rx8 won for the 10 best cars on a gay website

DjGO · 2004-04-14 05:18:37

SCORE! Ten cars that'll get you a date Slide 3 of 11 Mazda RX-8 Slide 3 of 11 Also More cars What does it say about you? That you're a thrill-seeker, and that you have better things to do with your money than spend more than $33K on a car (like go on lavish dates and shower your love with gifts). Who will it attract? Reality-based yet adventurous types who have their heads in the clouds but their driving shoes on the ground. Its best angle: From the rear "three-quarter," preferably while in another car. That position puts you at the best possible viewing angle to appreciate how distinctly separate the front fender is from the "fuselage." From there, you can also see the nifty clear-lens taillamps and the nicely placed door cutlines. Where to take it on your first date: Someplace remote, with a really, really curvy driveway. That way, you can experience the incredibly flat cornering (thanks to its wide stance, perfect 50/50 weight distribution and outstanding suspension geometry). Advice: keep the engine revving high -- it sounds so good up near its 9,000-rpm redline that you won't even have to turn on the incredible optional Bose stereo. What's the real story? This is a real car, guys. While the RX-8 may not be terribly expensive, nor from a prestigious automaker, nor even as slippery-slidery gorgeous as a Jaguar, it has sex appeal for days. It's definitely not the car that comes to mind when you think of ridiculously sexy cars, but it always surprises unsuspecting observers who may be pumping gas next to you, or who are waiting with you at the car wash. It's a real conversation starter, and therefore, your ticket to a fun first date. The RX-8 also has measurably more utility than virtually any other sports car, thanks to two bucket seats in back that can fit six-footers comfortably (really), accessed by rear-hinged back doors that make getting in and out of there much easier. Just don't think about gettin' down in back on that date, as a huge driveshaft tunnel/console separates the seats. The eensy but powerful rotary engine is pure joy, especially with the short-throw six-speed manual transmission. Also, forget any rotary reservations you may have, since it benefits from some pioneering design developments that leave the coughing, smoking, high-maintenance rotaries of the '80s and '90s in the past where they belong. Critical dimensions Seats: 4 Engine: 1.3-liter two-rotor Rotary (238 hp, 159 lb-ft of torque) Drive wheels: Rear Cargo space (cubic feet): 7.6 Fuel economy: 18/24 (manual), 18/25 (automatic) Estimated price: $26K?$33K