Never posted until now. Compelled to do so because of my extreme disappointment that our beloved 8 has not received even the SLIGHTEST increase in HP or torque with the 2009 model revision.

Trust me I am no HP addict, I chose the 8 for all the usual reasons -- superb handling, style and rear seat utility. Just seems to me the 8 should be the FASTEST car in Mazda's stable, not a front wheel drive hatchback.

Mazda has truly squandered a great opportunity here to rectify an imbalance in the Universe. Agree or disagree?

 

Who cares?

 

disagree. They have an engine with 1.6L displacement in the stable. so it would be putting down about 250hp-270 to the ground with intake, exhaust in N/A form.

turbo that baby and your looking at 450-500 easily.

 

Actually the rx8 is the fastest car in their stable, just not the quickest to 60mph stock.

 

non-issue

 

I'm sure Mazda has squeezed just about everything they can from this engine without compromising regulations/emissions. If they could have made more usable power/torque then they would have - it's obvious to them that people want more power by now. That's why the 1.6l is under development. I would rather them dump more time/money into a significant change (which this new rotary would be) then try to squeeze another 3 or 4 hp out of the Renesis. It's only been 5 years...

 

Wow, great first post.

 

The Universe is not in balance because of the MS8.

 

blah blah blah, our cars aren't powerful enough whaaa whaaa. so don't buy a new one. Problem solved.

 

I would like to bet it will be 215-225 whp out of the box. Look at how much Mazda boasted the RX8 numbers then had to change them. Then there is so much loss in the drivetrain as well.

 

Not quite.

My buddies with bone stock MS6 and MS3 destroy my car in a line. Soon the MS Miata will trounce all over the RX8 as well.

Best of all, these cars are all more reliable and easier to maintain. I should have gotten a MS6.

 

and the sad thing about that is even at that improved output I bet the mass majority still wouldn't be satisfied by the time it's competitors rolls out as well. I had an 05 S2K with probably that amt of whp and it felt just as slow as our 8's. It certainly isn't the rush of turbo power so I hope the people do not expect the same for the upcoming 16x. To put this in another perspective, how many of you test drove a 350z and can actually say that VQ35 is fast? That doesn't feel fast to me and maybe it's because I drove an STi beforehand, but 278 NA hp and no push in your seat feeling? I suspect the current VQ power is what one would feel when the 16x debuts.

And I doubt Mazda would do another turbo route again. Let's hope that at least the supposive 16x does respond well to your typical bolt-ons unlike our wrung out renny.

 

Yes, it sounds like you probably should have.

 

hp is an issue with me.

sure im happy with my 180-190whp. but if my car had 350z level hp i'd be, uh.. my happiness would be cranked to 11.

 

Its my understanding that all traditional piston engines can beat the rotary off the line due to torque,but the rotary should be able to pull away from most cars from 60-100+ MPH

 

hmmm, I'll let you guys dream of owning a MS3 and MS6 while I pwn your whiny asses with 300 - 350 whp in my 8.

 

You'd be incorrect. The Rx-8 still has 130-140 tq PEAK. So while it has a wide powerband, the acceleration is just as anemic from a dead stop as it is when you're rolling. Torque = acceleration even from a roll.

 

Thanks for clearing that up for me.

 

yeah.. I'm sorry to say it. But you can gain quite a bit of torque with a turbo. We've seen over 250 rwtq with the greddy kit.

 

Not doubting that, but I think ATP has a turbo upgrade kit for the MS3 and MS6 that nets 400whp.

 

Keep browsing, John.

 

Sometimes I think there are too many people who look at numbers alone, as if numbers make a car.

There's a huge difference between a sporty sedan or sub-compact and a sports car. Seating position is only one aspect of it. Also don't forget that the MS3 is FWD and the MS6 can only put 50% power to the rear wheels.

 

it actually might be accelerating

 

im a realist.......and i almost guarantee that every one on this forum would like more power.....if not they wouldnt mod so much......if you say you wouldnt like more power than your a liar.....or your just lying to your self. even though the 8 is a little underpowered it still a blast to drive, and looks badass. kinda off topics but.... im still not used to people looking at me while driving.......im like what the hell are you looking at and my wife says "theyre looking at your car....duh", i say oh yeah.....

 

I am disapointed that Mazda ignores their customers for more HP. They had 5years to improve the engine and did nothing!

Shame, shame, shame...