Last Drive? Mazda RX-8- Mortor Trend
06-10-2010, 07:58 AM
#26
Well written article. Favorite line:
"See that yellow warning sign suggesting a safe, reasonable speed at which to execute the next corner? Ignore it. The RX-8 will double it...."
"See that yellow warning sign suggesting a safe, reasonable speed at which to execute the next corner? Ignore it. The RX-8 will double it...."
06-10-2010, 09:15 AM
#28
06-10-2010, 10:33 AM
#30
S-Turns + RX8 = Zoom-Zoom
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A good read.
My fav quote from the article
My fav quote from the article
The real story, though, is in the handling. The word "illegal" scarcely does justice to the speeds the RX-8 will allow you to attain on your favorite canyon road. See that yellow warning sign suggesting a safe, reasonable speed at which to execute the next corner? Ignore it. The RX-8 will double it with nary a hint of protest from the Bridgestone Potenzas
06-10-2010, 10:42 AM
#31
3-wheeler
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Fantastic write-up and I really think the author captures the true essence of the car. There are a lot of people, not just automotive journalists, that are "numbers" people who try to examine cars through the stats and you just can't do it. A true driver's car is about the experience.
That's why I was glad that I knew nothing about the RX8 when I bought it. I was looking for a turbo AWD car and this one just fit well and felt great to drive. I STILL have a blast driving it daily after 100,000 miles of ownership.
The con's were well stated: Drinks gas and oil like a drunken sailor, doesn't have a lot of torque nor is it super powerful. However, given the experience you have it makes those elements worth it.
The BHR team has routinely discussed the position of the RX8 within the automotive community and we really believe that the RX8 is still in the up-swing of respect and stance. People are really starting to take notice of it's capabilities.
That's why I was glad that I knew nothing about the RX8 when I bought it. I was looking for a turbo AWD car and this one just fit well and felt great to drive. I STILL have a blast driving it daily after 100,000 miles of ownership.
The con's were well stated: Drinks gas and oil like a drunken sailor, doesn't have a lot of torque nor is it super powerful. However, given the experience you have it makes those elements worth it.
The BHR team has routinely discussed the position of the RX8 within the automotive community and we really believe that the RX8 is still in the up-swing of respect and stance. People are really starting to take notice of it's capabilities.
06-10-2010, 10:48 AM
#32
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"the pedals were disappointingly far apart, making heel-toe work difficult"
Thats a first that I read that, Hell I actually think they are kinda close, sometimes when I clutch it my foot hits the brake as well, maybe thats because I have size 14/15 feet but come on... I think they are placed excellent...
Thats a first that I read that, Hell I actually think they are kinda close, sometimes when I clutch it my foot hits the brake as well, maybe thats because I have size 14/15 feet but come on... I think they are placed excellent...
I also enjoyed this article a lot. Did anyone else wonder why this guy didn't just drop 2 or 3 gallons into the tank so he could actually enjoy the rest of his trip, rather than sweating out the last leg of the twisties because he didn't want to pay $4/gallon?
I know these guys probably don't make a ton of money, but c'mon . . .
06-10-2010, 11:11 AM
#34
"I wanna go fast!"
I have this feeling that the next RX car wont be to my liking as much as the Rx8. I have this feeling that i am going to have to do an engine swap and throw in the new 16X or 16c or whatever it will be called...lol.
I bet that I end up moving to Florida, buying a 2006-2008 Miata as my daily driver to and from where ever, and making my Rx8 my rotary project car. You just watch and wait.
I bet that I end up moving to Florida, buying a 2006-2008 Miata as my daily driver to and from where ever, and making my Rx8 my rotary project car. You just watch and wait.
06-11-2010, 03:04 AM
#37
Registered
Not sure I agree that the cons were very well stated. With the higher-geared A/T I'm getting 24 mpg @ 75-80 mph on my daily 70 mile commute, and consuming about a quart of oil every 2500-3000 miles. Neither of those consumption figures seems disagreeable or extreme.
And I'm sick of hearing about the lack of a spare tire. Mazda gives you that option, just depends on individual priorities and usage. Yes, it takes some trunk space, but I throw most of my stuff in the back seats anyway. If I need extra room, I can remove the tire temporarily (but it hasn't been necessary).
And I'm sick of hearing about the lack of a spare tire. Mazda gives you that option, just depends on individual priorities and usage. Yes, it takes some trunk space, but I throw most of my stuff in the back seats anyway. If I need extra room, I can remove the tire temporarily (but it hasn't been necessary).
06-11-2010, 01:48 PM
#40
The Prototype
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Great article, i too began to get a little misty eyed during the read.
I love my car, and plan on keeping my 8 forvever! She will always have a spot in my garage no matter what other cars I may buy!
I am glad too the main stream is giving respect the 8 finally deserves ,like the 3rd gen RX-7. The 3rd gen RX-7 and 7's before it blazed it own path in history, now the RX-8 is doing the same!
Long Live the Rotary!
I love my car, and plan on keeping my 8 forvever! She will always have a spot in my garage no matter what other cars I may buy!
I am glad too the main stream is giving respect the 8 finally deserves ,like the 3rd gen RX-7. The 3rd gen RX-7 and 7's before it blazed it own path in history, now the RX-8 is doing the same!
Long Live the Rotary!
06-14-2010, 08:57 AM
#42
It's sad to see the RX8 go, but it's not surprising. Hey, this makes owning one that much MORE unique.
Let the haters hate. I already think the RX8 holds a somewhat exotic feel about it, and it being discontinued will only contribute to that. Maybe THIS is what Mazda needed to do to make people love it!
Let the haters hate. I already think the RX8 holds a somewhat exotic feel about it, and it being discontinued will only contribute to that. Maybe THIS is what Mazda needed to do to make people love it!
06-14-2010, 11:20 AM
#43
2009 RX-8 Touring
I am so glad I got one when I had the chance. And I am also glad I waited until everything lined up, because it means I got one with all the bugs worked out of it.
(taps on his desk, just in case)
(taps on his desk, just in case)
06-14-2010, 11:34 AM
#44
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06-14-2010, 10:44 PM
#47
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I have a feeling this car will be more sought after it is discontinued. Since the "affordable" sports car segment is pretty much completely dead right now the 8 will be a huge performance bargain given you can usually find great deals on used ones. I'd bet anything there will be plenty of people who will wish they would have hung on to their 8 in the future...especially if the 16x doesn't make it and the rotary disappears again.
06-14-2010, 11:34 PM
#49
Grand Chancellor
Good article. Comments are as usual by folks who pile hate on the car due to misunderstanding it and have never driven the RX-8. Put a Mazdaspeed3 in an RX-8? The whole reason for the rx-8 and any rx-cars claim to fame is the wonderful rotary engine. In stark contrast, piston engines are so barbaric.
06-15-2010, 03:15 AM
#50
The Slow and the Serious
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Uh no. I see R3 going for ~$30k CDN funds. If my current 8 were to disappear due to accident or theft, I'd march right into my local Mazda shop and pick up a white R3.
Good article. Comments are as usual by folks who pile hate on the car due to misunderstanding it and have never driven the RX-8. Put a Mazdaspeed3 in an RX-8? The whole reason for the rx-8 and any rx-cars claim to fame is the wonderful rotary engine. In stark contrast, piston engines are so barbaric.
Good article. Comments are as usual by folks who pile hate on the car due to misunderstanding it and have never driven the RX-8. Put a Mazdaspeed3 in an RX-8? The whole reason for the rx-8 and any rx-cars claim to fame is the wonderful rotary engine. In stark contrast, piston engines are so barbaric.