shift **** in the rs in that video was gone! Thieves!!!

also,

in the mazda speed section of the display, anyone notice the wallboard?
i saw the usual suspension stuff, and something that looks like a cat.

could that confirm the source of the increased power? Has anyone translated the spec sheet on the windshield?

 

Mazdaspeed is unveiling a "concept" of just about every Mazda vehicle at the Tokyo Auto Salon, it's a little early to be rejoicing the long awaited production Mazdaspeed RX-8. There have been 3 Mazdaspeed 8's shown in the past at the Auto Salon, the original silver one with the body kit that we ended up getting, the blue one with the so called "version 2" kit and the M'z tuned.

 

I for one, agree with the others that this was a nicely done FACELIFT. While I have no arguments against the current model it looks like this one was farily well concieved and nicely executed. Yes, there are small issues that the RX8 community will all disagree about but Mazda can't make ALL of us happy. Yes there are a few changes I would like to see to the upcoming models, but I will be happy to stand in line for my purchase and make the changes myself. That's what will make the car unique.

 

I think I'm probably the only person on the forum who doesn't like the MS8 concept. I actually like the RS more. This is from an exterior position only. The interior on the MS is pretty damn cool.

 

No need to translate. Check one of my earlier posts. For nearly all of the vehicles there, there are tech specs on the windshield. For the Rx-8, the spec sheet keeps repeating "-" (first section from the top).

 

So, how did the French get to view this first? I thought that Detroit was the Worldwide unveiling? Of course, the MS is just a concept, which translated means, if they build it, it likely will not see the US market.

 

Detroit is the unveiling of the facelifted RX-8, which we really haven't seen yet (in base form). The RS and the MS are of course based on the facelift, so we have a good idea of what it will look like. MS will probably want to at least sell the body kit and other parts for the facelifted 8, but as aftermarket parts, not as a production model.

 

Exactly what I wanted to see

That plastic bar and the chrome strakes are just heinous.

 

i think this is a mazda rep / troll??

 

Why blank out the specs on only the 8?!

 

+1 Great Video!!

Thanks R Magic for posting!

 

As I said, maybe they have a little surprise for us...

 

Actually no, just a long time lurker on the boards.

 

Agreed. Average-car-buyer-Joe who's shopping for a 30K sports car/sedan is probably going to cross-shop an RX-8 with an STI/Evo and maybe an S2000 or 350Z (if they don't really need a back-seat). With the exception of the S2000, the RX-8 is significantly down in power in comparison to the other three.

 

I plan on murdering someone to get my hands on those mazdaspeed seats...

 

Thanks for posting the photos. I like the interior except for the wheel. I do think the up/dn presets button needs to be a rocker like the volume contol but I don't like this implementation.

Seats and rest of the interior looks quite nice. Like the change to the HVAC controls and placement of the Nav screen.

Tail lights are growing on me a bit but the front just looks too riced out for me, too much plastic/protrusions.

They might get a few more sales but I wouldn't expect them to get many. Especially if they don't advertise it. When is the last time you have seen an RX8 commercial?

 

Yeah, but the RX-8 steering wheel always looked quite similar to the Mazda3 steering wheel, so it's not that much different this time around, it's just the reused part is updated.

 

At first glance i was turned off by the new facelift... but after 2 hours of studying it, it 's grown on me, the MS version is beautiful....

Question with the new look, will it increase the weight of the car? Especially the MS edition, all that new plastics, larger lights, new fenders ,etc, looks like the RX-8 may tip over the 3000lb mark? That would definitely be sad...

All the mags i read said the new face lifted RX-8 will get a increase in power or slightly faster acceleration, but how much? 5.9 0-60 runs to 5.5 isn't to much to brag about , but 0-60's in the low 5's will definitely get my attention.

 

looking at mazda pass record im almost sure its lighter, thats why the rs version is a base with go fast parts

I dont think the car will be a low 5's 0-60 but I do think it will be a bit faster, remember that most reveiws show the rx-8 in the low 6's 0-60

 

damn, it's almost impossible to keep up with this thread. The front of the RS is growing on me but the MS front is by far the sexiest front I've ever seen on an 8. (IMHO)

As for the comments on the cruise control: keep in mind that it's not legal in all countries. I believe it's not allowed in parts of Europe. The NA model will definitely have the option

 

With those 19's? I wouldn't count on it.

 

didn't Car and driver hit 5.9 on the '04 RX-8? Whose to say they haven't tweaked a few extra ponies out of this to keep it under 6? Might be possible but we'll have to wait and see. (no sense spending too much time speculating)

 

Go fast parts? Where? Did i miss something because i didn't see any go fast parts.......

 

15 more hp and a little more agresive gearing, the stock 18 inch are not that light to beging with Im almost sure mazda can get at least those 19's to the same weight of the 18's

 

It's funny how not too long ago ( a few days ago for some) people were complaning about how stupid Mazda is for not having a refresh or update...

Now they get it and they complain...

I think it is interesting change on an interesting car...the Rx-8 was never a beauty queen, thats why so many people have the MS and other kits