FYI...Autoexpress in England - Performance Car of The Year 2008.

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Video with R3 on track

If there’s one thing you can guarantee about our annual Performance Car of the Year bonanza, it’s that one model will surprise everyone – and this year it was the Mazda RX-8.

We’ve always been fans, but even we were not prepared for the latest R3 to be quite so accomplished around the undulating Anglesey circuit. Perfect 50:50 weight distribution ensures supreme balance, while precise steering and excellent traction help raise the grin factor.

In damp conditions the rear-wheel-drive chassis is predictable and progressive, yet in the dry we found the immense grip made it hard to unsettle the back tyres. Against the stopwatch the Mazda was outpaced by 16 of its rivals here, but this is proof that track-based fun isn’t all about speed. In terms of pure chassis balance and driving enjoyment, you will need to look towards the top finishers to find something more rewarding. The firm’s engineers have also managed to eradicate the clunky transmission feel that was a hallmark of previous models, so it’s smoother to drive on the road, too. The distinctive rotary motor is still thirsty and requires regular oil top-ups, while the car’s familiar looks do it no favours in the desirability stakes. But as a pure driver’s machine the RX-8 proves you don’t need a billionaire’s budget to own one of the very best.

 

What they should have said is this: This is proof that the car needs a proper f-king engine

 

amazing that the 8 still impresses after so many years without any upgrading to the engine .

 

^

Another amazing thing, is seeing a lightly modified older civic, steadily pull away from you on the back straight at Mosport (after thinking this is the one car that will not pull on me on the straight in this group)

 

/\ you need a few mods . I stay with 350zs all the way to the redline in 4th

 

I was thinking about: RB Intake / Duct + Resonated Mid Pipe & Racing Beat Flash (in the power dept)

 

well, it isn't a surprise to me. The chassis is unbelievable....with the suspension and transmission tweaks it definitely is the best rotary car ever created.

Now it needs a better rotary. I'm not a renesis fan.

 

most up to date thread on the subject here ....

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-aftermarket-performance-modifications-23/best-way-get-200whp-na-159194/

 

You've got it partially right....

* Get the Cobb Access Port not the RB Flash
* Catless midpipe, new coils and a catback exhaust
* Short shifter

... and you are good to go.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. First thing I need to do is actually buy a GS model RX-8, after my lease expires.

^ Is your Mazport midpipe resonated and do you use it for daily driving?

 

Yes to both questions, midpipe has two resonators on it so it's very quiet. Good luck with your purchase. Get the best color WB

 

LoL I have the same experience in Shannonville...cannot pull on the new Civic Si at all on the back straight lol

 

RX8 is a great car for auto X and some small tracks if you can keep at higher RPM, chasis and handling are amazing not the power!! unless you do some force induction to it, it's really hard to compete..

 

no shxt...I was trying to wave you in my rx8 when you fly by with your M3 and xxxxxRx8 license plate and I can only see your tail lights lol

 

hahaha ya i remember... we were 404 going north or something??

 

hahah yup I was the slow blue rx8 keep highbeaming you when you fly away in 407 on 404 towards hw7 exit lol

btw that right lane is HOV LANE too I got fcked last week !#$$^#$&^

 

The article is exactly right about the RX8. A true sports car, not a supercar with tons of horsepower etc. It is reminicent of the days of old where sports cars provided a driving experience that made the driver feel like one with the car, not the fastest in a straight line. The RX8 is up there with the best of them, as Kafka can attest when he was in the RX8 with Paul at Mosport. I could get away from Paul in a straight line in the Mspeed 6 but he would run me down like crazy in the corners. I dont think there is another car for about $40,000 that provides anyone with the experience an RX8 does.

ps. Having said that I still would like another 50hp or so.....................lol

 

Turbo? :P

 

absolutely.. having worked with Mazda for many years before I DO realize that the RX8is a true sports car that handles like a dream... when i had the 8 i was keeping up with NSX and 911s at corners but a K20 Civic Si would pull me coming outta 5B at Mosport?? and I'm sure you know really well how many RX8s stores in GTA sell "PER YEAR"...

being a previous RX8 owner, i have nuttin but love for the the 8, but it's just not realistic.. my E46 M3 gets way better gas mileage!!!

 

LOL.. nah you were keepin with me thru traffic dude.. and i figured you prolly saw my plate that why.. it's "GUCCIRX8"

which right lane is HOV again???

 

TURBO = BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM

 

From steeles and 404 to 407 and 404...right most lane is ALSO HOV lane. BEWARE!

 

damn... wasn't aware of that.. thx for the look out!! went with a Ford GT on 404 the other day... damn...