I am somewhat dismayed by the lack of new directions for the RX8. Year to year, the car has remained so static, that I can't tell the years apart, let alone a manual from an auto, by looking at it.

So here goes.

Mods

1) Standard MS bodykit (duh).

2) Stripper car: 5 speed, with low output motor from automatic (more torque, less money, less weight, maybe better mileage, less rowing through gears without really spending enough time in each of them to get to know them). No sunroof, rear doors, rear seat, DSC, foglights, leather, multifunction display (I know that I am in an RX8 already). Standard DIN stereo, power widows, locks, keyfob.

3) Hard car: Hard suspension (lowered), wider tires, DSC and bigger brakes without heavy stuff like the sunroof and stereo.

 

The days when carmakers made big changes year-to-year are *long* gone. I think the shoebox Chevys were the last. 55-56-57.

Good lord, the 8 just came out in MY '04.. the design's not old yet. And is so well done, that I doubt it'll *ever* look tired.

Seen a 1979 Rx-7 around lately? Still looks good. Other 79s, however, fared less well...

As for go-fast (or trying-to-look-fast) goodies.. that's what aftermarket's for. I think the car's positively brilliant devoid of kits and wings... too much makeup ruins the prettiest girls and cars.

 

^ I concur, I don't think it has been around long enough for a change.

 

someone show me the car you can tell is auto or manual from looking at the exterior?

take a look at this thread https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...hlight=freshen