Omicron

There has been a lot of commentary on the forums that no one likes the stock factory "under bumper" area of the RX-8, as it's too plasticky and just kind of ugly on an otherwise beautiful car. I don't like it much either, and would like to replace it.

However, the only rear under-bumper that I think is decent looking is the one by AutoExe, pictured below. Problem is, it's almost $900 shipped to the U.S.

So I got to talking with Chuck Huang from Rotary Extreme about this, as he has already made some excellent quality - but WAY less expensive - versions of the MazdaSpeed body kit.

To make a long story short, Rotary Extreme will make a version of the AutoExe rear under-bumper for $400 each (not including shipping) BUT ONLY IF WE CAN GET 20 PEOPLE WHO WANT TO BUY IT and will leave a $150 deposit to cover RE's development costs. This deposit will be applied to your purchase. If we get less than 20 people interested, Rotary Extreme will refund your $150.

Interested? If so, or if you have any questions, please reply to this thread. Thanks...

8_wannabe

How much of the original body panels are replaced with this? It looks like it runs seamlessly all the way to the top. Pretty nice looking, but you lose the rotary accent which I have.

mikeb

I'm gonna be honest
I dont care that much for this back bumper

I like the veilside v1 back bumper
it costs 264.00 at bulletproofautomotive.com

sup3rbad

Maybe you can talk chuck into keeping the rotary motif for their auto-exe replica.

Omicron

I believe it replaces everything from the "seam" that runs between the tail light and the rear wheelwell on down, including the rear bumper cover. Most replacement under-bumpers just attach below the existing body panel, like the factory plastic under-bumper.

And yes, I'm afraid there is no provision for the rear rotary accent. It will look exactly like the one pictured.
Well, thanks for your honesty Mike. I won't add you to the list of interested parties.

That's a good thought, but unlikely. It would require custom work to the mold, which would substantially add to the cost.

sup3rbad

I'm interested, but my financial status says otherwise.

Omicron

I'll put you down as a no-deposit maybe then.

doccable

Omicron -
I'd be interested except that I have the rear fog light kit on its way from Canzoomer... got any ideas?
-Doc

maxrx8

How does it intergrate with the appearance package?
Looks clean. Maybe too clean.

Bill

Omicron

Actually looks great with the appearance package, from what I have been able to tell, although I'm not too sure about how the the little half side-sills would look. Hmmm.

As for the rear rotary symbol that will go missing with this kit, I'll have to talk to Chuck about that and see if the shape/symbol could be incorporated. Based on the responses so far, it seems there might be enough interest if that were added to incorporate that into the design.

bobclevenger

Omicron -- this looks very nice as is! Personally I think Mazda went a little overboard with the rotary accents everywhere (but that's just me). I assume this would need to be installed and painted by a good body shop (I have no auto-body skills!). Any Idea how much for the total package on the car and painted?
I am very interested since my 8 was very lightly rear-ended two days after I bought it.
This would replace all the damaged area.

jeffs8

I think it's the best looking tail yet. It keeps the 8's overall character intact - "Yes it's fast, but it's a grown-up fast".

Will it be made of ABS like OEM, or fiberglass?
Will it require extensive body shop fitment?

$400 seems pricey for a bumper cover doesn't it?

Thx,
-js

Omicron

Bob, I think it would cost about $300-$500 to get it painted, but I'm just guessing here. As for mounting, it'll be a bolt on, and should be pretty easy to install. Rotary Extreme even includes any needed brackets with all their other body kit parts, something NO one else does, even Mazdaspeed. So I'm guessing you'd be able to get the whole thing purchased, installed, and painted for around $1000.
Yeah, $400 does seem high, till you consider AutoExe wants $900 shipped for theirs, and you can easily spend even more than that on other brands.

I believe it will be ABS plastic like OEM, but will ask Chuck and let you know. And as I said above, it should just bolt on.

So guys, are you interested enough to leave a deposit?

bobclevenger

Not bad, considering that it would cost me over $800 to get the stock parts installed and painted.

Quote:

So guys, are you interested enough to leave a deposit?

How do I go about it?

Omicron

Let me just hang on to your name for now.

rxtreme

iTrader: (1)

I do like that rear bumper cover. However, what would be nice is if RE could design a rear bumper with a custom straight thru single tip exhaust. I know we've mentioned it before, but damn that would be awesome. The exhaust would probably be superior to all other designs, as well.

Omicron

Ok, just FYI, here's an aftermarket rear underbumper that incorporates the rear fog. Came from this site: http://pac-gate.co.jp/run/rx8.htm

Omicron

I see what you're saying, but I personally like the dual exhausts on the '8 - even though a single would be more functional. I've always been kinda partial to dual pipes, maybe from my '60s musclecar heritage. But if enough people (like maybe 20 or so ) chime in asking for it, I'm sure RE will make it...

bobclevenger

I'm with you on this one, Omicron. A single exhaust pipe just doesn't look right to me, no matter HOW functional it is.

doccable

I'm with you on this one. That damn musclecar dual exhaust necessity that became a seemingly natural part of the overall styling just will not go away, will it? I must admit that I'm impressed with the kit you included with the link, I wonder if the rear fog light is going to be included?
-Doc

Omicron

Anyone else?

Japan8

Damn Damn Damn... why couldn't this be 6-10 months from now??
I have no 8 now, but depending on fortune I may be moving back to the states in that time frame... and if I do, I'll be putting an 8 in my driveway.

As far a bodykits go... I've said it before... the MS is nice, but the Autoexe has a much more mature look to it IMHO... it's had my eye for some time now. The only thing has been that it is expensive and fiberglass (particularly fiberglass was a negative for me).

Well let me pose this... if you can't get the 20 deposits together now, would RE be interested in the doing this at a future date when we can get all 20 or more people together?

Omicron

Ok, so here's the count to date:

3 definite, willing to leave a deposit, but not immediately:

• Doccable
• BobClevenger
• Omicron

1 interested, but NOT willing to leave a deposit at this time:

• sup3rbad

3 unknowns, interested but have not said "sign me up" one way or another:

• 8wannabe
• jeffs8
• Japan8

That's 7 people at best, so unless more folks chime in here, we'll never get this made.

Anyone else? Come on folks, even the factory appearance package rear wheel flares will set you back about $220!

Gord96BRG

To be honest - I like the stock bumper and the lower black part. If it were all one colour or one piece, then it would be waay too massive - the *** of the car would look huge, and that is one styling element I absolutely hate. The last gen Toyota Supra was like that - the stock rear bumper was gigantic and ugly. Mazda's use of the lower part in a separate colour provides much needed visual relief. Replacement bumpers that keep a separate diffuser style are much more effective than something that switches to the massive single bumper huge-*** style! IMHO, of course.

Regards,
Gordon