My idea of a major redesign would be 100HP more under the hood. Anything else (more) is just puffery, except maybe climate control would be nice. We shouldn't have to wait 10 yrs for either of those things

 

the wheels are nice

 

In two years the RX8 will have massive competition which will (arguablly) be better looking and significantly faster while getting better gas mileage. They can't wait 5 years for a total makeover unless they intend to kill it off anyway.

 

This article (even if it's not about the "anniversary edition" loses all credibility when it refers to the 8 as the "high power Mazda RX-8".

 

Europeans don't only look at 1/4 mile times. Crazy, huh?

 

crazy.

y'know what else?

they drive on the wrong side of the road.

 

"high power" - as in the manual transmission version.

 

"high power" as in the 20b fitted turbo rx-8

 

You're never going to see an RX over 300 hp (and probably not near it for a while to come) so don't base competition on speed. There will always be something more powerful and faster. There always has been. Rotaries have never been at the top of the fuel efficiency comparison in relation to other cars either. None of this is anything new yet people still complain about it. Get over it. It will always be this way.

 

Too bad they only keep changing the fascias because they screwed them up time and time again. At least they got the powertrain right.

 

i predick that mazda will
1- keep this chassis(would be a fool not too),
2- strengthen the trans a bit,
3- face lift changes to increase some front air flow,
4- cosmetic rear end changes with possible single exhaust
5- have the fans come on sooner(even helps the a/c cool better)
6- euro spoiler for the usa
7- possible hood scoop
8- FI--probable supercharger -- if Richard Paul only knew the right people --the axial flow would be PERFECT for this car --even for hydrogen!
9- a better low oil system and better type temp monitoring
10- more stereo selections and seamless ipod/mp3 hook up
and thats enough off the top of my head and someone's else's that I know.
olddragger

 

It will be a 5 year run... (04 through 08)... By 09 there will be some re-design work...

 

I hope you meant "predict".

 

lol--i wondered who would catch that
olddragger

 

and the single exhaust?...reason?

 

styling change and weight/cost savings
OD

 

I disagree with that. I really don't see why they can't put out a 300HP (crank) RX-8. We are talking around 60HP more. It obviously can easily be done by going FI.

Note- They should have offered an FI version in the 1st place, versus de-tuning the Auto and then creating a separate 4 port engine. Better to have have the same 6 port engine and then a FI option.

If they underpower the RX again, I think it will definitely kill the rotary. People can live with the mpg on a sports car. The HP is the issue. People want the "fun", thats why they are getting a sports car. The RX-8 survives on looks and handling, but the HP complaints are very consistent, to the point that Mazda should be taking notice.

 

Um, I believe it was said that they under powered the AT cause they didn't have a slush box that could take 9000 RPM and I *think* even the current one has a lower red line.

Not because they wanted the MT to have more power. In Mazda's view they would want the AT to be as close to the MT as possible.

 

They need to do what Trembly's team does,

That Mazda # 70 passes Porches, Vette's and Pontiac's.

 

no doubt. love that 8.

 

I would expect some kind of engine upgrade before the next generation. I remember in 84, they put a 13B in the 1st gen rx7, and in '89 the 4 port 13B was upgraded to a 6 port for the 2nd gen rx7. I would think it's about time to improve the renesis somehow.

Matt

 

Well at least they could give you LED rear tail lights.