2011 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring, an AutoWeek Drivers Log Car Review
 

http://www.autoweek.com/article/2011...IEWS/110729994

Some nice comments by various reviewers, but it's getting kinda depressing being reminded how sad it is to see such a unique car go away...

"It's small inside because of the power seats"? How does that make it small? Maybe he meant sunroof. Fun read though, thanks.

Hey I am 6ft 4in tall and I fit in my 2008 40th Anniversary edition (with sunroof). Maybe the 2009-2011 power seats and sunroof leave less room ? I have the power seats tilted back some because my legs are long, and that gives me a comfortable driving position (arms/legs). It would be tight with a helmet on, but still possible. I drove RX7s for decades with a helmet on many tracks with no problem. I think these folks at Autoweek are sitting in very upright positions which many shorter drivers prefer.

The end of an era is about to close.

I tested many RX-8s before buying mine. I discovered that the power seat does not go down as low as the manual seat, and obviously the sunroof does encroach on headroom. Together, they make the car undriveable for me. There is no difference between the series I and II in this regard. That's why I bought a base model without either option.

Recently, there was a mod posted to lower the seat pan an inch or two.

Sorry it doesn't fit for you. I am very comfortable in my power seats at 6 ft 4 in tall ! I have even done a 14 hour straight road trip very comfortably in my RX8. I have owned seven Mazda rotaries since 1973 , with over a million miles driven (on street and track combined) and the tightest fit for me was my 1993 RX7 FD twin turbo. I know several other six footers who drive RX8s with power seats and moonroofs with no problems either. I guess ergonomically it has a a lot to do with how long your legs are VS your torso and arm length, and therefore how far you rake the seat to find a comfortable driving position. It works for me.

Thanks. Fun read! They do mostly love the car. Still nothing's perfect, and the negatives mentioned are well known. After that it's about what you're after.