[/QUOTE]Not in America, at least not unless you can get something that's not offered online OR at the dealership.[/QUOTE]

I am pretty sure they offered a black R3 in 2009. It was a plain black and the sport and gt were offered in a metallic black...if my memory serves me right. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

 

Actually, they are BBS wheels.

...and the R3 was available in "Brilliant Black Clearcoat" in '09 (dropped in '10). It is a metallic black.

 

Are they actually made by BBS or did they just use BBS forging technology? Like the seats in the R3; they are probably not made by recaro, but made by mazda who just paid recaro $$$ to put their name on the seats (this is what mitsu does with the evo).

 

They are BBS forged...I just looked it up.

I don't really want to debate whether they're nice. They're dead secksi wheels...but I would just prefer something different.

That's my favorite color, haha...why would they stop making black!? I figure that'd be a popular color...

 

I'll bet just BBS Forged...as that's what the site states, and there's no BBS center cap (as on the Evo)

Yup...which is why the bolsters break on the Evo...BUT Mitsu replaces them!

I'm pretty sure Recaro makes the seats in the RX-8, though...someone on the forum called to talk to Recaro about one of the issues, and they said that they "make them to Mazda's specifications".

 

Lack of Color options, Removing Touring Model and Lack of Advertising are almost completely responsible for lack of S2 Sales.

 

To add to your original post. The AT GT came with no spoiler, the MT GT comes with a lip spoiler and the R3(all MT) comes with the raised spoiler(like you have, which was most likely a dealer installed accessory or from the previous owner). The R3 does not come with the option for a sunroof, as well as I don't believe it was available from the factory with the option to get the nav system. Other then that I believe you hit on all the other differences.

 

My White 09 GT has no moonroof!

 

The moonroof was optional on the 09 GT but I believe is standard on the GT trim in 2010.

 

apples and oranges
I like my R3
wonder what R3 means?
road, race, rare?
as for the suspension, its on the bumpy side. I ride a motorcycle so its not a big of deal.
seat is fine Im 5'7 and 114lbs.

 

damn your light!

 

lol helps the weight distribution

 

114lbs???!?!? You professional runner or cyclist to be that light?

That's an unfair weight advantage in a race... You'd have to gain some pounds...

 

I got my R3 for a few reasons:

1. It looks (IMHO) much better than the GT. One reason I don't like stock GTs is because they look a little unbalanced visually. Big front end with gaping oil cooler vents, but the lack of side skirts makes it look odd.

2. It is very exotic looking. Coupled with the 19" wheels, side skirts and S2 front end it looks like a much more expensive vehicle than it is. The relative rarity of the S2 keeps people wondering as to what vehicle it is.

3. I love the Recaros. They are not for everyone though. Getting racing seats in this car would be expensive, and I think the Recaros even have side airbags in them.

4. It handles very well! I am done with modding my cars (so I say, until my first track day LOL) so the factory Bilsteins were attractive for their firm but relatively civilized ride.

I can see why you wouldn't want an R3 if you were going to seriously mod this car. But it is basically the same price as a GT and to me it was worth it to have such a rare and beautiful car! For less than $30k it is a no brainer. If it only had an extra 50hp I think it would be as perfect as any car this side of an Evora or Cayman S.

 

A lot of people complain about not fitting in these seats. All I have to say is that they are a no ___ chicks kind of seat. If you have issues... eat less... run around the block a few times a week.... No more high fructose corn syrup... No fried foods... Only then are you worthy of an R3...

tee...hee...

 

unless they changed things between the 2009 and 2010, the R3's have a polyureathane foam injected front crossmember too...

 

I don't think its the shocks that make it bumpy. I've got a 09 touring and replaced the 18's with factory R3 wheels. The ride definitely got a bit firmer/harsher. Just that much less sidewall to soak up the bumps. Not that I mind but it was noticeable.

 

I love my R3...although I do miss having a sunroof.

 

I never saw an R3 on any lot so I never got a chance to sit in one to see if the Recaros were too tight for me or if they robbed headroom over the Sport. Plus, exactly how stiff are the Bilsteins I wondered? And it doesn't look like the car sits any lower so its a bit of a waste. The tires are no better or wider either. I certainly could use a better stereo that the R3 has though, the Sport one bites.

 

how can seats rob headroom?

the car doesnt sit lower, but the wheel off set is smaller.

 

^^ since they (the seats) are different they could have a bottom cushion that sits higher than the Sport seat--or even from the bracketry. Plus theres no height adj so I don't know exactly where it would sit. But, the bottom cushion of the Recaro looks like it might be longer and angled up more, which would be just what I'd need because too much of my legs weight rests on the gas. My 12EEEs don't help here either. But this is just a guess with that seat. At 114 lbs u must be swimming in the Recaros!

 

lol, they are quite low actually, Im using a seat cushion. I think anybody close to 6' should be a perfect fit. I'm 5'7
yea I still have some room left even in the recaro.

 

/\

The GT has Power Drivers seat the R3 does not..

I also seriously looked at the R3 (called GT in Australia), but in the end I preferred the GT (called Luxury in Australia), the Sun roof, and ride IMO is better if you don't want the harder Bilsteins, plus for a 50 plus year old, Recaros are a PITA to get in and out of..

Both are great cars...engine and mechanically there is not difference.

 

I always figured R3 meant "Revision 3"..."revision 2" being the Shinka. Unless someone tells me something more convincing, that is what Im believing haha.

 

It's the third R Package rotary car --

1993 RX-7 R1, 1994/1995 RX-7 R2.

http://www.rotarywiki.com/index.php?...uction_Numbers