cars.
4) Compliant yet intelligent suspension for spirited back roads as well as highway crusing.
5) Bose Stereo, since you gotta have tunes!
6) Moonroof, since real people may want to sacrifice 42 lbs just to be able to see out.
7) The kind of style and design that you just don't get in a Lancer Evo.
8) Because chics don't really dig any car under $100,000 and they won't even know what the RX-8 is.
9) A slick 6-speed gear box since we all love to row the gears.
10) Nice 18" wheels since not all of us want to toss the OEM wheels away just to get something that looks good.
I could go on and on. Face it. In the last 24 years, I have had 27 cars, 20 cars in the last 8 years and 8 cars in the last 2 years. I want a practical sports car that is confortable and still allows me to pack my wife and two kids and head to the race track for a weekend with the local Mazda club. I think Mazda has hit a home run with this car and I find it interesting that most of you from 20-30 are still trying to make this car something that it was not originally intended to be.
Now, before you guys flame me or toss me off the list, keep in mind that I was in High School when the first RX-7 was made. My 20th high school reunion is next month. I am now almost 40. I have a wife and 2 kids under 4. Mazda knows that if they are to capture my money, they need a car exactly like the RX-8. It is a masterful job of part cult, part rocket science and part artistic masterpiece. I was sold on this car 2 years ago and I can't wait for my car to arrive.
It is a shame to think that MazdaSpeed versions, Possible Turbo versions and others might follow in the near future. I think many of us would likely dump our cars in favor of more power. But, unless you are an active part of the street racing crowd (a Vin Diesel wanna be) or just think you are Mario Andretti on the way home everynight from work, it would be a shame to ruin what I see as the Zen of the car that is what it is and doesn't have to apologize for anything.
I have owned and driven just about everything there is out there... and yes, I too have fallen vicitm to the "Need for Speed", but I am here to tell you that this addiction to fractional benefits in speed is a bit short sighted. When I race, my home track is VIR (Virginia International Raceway). It has a 4,000 ft. back straight. Coming out of "Oak Tree" at 40mph you can really only get up to about 160 mph before you have to get hard on the brakes even in a 2002 Porsche 911 Turbo or 2000 Acura NSX.
I am intrigued by Mazda's approach here to focus on what really matters. This car is not about 0-60 times, it is not about quarter mile time, it is not about torque (clearly), it is about a well balanced piece of mobile art. Instead of raw power and speed, Mazda has chosen to focus on what really matters in the nature of the driving experience:
1) High reving engine providing sound and feel of power, even if there doesn't appear to be much of it.
2) Understanding of laws of physics to create a car with perfect balance and a low polar moment that turns in and appears almost telepathic in resposne to inputs.
3) Room for 4 with HUGE wheelbase normally reserved for BMW 750iL cars.
4) Compliant yet intelligent suspension for spirited back roads as well as highway crusing.
5) Bose Stereo, since you gotta have tunes!
6) Moonroof, since real people may want to sacrifice 42 lbs just to be able to see out.
7) The kind of style and design that you just don't get in a Lancer Evo.
8) Because chics don't really dig any car under $100,000 and they won't even know what the RX-8 is.
9) A slick 6-speed gear box since we all love to row the gears.
10) Nice 18" wheels since not all of us want to toss the OEM wheels away just to get something that looks good.
I could go on and on. Face it. In the last 24 years, I have had 27 cars, 20 cars in the last 8 years and 8 cars in the last 2 years. I want a practical sports car that is confortable and still allows me to pack my wife and two kids and head to the race track for a weekend with the local Mazda club. I think Mazda has hit a home run with this car and I find it interesting that most of you from 20-30 are still trying to make this car something that it was not originally intended to be.
Now, before you guys flame me or toss me off the list, keep in mind that I was in High School when the first RX-7 was made. My 20th high school reunion is next month. I am now almost 40. I have a wife and 2 kids under 4. Mazda knows that if they are to capture my money, they need a car exactly like the RX-8. It is a masterful job of part cult, part rocket science and part artistic masterpiece. I was sold on this car 2 years ago and I can't wait for my car to arrive.
It is a shame to think that MazdaSpeed versions, Possible Turbo versions and others might follow in the near future. I think many of us would likely dump our cars in favor of more power. But, unless you are an active part of the street racing crowd (a Vin Diesel wanna be) or just think you are Mario Andretti on the way home everynight from work, it would be a shame to ruin what I see as the Zen of the car that is what it is and doesn't have to apologize for anything.
05-11-2003, 01:20 AM
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Ah yes, but in the fung shui of auto art, can there EVER be too much horsepower? Is that like too much money, or a girl that is too pretty? If a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it, did the tree need more horsepower? :D
05-11-2003, 01:37 AM
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Here Here!
I agree with you G-Man, especially since I'm one of those 20-30 (going on 30 this year
) guys you were talking about and I have historically been concerned, first and foremost with magazine and web site acceleration numbers and most everything else second. Over the past few years, I have broadened my knowledge and experience in many other facets of automobile ownership and now have a better understanding of what I truely want and need in a sports car. That is why I have chosen the RX-8, even with a number of other vehicles within +/- $5000 that could be considered.
Personally, I opted to get the Sport Package only because I did not really care for the "over-the-roof" sunroof, but that's just me. I have a sliding sunroof right now (internal, not over-the-roof), and don't use it very often at all. I also do not care for leather seating since I've had both and prefer a grippy cloth. I wouldn't have minded getting the Bose system, but since I couldn't get it as a separate option, it was the Sport Package for me. Besides, the "standard" radio uses the same head unit as the Bose, the only difference is the additional speakers and Bose pre-amp that I can always upgrade myself with Bose or other components.
The RX-8 is the best all around package for me and a car I would really be proud to own for the ideal combination of styling, interior, practicality, and exceptional engineering that it is. It's also a car I would like to use not only for daily transportation, but hopefully for some informal/car club/amatuer road course driving at some point.
You may have seen some of my posts in the tech garage about how additional power might be attainable in the RX-8, but a lot of those questions and discussions are for academic purposes only, at least for the immediate future. I would be very hesitant to do anything to my new RX-8 that would ruin its all around balance, but at the same time like to discuss the details and possibilities of the technical performance and engineering of the car, especially since this will be my first rotary.
With that said, I will probably not leave the car completely stock but will likely "personalize" it cautiously as time, information, and experience permits. I'm definitely not in a hurry, but I do know it will be something I will eventually do.
I like to tinker with my cars. :D
I agree with you G-Man, especially since I'm one of those 20-30 (going on 30 this year
) guys you were talking about and I have historically been concerned, first and foremost with magazine and web site acceleration numbers and most everything else second. Over the past few years, I have broadened my knowledge and experience in many other facets of automobile ownership and now have a better understanding of what I truely want and need in a sports car. That is why I have chosen the RX-8, even with a number of other vehicles within +/- $5000 that could be considered.Personally, I opted to get the Sport Package only because I did not really care for the "over-the-roof" sunroof, but that's just me. I have a sliding sunroof right now (internal, not over-the-roof), and don't use it very often at all. I also do not care for leather seating since I've had both and prefer a grippy cloth. I wouldn't have minded getting the Bose system, but since I couldn't get it as a separate option, it was the Sport Package for me. Besides, the "standard" radio uses the same head unit as the Bose, the only difference is the additional speakers and Bose pre-amp that I can always upgrade myself with Bose or other components.
The RX-8 is the best all around package for me and a car I would really be proud to own for the ideal combination of styling, interior, practicality, and exceptional engineering that it is. It's also a car I would like to use not only for daily transportation, but hopefully for some informal/car club/amatuer road course driving at some point.
You may have seen some of my posts in the tech garage about how additional power might be attainable in the RX-8, but a lot of those questions and discussions are for academic purposes only, at least for the immediate future. I would be very hesitant to do anything to my new RX-8 that would ruin its all around balance, but at the same time like to discuss the details and possibilities of the technical performance and engineering of the car, especially since this will be my first rotary.
With that said, I will probably not leave the car completely stock but will likely "personalize" it cautiously as time, information, and experience permits. I'm definitely not in a hurry, but I do know it will be something I will eventually do.
I like to tinker with my cars. :D
Last edited by DTECH-RX; 05-11-2003 at 01:43 AM.
05-11-2003, 01:40 AM
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Great comment, G-Man. I totally agree with you, could not be said better!
If you need acceleration, go on a bike (see my K1100?). If you need sheer speed take a Porsche or whatever. This car is much more!
And, Boozehound: Yes it can be too much money for the guy who is not responsible with it, too pretty for the girl that is spoiled then!
If you need acceleration, go on a bike (see my K1100?). If you need sheer speed take a Porsche or whatever. This car is much more!
And, Boozehound: Yes it can be too much money for the guy who is not responsible with it, too pretty for the girl that is spoiled then!
05-11-2003, 01:59 AM
#5
Ricer is Nicer.....
Well said....
Well said, GGuy, my story exactly, (well, except for the owning every car in the world part!)
Those are all the reasons, if it where just a case of 0-60/& 1/4 mile times, just go with a Vette with a 'Lingenfelter' blower, and quit bothering me with 'not enough power' whines.
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doc
Those are all the reasons, if it where just a case of 0-60/& 1/4 mile times, just go with a Vette with a 'Lingenfelter' blower, and quit bothering me with 'not enough power' whines.
.
.
.
doc
05-11-2003, 02:06 AM
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Bullet Proof????
I also totally agree with G MAN ,but it is well known that youth is wasted on the young and money is wasted on the old , when i was younger i also felt BULLET PROOF and no car seemed fast or hard ,bad *** enough in todays lingo as you age you realize that it not about only speed but the over all drive .There are a lot of aspects to the rx8 that are being overlooked in the quest of extra speed but as they say each to their own vices At fifty you have nothing to prove to anyone except to yourself and you learn to be an individual and do things at your own pace .
05-11-2003, 03:09 AM
#8
Agreed here too.
And mind you I don't want all that power because you know it comes at a PRICE. And right now the RX-8 falls into my budget, I don't see the need for any immediate modifications because I *know* I'm not a track star driver, nor would I need all the excess power to take stoplight-to-stoplight.
I'm happy with the 250 horses with a slick 6 speed, and yea.. I got all the luxury items because I like that inviting cabin, if I didn't I'd likely have put money on an Evo or STi instead.
I think the people that immediately want to change out the rims, add the body kit, all that stuff do really take away from what Mazda is going for; a lightweight car that is insanely nimble, with a slick 6 speed and plenty of 'zoom zoom' for most folks. To add aftermarket rims for 'look' or the body kit from Mazdaspeed (which in my opinion is hideous but anyway), just adds weight to the car and takes away from what it's meant to be.
But to each his own; I'll be keeping my car 100% stock. The only modifications I might do are tinting the windows, and making the side markers clear instead of orange.
Other than that... bone stock for me, and that's plenty good. Keep in mind the RX-7 didn't start beating the Porsches back in the early 90s after heavy modification; it was stock.
I trust that Mazda and their engineering staff has done a good job in making everything work in harmony and that's why I'm not going to touch it in attempt that 'i know better'.
And mind you I don't want all that power because you know it comes at a PRICE. And right now the RX-8 falls into my budget, I don't see the need for any immediate modifications because I *know* I'm not a track star driver, nor would I need all the excess power to take stoplight-to-stoplight.
I'm happy with the 250 horses with a slick 6 speed, and yea.. I got all the luxury items because I like that inviting cabin, if I didn't I'd likely have put money on an Evo or STi instead.
I think the people that immediately want to change out the rims, add the body kit, all that stuff do really take away from what Mazda is going for; a lightweight car that is insanely nimble, with a slick 6 speed and plenty of 'zoom zoom' for most folks. To add aftermarket rims for 'look' or the body kit from Mazdaspeed (which in my opinion is hideous but anyway), just adds weight to the car and takes away from what it's meant to be.
But to each his own; I'll be keeping my car 100% stock. The only modifications I might do are tinting the windows, and making the side markers clear instead of orange.
Other than that... bone stock for me, and that's plenty good. Keep in mind the RX-7 didn't start beating the Porsches back in the early 90s after heavy modification; it was stock.
I trust that Mazda and their engineering staff has done a good job in making everything work in harmony and that's why I'm not going to touch it in attempt that 'i know better'.
05-11-2003, 03:18 AM
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Yes this will be a very driveable car
and what differentiates the RX-8
is the refinement and exceptional functionality
(as well as attractive design and cost performance).
The "launch" seems too geared to the enthusiasts,
but my guess that the long term sustainable demand
will be based on increased levels of driver excitment
and satisfaction in every day use.
This flagship may become a very high volume production,
mainstay of Mazda and other manufacturers eventually,
when they catch on.
and what differentiates the RX-8
is the refinement and exceptional functionality
(as well as attractive design and cost performance).
The "launch" seems too geared to the enthusiasts,
but my guess that the long term sustainable demand
will be based on increased levels of driver excitment
and satisfaction in every day use.
This flagship may become a very high volume production,
mainstay of Mazda and other manufacturers eventually,
when they catch on.
05-11-2003, 09:00 AM
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G-man,
I bet 99% of the people on this board like the RX-8 otherwise they would spend their time elsewhere. However, I, like many others, do not believe the car is perfect and see room for improvement. This is what makes us car geeks. I don't give a hoot about houses. My garage is larger than my house.
I bet 99% of the people on this board like the RX-8 otherwise they would spend their time elsewhere. However, I, like many others, do not believe the car is perfect and see room for improvement. This is what makes us car geeks. I don't give a hoot about houses. My garage is larger than my house.
05-11-2003, 09:22 AM
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My garage is larger than my house
I'm on your side G-man, totally. There are those who think the RX-8 is slow & heavy, but when I compare it's 0-60 & weight to other vehicle in the same price range, there are few that compete in these 2 (but there are so many more) categories.
Inside & outside looks mean so much more.....to me. As a result, no pocket rocket 4 door for me, just give me my RX-8. I may not be quite as fast (but still quite fast), but I will look a helluva lot better.
05-11-2003, 09:29 AM
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Originally posted by rxeightr
I wish my garage was larger than MY house
I'm on your side G-man, totally. There are those who think the RX-8 is slow & heavy, but when I compare it's 0-60 & weight to other vehicle in the same price range, there are few that compete in these 2 (but there are so many more) categories.
Inside & outside looks mean so much more.....to me. As a result, no pocket rocket 4 door for me, just give me my RX-8. I may not be quite as fast (but still quite fast), but I will look a helluva lot better.
I wish my garage was larger than MY house
I'm on your side G-man, totally. There are those who think the RX-8 is slow & heavy, but when I compare it's 0-60 & weight to other vehicle in the same price range, there are few that compete in these 2 (but there are so many more) categories.
Inside & outside looks mean so much more.....to me. As a result, no pocket rocket 4 door for me, just give me my RX-8. I may not be quite as fast (but still quite fast), but I will look a helluva lot better.
I don't know anyone on this board that thinks the RX-8 is heavy. I am quite impressed that it is 10% lighter than all of the other RWD cars of similar size and type. This is the main factor that attract me to the car. However, I do think that we can make it another 5% lighter with few compromises. Light weight = great. Drive an Elise a Miata or Mr2 and you will see what I mean.
05-11-2003, 09:46 AM
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Originally posted by gord boyd
This flagship may become a very high volume production,
mainstay of Mazda and other manufacturers eventually,
when they catch on.
This flagship may become a very high volume production,
mainstay of Mazda and other manufacturers eventually,
when they catch on.
As for asthetic changes to the RX-8, I also prefer the stock look without any of the body kit parts, including the rear wing spoiler, although the Mazdaspeed looks neat from certain angles. The "European" lip spoiler would be as far as I would go if that. I think the stock 18" wheels have a perfect look and size so those won't be changed out either. Others may do differently, so to each their own. That's what makes the world an interesting place to live.
05-11-2003, 12:10 PM
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The only modification that many would consider is changing the wheels. I agree that they look great and go very well with the car, but some would rather opt for either lighter 18 inch wheels or 17 inchers. I know the wheels are light for OEM, but that is one area that almost all cars could loose some weight right out of the factory.
05-11-2003, 02:16 PM
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I will certainly get me another set of wheels when I get some winter/snow tires. Normally I put the winter wheels on the OEM rims and get me a cool set of summer rims then.
(This winter it was REAL icy, you could not walk due to ice rain )
(This winter it was REAL icy, you could not walk due to ice rain
)
05-11-2003, 03:24 PM
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G-Man, while I agree with your post completely, I think that in general you're preaching to the choir. The majority of members here AREN'T obsessed with winnowing every last hundredth of a second- it's a just very vocal minority. If you read back a few months (not that anyone has time to, but IF you did) you'd see a lot of very similar posts to yours(but not quite as well stated!).
05-11-2003, 04:38 PM
#17
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I'm among those who completely agree with G-Man's comments. As I've written in other threads, Mazda and the RX-8 are about balanced performance and value.
Those who think HP is the answer to their dreams would have done well to attend the SoloII event I was at this weekend. Among cars entered and driven were a Viper ACR (SS) with a father/son team; a 2002 M3 (SS) (getting the entire bottom end of the engine replaced tomorrow); an S2000 (BS); a new 350Z (BS); an Gen II RX-7 (SM); a number ES, ESP, CSP Miatas; and the usual odd variety of STX, HS, GS cars. There was one other CS Miata besides mine. Now I'm a relative novice at SOLOII, this being only my sixth event. But, the other CS Miata, a '99, (on Kumhos)was driven by a 61 year old, 20 year veteran of autox. What to guess who had the fastest time of the day? If you guessed the '99 CS Miata, you were right. This event was not a slow course as it was held at a race track, Roebling Road. At the end of the course, through turn 5, I was doing better than 70mph. Tires and drivers make a BIG difference where it counts, but the car has to work too. Hell, I even beat the Viper!!!
Can't wait to get my RX-8!:D :D :D
Those who think HP is the answer to their dreams would have done well to attend the SoloII event I was at this weekend. Among cars entered and driven were a Viper ACR (SS) with a father/son team; a 2002 M3 (SS) (getting the entire bottom end of the engine replaced tomorrow); an S2000 (BS); a new 350Z (BS); an Gen II RX-7 (SM); a number ES, ESP, CSP Miatas; and the usual odd variety of STX, HS, GS cars. There was one other CS Miata besides mine. Now I'm a relative novice at SOLOII, this being only my sixth event. But, the other CS Miata, a '99, (on Kumhos)was driven by a 61 year old, 20 year veteran of autox. What to guess who had the fastest time of the day? If you guessed the '99 CS Miata, you were right. This event was not a slow course as it was held at a race track, Roebling Road. At the end of the course, through turn 5, I was doing better than 70mph. Tires and drivers make a BIG difference where it counts, but the car has to work too. Hell, I even beat the Viper!!!
Can't wait to get my RX-8!:D :D :D
05-11-2003, 06:09 PM
#18
great post! after i got flamed in that other "Weight difference between SP and GT package" thread, i thought i was the only one that felt this way...
i too want an overall great car, and i'm not gonna sacrifice a lot of the amenities to add a few hundreths of a second to my 0-60 time...and really, if you were seriously Jenny Craig Weight Watching, then why no just get the base model RX-8 and gut it? i'm sure those fog lamps add some weight and will ultimately slow down the car...
anyways, i agree with just about all your points, especially the fact that the RX-8 wasn't built for speed...seriously, if it was, there wouldn't be 4 doors nor 4 seats...it would be a 2 door 2 seater...
i too want an overall great car, and i'm not gonna sacrifice a lot of the amenities to add a few hundreths of a second to my 0-60 time...and really, if you were seriously Jenny Craig Weight Watching, then why no just get the base model RX-8 and gut it? i'm sure those fog lamps add some weight and will ultimately slow down the car...
anyways, i agree with just about all your points, especially the fact that the RX-8 wasn't built for speed...seriously, if it was, there wouldn't be 4 doors nor 4 seats...it would be a 2 door 2 seater...
05-11-2003, 07:49 PM
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very good thread g man. helped me to realize and get over "obsessing myself with every ounce of speed." hey... i'm 18 what can i say? but i'm still trying to learn as much as i can about what a TRUE GREAT car is made up of... and the rx-8 seems to fit that title perfectly. :D
peaceeeee
edit: threaT to threaD. hehe
hey... i'm 18 what can i say? but i'm still trying to learn as much as i can about what a TRUE GREAT car is made up of... and the rx-8 seems to fit that title perfectly. :Dpeaceeeee
edit: threaT to threaD. hehe
05-11-2003, 08:40 PM
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Originally posted by BRx8
anyways, i agree with just about all your points, especially the fact that the RX-8 wasn't built for speed...seriously, if it was, there wouldn't be 4 doors nor 4 seats...it would be a 2 door 2 seater...
anyways, i agree with just about all your points, especially the fact that the RX-8 wasn't built for speed...seriously, if it was, there wouldn't be 4 doors nor 4 seats...it would be a 2 door 2 seater...
There are a lot of cars that have back seats of various sizes that anyone would be hard pressed to call anything other than a sports car. The RX-8 is one of them.
05-11-2003, 08:48 PM
#21
Originally posted by DTECH-RX
Actually, I don't agree that the RX-8 wasn't built for speed or that a "true sports car" wouldn't have four doors. If you look at what the program manager, Noboru Katabuchi, says about the RX-8, when asked if the RX-8 can really be considered a true sports car, he replies that size, weight, and proportions are more important than whether or not a car has four doors. Just like some of us have had to come to grips with the fact that true sports cars offer more than just pure straight line acceleration, the "old school" belief that a sports car has to be a two door two seater, has now become outdated. Technically you could own the RX-8 and never use the rear doors making it essentially a two door, they are just their incase you need them.
There are a lot of cars that have back seats of various sizes that anyone would be hard pressed to call anything other than a sports car. The RX-8 is one of them.
Actually, I don't agree that the RX-8 wasn't built for speed or that a "true sports car" wouldn't have four doors. If you look at what the program manager, Noboru Katabuchi, says about the RX-8, when asked if the RX-8 can really be considered a true sports car, he replies that size, weight, and proportions are more important than whether or not a car has four doors. Just like some of us have had to come to grips with the fact that true sports cars offer more than just pure straight line acceleration, the "old school" belief that a sports car has to be a two door two seater, has now become outdated. Technically you could own the RX-8 and never use the rear doors making it essentially a two door, they are just their incase you need them.
There are a lot of cars that have back seats of various sizes that anyone would be hard pressed to call anything other than a sports car. The RX-8 is one of them.
as for the speed part, well what i really meant was that it wasn't built just for speed...the RX-8 is fast, but that's not all it's for...the RX-8 was made to appeal to EVERYONE, those that want a fast sports car that can't compromise the extra 2 seats, and want the comforts of 4 doors...
so again, i'm left wondering what kind of car the RX really is...yes, it is a "true sports car", but it's also a "true sports sedan" at the same time
05-11-2003, 08:58 PM
#22
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Well, we could all just call it a "true performance car" and leave it at that. It "performs" just about every function you could ask of it well whether it's handling the twisties, providing a comfortable ergonomic interior for daily driving, carrying four people, or giving you a peak at what 150MPH looks like from the inside of a car (hopefully on a track! ).
I'd never call it a "sports sedan" though. That's blasphemy!
I still say "true sports car". :D
).I'd never call it a "sports sedan" though. That's blasphemy!
I still say "true sports car". :D
05-11-2003, 09:24 PM
#23
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Gosh Gang...
Gee, I didn't figure on so much support or agreement. Not that I was trying to be controversial, but I was really just thinking out loud last night... and then it finally hit me. I miss my Miata and I have been searching in vain for that kind of feeling in another car ever since 1999. I need a "real" car that I can toss the golf clubs in and a few of my buddies and even the family for a quick trip to the mall... but I don't want to sacrifice the kind of "sports car essence" (read as "Zoom-Zoom") that my Miata had and grated for $100,000 more than my Miata is also shared by my 2002 Porsche 911 Turbo.
I raced the Miata for over a year and while the car spent most of its time under 100 miles per hour it was still the most fun I have ever had on the race track. Driving the car at 9/10ths of its capability and 10/10ths of mine. The car was always well balanced and always in 4 wheel drift mode on the track. The 1999 Miata Sport was an awesome look at the Zoom-Zoom to come. I even recently drove the Protege' 5 and realized that it too is a lot more fun to drive than many other cars out there and it is only $17,000 loaded and only has a 4 cylinder engine and is slow as Christmas in July... but there is still a lot of "Zoom-Zoom" built in there.
I am very anxious to see for myself if the RX-8 lives up to the promise and the hype. I am sure that it will. I still can't believe it has similar if not better stats that a 3rd Gen RX-7. WOW! Of course, those engines only lasted 35,000 miles and then it was Zoom-Zoo-KERBLAM! I think the RX-8 will be a carefully considered, well thought out, easy to service, durable, fun to drive car that all of us can easily live with every day... what more could you have asked for?! I hope the folks at Mazda lurk at this site...
I raced the Miata for over a year and while the car spent most of its time under 100 miles per hour it was still the most fun I have ever had on the race track. Driving the car at 9/10ths of its capability and 10/10ths of mine.
The car was always well balanced and always in 4 wheel drift mode on the track. The 1999 Miata Sport was an awesome look at the Zoom-Zoom to come. I even recently drove the Protege' 5 and realized that it too is a lot more fun to drive than many other cars out there and it is only $17,000 loaded and only has a 4 cylinder engine and is slow as Christmas in July... but there is still a lot of "Zoom-Zoom" built in there.I am very anxious to see for myself if the RX-8 lives up to the promise and the hype. I am sure that it will. I still can't believe it has similar if not better stats that a 3rd Gen RX-7. WOW! Of course, those engines only lasted 35,000 miles and then it was Zoom-Zoo-KERBLAM! I think the RX-8 will be a carefully considered, well thought out, easy to service, durable, fun to drive car that all of us can easily live with every day... what more could you have asked for?! I hope the folks at Mazda lurk at this site...
05-11-2003, 10:16 PM
#24
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Re: Gosh Gang...
Originally posted by G-man
Gee, I didn't figure on so much support or agreement. Not that I was trying to be controversial, but I was really just thinking out loud last night... and then it finally hit me. I miss my Miata and I have been searching in vain for that kind of feeling in another car ever since 1999. I need a "real" car that I can toss the golf clubs in and a few of my buddies and even the family for a quick trip to the mall... but I don't want to sacrifice the kind of "sports car essence" (read as "Zoom-Zoom") that my Miata had and grated for $100,000 more than my Miata is also shared by my 2002 Porsche 911 Turbo.
I raced the Miata for over a year and while the car spent most of its time under 100 miles per hour it was still the most fun I have ever had on the race track. Driving the car at 9/10ths of its capability and 10/10ths of mine. The car was always well balanced and always in 4 wheel drift mode on the track. The 1999 Miata Sport was an awesome look at the Zoom-Zoom to come. I even recently drove the Protege' 5 and realized that it too is a lot more fun to drive than many other cars out there and it is only $17,000 loaded and only has a 4 cylinder engine and is slow as Christmas in July... but there is still a lot of "Zoom-Zoom" built in there.
I am very anxious to see for myself if the RX-8 lives up to the promise and the hype. I am sure that it will. I still can't believe it has similar if not better stats that a 3rd Gen RX-7. WOW! Of course, those engines only lasted 35,000 miles and then it was Zoom-Zoo-KERBLAM! I think the RX-8 will be a carefully considered, well thought out, easy to service, durable, fun to drive car that all of us can easily live with every day... what more could you have asked for?! I hope the folks at Mazda lurk at this site...
Gee, I didn't figure on so much support or agreement. Not that I was trying to be controversial, but I was really just thinking out loud last night... and then it finally hit me. I miss my Miata and I have been searching in vain for that kind of feeling in another car ever since 1999. I need a "real" car that I can toss the golf clubs in and a few of my buddies and even the family for a quick trip to the mall... but I don't want to sacrifice the kind of "sports car essence" (read as "Zoom-Zoom") that my Miata had and grated for $100,000 more than my Miata is also shared by my 2002 Porsche 911 Turbo.
I raced the Miata for over a year and while the car spent most of its time under 100 miles per hour it was still the most fun I have ever had on the race track. Driving the car at 9/10ths of its capability and 10/10ths of mine.
The car was always well balanced and always in 4 wheel drift mode on the track. The 1999 Miata Sport was an awesome look at the Zoom-Zoom to come. I even recently drove the Protege' 5 and realized that it too is a lot more fun to drive than many other cars out there and it is only $17,000 loaded and only has a 4 cylinder engine and is slow as Christmas in July... but there is still a lot of "Zoom-Zoom" built in there.I am very anxious to see for myself if the RX-8 lives up to the promise and the hype. I am sure that it will. I still can't believe it has similar if not better stats that a 3rd Gen RX-7. WOW! Of course, those engines only lasted 35,000 miles and then it was Zoom-Zoo-KERBLAM! I think the RX-8 will be a carefully considered, well thought out, easy to service, durable, fun to drive car that all of us can easily live with every day... what more could you have asked for?! I hope the folks at Mazda lurk at this site...
