Interpol

You guys think switching out the gauge cluster and tail lights on an older RX-8 would work?

whitebeau

u'll need to get the ecu/pcm... not sure if the wiring harness is the same even... there's quite a bit... not to mention the new ecu manages the OMP differently... so no that is a pretty heavy mod

DaBatMan

not much of a 2009 fan myself. in all actuality, i like my '04 a lot better. hope at least the advancements under the hood and in the drive train are better.

kimberly lynn

I don't know... I still think the exterior changes look like a cheap body kit as opposed to a factory produced modification...

Also, I'm trying to be unbiased... but it's failing. I <3 my '05.

zoom44

i love your new avatar

mafenton

I was hoping Mazda would do a major re-design on the RX-8 and utilize their 1.6L rotary engine. From what i have read, the new engine resolves a lot of complaints we have with the 1.3 L i.e. torque and mpg. I have an 06 phantom blue GT. The lease is up May of 09 and i was hoping to get into a significantly re-designed RX-8. Looks like I'll just keep mine and purchase it at the end of the lease term.

dothackRAVE

Guys, just wait till the 16X gets released with whatever car, and then wait a year or so. Someone's bound to have wrecked their 16X car by then, and you can then do an engine swap!

tajabaho1

"ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE: RX-8 R3
The 2009 RX-8 will offer a new R3 trim level. Providing the very best in rotary-powered motoring, the R3 hearkens back to the R1 and R2 packages offered on the mighty third-generation RX-7, and adds a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein® shock absorbers and front-suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam for a smoother ride, minimized NVH and greater suspension control. On the visual side of the R3 trim level, a rear spoiler, side sills and sporty front bumper were added to give an aggressive appearance, along with 19-inch forged, aluminum-alloy wheels with high-performance tires. Inside, the R3 includes a 300-watt Bose® Centerpoint® Surround System with AudioPilot® noise compensation technology, Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, front Recaro sport seats with leather side bolsters, leather-wrapped parking-brake handle and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System."

now, this, this is what I'm talkin bout

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

In other words, it's a rebadged Shinka.

Spin9k

That's not entirely true!

It has bigger, heavier 19" wheels and tires and don't forget the leather wrapped hand brake handle, come on!!

The Shinka didn't have ALL that did it?

...but to be fair, it does have those nice seats... i want that (but not the car)

Angelo se3p

i like the rs model.

there actully doing a rs for the rx8!

motor different at all?

i also like the new seats that they come with. very little change but for a rx8 owner you can tell the difference.

also the rims look like the same rims as the 40th rx8..

when does the car hit the lots?

xsnipersgox

hmmmmm. check this.

look at the bottom of the page... it says 91 premium recommended now.. instead of 93? or am i wrong?...

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

lol, the shocks and crossmember are just recycled Shinka parts, bfd ...

Subdivisions

NO! NO! NO!

The pics from the OP, I assume RS version, are just awful!
Cheap
Looks like those body kits kids put on every POS.
Needs a giant wing in the back to match the style!
I died a little inside after seeing these images.
Had to fight the urge to vomit!


Then I read a few posts down, and the clouds parted
The sun shined again (sort of)
After seeing the Type E version, I was "somewhat" hopeful.
Modest design change.
"seems" OK
Will need to see it in person.

One of the main reasons I bought my '04 was design cues.
I would NEVER buy the RS version I saw!

JeRKy 8 Owner

At least now it's finally official that Mazda was unable to get anywhere with this engine. For 2009 the best they can come up with is a new bodykit and the 4.777 FEED mod. They obviously didn't care too much about fuel economy for these new models because the more aggressive gearing is going to lower MPG. Yeah you'll have a little more pick up now but at the expense of your wallet. If you're unconcerned about fuel efficiency, why not just say **** it and slap on a turbo anyway? Regardless, even after 5 years, they still couldn't produce a Mazdaspeed RX-8, which is all anyone ever really wanted. Sad.

Chris_Bangle

iTrader: (2)

^ agreed, + the R3 package is just a cynical marketing joke

zoom44

the new tranny gearing allows for the same fuel economy rating

PNTitBLK_07

i guess this is how marketing works...put out a bunch of crap and make that the "standard". After that sells for a while put out a "new" product, call it the "high end" version and jack up the price......oh and to clarify, the 09 is the crap to which i am reffering

pixartist

Every car maker does this crappy "transitional" model at the end of their production cycles. Who are they kidding with this "R3" without a torque increase? Remember the hidious looking Nissan Maximas just befor this current model? I'd wait till2010-11. I have a feeling the whole design will change then (I hope)

CarAndDriver

Beige color is butt ugly on the 8. Wish they had added additional gauges to the main cluster. There is plenty of room and it could use at least a voltmeter addition.

Razz1

I still don't see anything on the MNAO site

Apostle

Actually like the beige color, DO NOT like the brown. yup, BROWN is on the jp website for colors



EDIT: the brown may be sparkling black mica, but it looks brown on the webpage

Robonaut

I have to say, I think I like the styling of the 2009 R3 better than the current car.

I'm not really liking the blue though--that's not the only color that the R3 is going to be available in, is it?

Also, is the Bose in the R3 any different than the current one?

And, finally, I wonder if they changed the dipstick position to make checking the oil easier?

MrWigggles

The plastic mustache has to go.

I don't really like the styling in general. It is too busy.

I think the auto climate control will be nice.

-Mr. Wigggles

jayk

They can produce it, they just don't want to sell it here.

And people don't just slap on a turbo because of voiding the warranty.