^ 'bout sums up this refresh > "minimal" = no power, no weight loss, little beside 3.5" pipes and 4.7777 rear end. Everytting else is flash & style.

Happy New Year. We've been suckered. Might as well close the thread IMHO.

 

Isn't the change in gearing for all MT cars? Some people will be surprised that the Recaro's made it to the US.

Personally, my dilemma is whether I can wait until the 1.6L or negotiate a good deal on a 2007 model.

 

Does this mean I'll be able to change to a shorter gear ratio with an off-the-shelf Mazda part?

 

6 months ago I took the plunge on a 2007 and have NO regrets. I just hit 10,000 miles and the car is still such a joy. If you can wait the years it will take for the 1.6L to come out wait I suppose, but for me I knew I couldn't. Plus I wouldn't buy the new engine in the first few years anyway due to the likely recalls So I see that I have at least 5 years which will mean my RX-8 will be paid off by then.

As for the new model. I really like the new Recaro seats, but everything else really just looks too busy for my taste. I prefer the simpler style of the earlier 8s. And like everyone else had said that steering wheel is just awful. It is a shame there was no HP gains, but that was to be expected I guess.

I'm just glad Mazda seems to be staying committed to the rotary.

 

Putting everything in short the article says:

1) A variable red-zone added to the tachometer

2) Larger exhaust pipes (now measuring 90 mm across)

3) Adding a trapezoidal strut tower bar and enhancing the local rigidity of
the front suspension tower areas.

4) Rear suspension geometry has been reconfigured for better handling performance

5) Driveshaft rigidity is improved, lowering NVH levels and improving performance
(Q: what is the meaning of NVH? I guess the "V" stands for vibrations but I can not figure it out about NVH)
6) Differential gear ratio on manual transmissions goes from 4.444 to 4.777 (7% shorter) for improved off-the-line performance

7) 6 speed manual version and 6 speed automatic will be available

8) Both with the exact-same power levels as current models

9) New R3 sport package with Bilstein shock absorbers and front suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam. Filling the crossmembers makes for a smoother ride, minimized NVH and greater suspension control.

10) 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels with high performance tires (for the R3 version)

11) Recaro sport seats for the R3 version

12) Sport package, Touring package and GT package will be available with some new goodies as automatic wipers, auto headlights, bluetooth hands free phone adaptor, electric driver´s seat now with memory

Good enough for a restyling but confirmed that there are not substantial changes in the engine department.

It is also confirmed that we will have to see whether there are real minor mechanical changes such as the roumored new OMP, etc. All of this when the car becomes available.

Cheers

jird20

 

great, i was planing on getting the feed gear anyway.. i suppose their decision to change to 4.777 is to make up for the heavier 19 and 20 inch (MS) wheels..
and it looks like the made it impossible to retrofit any of the body parts.

 

Which tires will the R3 come with???

We could see a pretty crazy salom # and G figure!

 

so hot

 

Ok, so this new RS package is confirmed with what we already know, "On the visual side of the package, a rear spoiler, side sills, fog lights and sporty front bumper are added to give an aggressive appearance, along with 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels with high performance tires."

So what will the none RS package have is the big question. I can image saying, "I have a Mazda RX-8 R3". Or maybe R2D2?

 

 

Noise, Vibration, and Harshness

 

Anyone know what the final ratio will be for 6th?

It would be nice to bring the tach down from 4K @ 80mph to a normal 2.5-3k

 

ah bugger

 

and the US still doesn't get automatic climate control.. bah!

 

It's shorter...so the revs will be higher...@same speed.

The Orange in the headlights is BLEH it makes it look worse...and the recaros look like they don't have heated seat capability...but it's nice they have airbags built in

 

Great pictures altspace! Thanks!

 

it looks like they added a LOW OIL level warning light on the clusters

 

In a perfect world.

 

... there would be a 1.6 in that picture ... but all good things take time.

 

If overall gearing is lower, then lower fuel economy. Don't we hear enough bitching about that all ready?

I sort of like the look. But without dramatic performance improvement, I don't see the point. I won't give up my 8 for it. For the money, I could put on a body kit and FI and call it a day.

 

You are right!!!!!

 

I don't want it. Less things to complicate and break down later on. All the sensors and added weight for stupid if any real beneficial convenience.

If you're that lazy you can't just lift your arm up and change the dial, then I'm sad. Go buy a BMW....

 

I'm not sure that this helps any.

 

That picture looks like a "Turbo 20B" to me.

500 hp here we come.

 

the press release I read on Autoblog says the GT trim will have auto climate control?