Titanium Base 6MT. Base!? - it's got way more "stuff" than my old BMW.

Wow. Spent 5+ hours, 350 miles, 1 1/4 tanks of gas getting aquainted with my new pal.

I am extremely impressed with this vehicle, and I've owned a bunch of great cars in my time leading up to the RX-8: '84 RX-7 Mazda GSL-SE, '85 Porsche 944, '88 Toyota MR2, '94 BMW 325is, '95 Acura Integra GS-R, 99.5 Audi A4 Quattro 2.8.

This car is the whole package: fun to drive, smooth and refined, and practical. It's amazing to be able to bomb around on back roads like a crazy man and turn your head to the rear of the car and and see two more seats in back of you!

The car was driven down from a VA dealer to my NC dealer (where I live) so it had 241 miles on it when I picked it up this morning. I figured if I could put 350 miles on it today I'd have the engine "broken in" at 600 miles on the first day.

I'd also get a full immersion baptism with the RX-8. This car is a blast to drive. I wouldn't change a thing about it. Before I bought the car I was concerned about low-end torque but not any more. It has just enough down low and a great steady build of power thru the revs that gets addictive.

The sound of the car running up through the gears is unbelievable! I though nothing could sound as good as a BMW straight six but the Renesis is right up there as one of my favorite sounding engines from now on.

The handling is an interesting departure from my dearly departed BMW 325is. Both cars have 50/50 weight distribution, multi-link rear suspensions, and good manners. In the RX-8, everything happens a little quicker, and the rear suspension has some passive rear steer going on that I didn't notice in my BMW. In fact, the RX-8 reminds me (no suprise) of a pumped up Miata. I guess I'm sensing what mass centralization and a low CG can do for a car.

The car is flat-out tossable and inspires confidence right of the bat. Mazda really got it right with this car - a true sports car with a back seat. I'm a very happy man.

 

Welcome - and enjoy your car!

 

wow you have been quite busy with your RX8! i know exactly how you feel because i felt the same way i test drove the one i bought. i still feel bad i couldnt get the 6 speed (cuz of the wife) but i still enjoy it. im about to embark on a very very long road trip from las vegas to seattle. this will test my car and everything else going on in my brain!

 

welcome and enjoy

 

Congrats!

 

Great to hear someone so excited about their new car purchase!
There is usually a let down after making the big purchase, but the 8 just seems to keep the smiles coming.

BTW, Racingbeat.com has a break-in procedure you might find helpful.

 

Welcome!