I just saw the pics of the black NRF? RX-8 that appeared to have a new fender design, but I could not see the side profile. It did however spark up something that I have been thinking about ever since I got my RX-8. I don't mind the factory front fenders per se, but I wouldn't mind an alternative to the (IMHO) ugly plastic engine vent behind the rounded fender look.

I have seen the chrome accents, the carbon fiber inserts, the double strake look etc...BUT, I was hoping that some body panel/body kit company would come out with a replacement fender that had a hidden 'gill' effect to vent the engine, be a little more bulbous and get rid of the rounded 'eye brow' fender look. Picture a Dodge viper's or Ferrari F40 front fender for a basic example of the 'fish gill' effect. I think this, coupled with say the Mazdaspeed front bumper, and a vented hood would make a killer combination. Any artists out there willing to make a conceptual drawing? Foose, where are you?

Again, my primary idea here is to get rid of the plastic engine vent behind the wheel, and replace it with an overhanging 'stealth fish gill fender'. Secondarily I'd like to see the option to smooth out the fender 'brow' into the body.

I know some will be opposed to such a radical change of some of the 8's critical lines, but I also think there are a lot of folks that might want an alternative to those particular lines for unique styling (isn't that what body kits are all about?) and I really do believe from a marketing standpoint that replacement fenders of this design would fill a large gap in the RX-8's aftermarket audience.

Please let me know your thoughts, or if I have missed the boat someplace here, and it is already being done.... (and if anyone has side pics of that black Nakamura RX-8)

-C

 

So a mix between:

,

and
?

I don't really understand what you mean but if you do some scribbling on those pictures with paint I might be able to understand where your headed with this

 

i think this turned out well!

ezzy from aus.... did it himself.... an the color is stunning...

beers

 

i prefer the new gen. mazdaspeed concept for the fenders. Haha, i'll see if i can find those pics agian.

 

Looks good. I like the look of the lower vent (where ours are now) but I could do without that upper vent. The color is definitely ace though.

 

Thanks for your consideration- take a look at the viper and F40 from a rear 3/4 perspective, and you will see better the 'fish gill effect'. It's basically sheet metal bodywork that extends outwards and past a rear facing opening, making a 'hidden' vent.




I will see what I can come up with in PSPro.

I do like what was done on the red RX-8, as far as all the vent mods I have seen so far.

-C

 

new mazdaspeed(not produced yet)

 

^Definately! Search no further, MS Version 2 is where it's at.

 

Damn that new MS 8 is sexy. I hope it looks like that when/if its finally released.

 

just when i thought strakes couldn't get any worse ..hahah

 

dont like the ms fenders, but i like the rear spoiler.

i think all we need is to replace our plastic black grills with some aftermarket ones. but a new fender style would be nice.

 

The new MS kit is SEXY!! Although, those strakes must have been stolen off a Crossfire!

oh ****, I better not get banned...

 

i do like the fenders, but the strakes got to go...

they look like tusks.

beers

 

I agree. I Like the top vents and the re-worked side vents, but the stakes are a bit over stated. It would really blend well if they were half as thick and or body color. Cool to see MS working on new things though.

 

I love that kit... but I might already be fitted in a Vertex Lang before they even decide to produce this. :p

 

god the new MS kit is hot..
it's too bad that now you need new front fenders too.. might as well just replace the entire car..

 

Do it!

 

Man... don't we all wish Mazda was putting this one out now...

I mean the Mazdaspeed 2 kit

 

I am the walrus ... Coo coo ka choo ...

 

my girlfriend...

a bit bigboned but hot..

beers

 

OK, yea... that about does it for my wish list... I figured, if I thought of it, it's likely someone else already has too... fortunately they work for MazdaSpeed!
I would definately get those fenders along with the 1st gen MS front bumper.
Not sure about the tail components yet.... Anyways, here are some quick and crappy photo edits of the prototype MS car (Americanized too!) showing them normal, without the strakes, without anything, and finally a 'sorta what I was looking for' fish gill vent near the door hinge.

 

the 2nd one is best. please no strakes please.

 

^^ Agreed. The big strakes are too much.

 

What about bringing the vent back towards the door a bit? ....like this.

 

^Much better without the strakes.