San Bernardino monthly Mazda meet and drive.
幹他媽!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 3
From: San Gabriel Valley, CA
personally, i don't like it how they're trying to make the next gen rx into a luxury car tho... the rx line has always been a sports model- with the exception of the special editions, which is fine. nissan didn't mess with the lineage of the z, and that's why it's remained a success. (they left all the goof-ball luxury-ing to the infinity g line.)
i don't see how a heavier, bigger, more underpowered, more luxurious rx will be able to compete in this eco-crazy market with split extremes- ie american muscle & other japanese ricers running up the hp numbers on one end of the spectrum and the electric/ hybrids crawling on the other.
i know the rx has traditionally sat in the middle of the spectrum. but, it's not the boost or upgrade we were hoping for. i'm also not too crazy about the aesthetics, as there are simply too many "borrowed" elements from aston, jag, hyundai, and kia... the rx used to stand out as a one-of-a-kind vehicle. and, that is, it's undeniably unique and distinguishable right away. but, with this design flow they're chasing, it blends in too much with the crowd.
overall, i'm not happy with what they're doing.
i don't see how a heavier, bigger, more underpowered, more luxurious rx will be able to compete in this eco-crazy market with split extremes- ie american muscle & other japanese ricers running up the hp numbers on one end of the spectrum and the electric/ hybrids crawling on the other.
i know the rx has traditionally sat in the middle of the spectrum. but, it's not the boost or upgrade we were hoping for. i'm also not too crazy about the aesthetics, as there are simply too many "borrowed" elements from aston, jag, hyundai, and kia... the rx used to stand out as a one-of-a-kind vehicle. and, that is, it's undeniably unique and distinguishable right away. but, with this design flow they're chasing, it blends in too much with the crowd.
overall, i'm not happy with what they're doing.
I think it's a logical decision by Mazda to move the RX-8 out of the 'sport car' segment of their line to further differentiate it from the MX-5 and ultimately make room for what they've wanted for some time now.....a new RX-7.
If the RX-8 stays as a sports car, there is no need for the 7.
while I'm not super fond of the RX-8 moving into Lexus IS territory, that is a good market that currently the Mazda6 has no stake in.
Who knows how this will all turn out but I could see that car working, especially with the 16x engine and some assistance. (turbo, electric motor, both of which Mazda is tinkering with)
If the RX-8 stays as a sports car, there is no need for the 7.
while I'm not super fond of the RX-8 moving into Lexus IS territory, that is a good market that currently the Mazda6 has no stake in.
Who knows how this will all turn out but I could see that car working, especially with the 16x engine and some assistance. (turbo, electric motor, both of which Mazda is tinkering with)
幹他媽!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 3
From: San Gabriel Valley, CA
well, i guess what i'm saying is that i don't think the current market climate can support 2 rotary offerings from mazda... not for the poor mpg, and not for the poor power output either. sales for the 8 in north america this past year have been below dismal. and, if they really build both a 7 and an 8 would they both sell? highly highly doubtful...
also, if the next gen 8 is marketed and sold as a luxury coupe/ sedan, it's price tag is sure to inflate a bit, which opens up a floodgate of immediate competition. and, there are plenty of reasons for luxury car buyers and luxury sports car buyers -not- to take a chance on the rotary engine, given the risk perceptions- realistic or not.
for example, if i were a car buyer looking for a luxury car that's "kind of sporty" for a good value, what would entice me to go with a rotary? rx's core audience have traditionally been sports car enthusiasts in the middle price point range and not the yuppie middle class because those folks are already driving around town in their 135i's, 335i's, lexus is's, and acura's etc etc...
well, like you said... we'll have to see how it works out. i do hope they transition this the right way and don't kill the market.
also, if the next gen 8 is marketed and sold as a luxury coupe/ sedan, it's price tag is sure to inflate a bit, which opens up a floodgate of immediate competition. and, there are plenty of reasons for luxury car buyers and luxury sports car buyers -not- to take a chance on the rotary engine, given the risk perceptions- realistic or not.
for example, if i were a car buyer looking for a luxury car that's "kind of sporty" for a good value, what would entice me to go with a rotary? rx's core audience have traditionally been sports car enthusiasts in the middle price point range and not the yuppie middle class because those folks are already driving around town in their 135i's, 335i's, lexus is's, and acura's etc etc...
well, like you said... we'll have to see how it works out. i do hope they transition this the right way and don't kill the market.
T-29 years and counting
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,062
Likes: 0
From: North Fontana, CA.
oh i guess i didnt read the article, didnt realzie the move for the luxuary market was in there. I understand both points very well. i would rather have the 7 then a 8.
the more things change
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 602
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
they tried it with the millenia s model and it did not work so well.
but they made it look like every other car on the road.
i like this body style and would be willing to drive one.
but they made it look like every other car on the road.
i like this body style and would be willing to drive one.
T-29 years and counting
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,062
Likes: 0
From: North Fontana, CA.
Speaking of styling (i happen to see two 8s on the way to work this morning which was unusual) but i was thinking while servyering the freeway. our car sure does not look like anything else on the road granted it is outside of the exotivce market. I do like that.
幹他媽!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 3
From: San Gabriel Valley, CA
exactly... but, the shinari looks too much like a blend of several other cars- aston martin, jaguar, and hyundai genesis coupe- of all things. plus, it's kinda big- if u've seen in person.
i'm not a big fan and would rather them do something to set the car apart.
one reader on rotarynews.com made a comment that i kinda agreed with. and, that is, mazda ought to offer tiered options like they did back when the RX-7 FC models were out.
that is, instead of using the same engine across the model line, scale it out. base model na with basic options, base engine with mid-tier options, and then a more expensive turbo'd high output edition with sport and luxury options. that makes a lot more sense than offering both a 7 and an 8, imo. but, only they know what their cost structure is... with the FD's they only offered super top-tier and it put the car at over $40k. and, that didn't work so well either.
i'm not a big fan and would rather them do something to set the car apart.
one reader on rotarynews.com made a comment that i kinda agreed with. and, that is, mazda ought to offer tiered options like they did back when the RX-7 FC models were out.
that is, instead of using the same engine across the model line, scale it out. base model na with basic options, base engine with mid-tier options, and then a more expensive turbo'd high output edition with sport and luxury options. that makes a lot more sense than offering both a 7 and an 8, imo. but, only they know what their cost structure is... with the FD's they only offered super top-tier and it put the car at over $40k. and, that didn't work so well either.
the more things change
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 602
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
I got pulled over by a motorcycle cop in San Pedro today
For not having a front license plate.
Funny thing is I did but he did not see it
Until he took a second look after I told him it
was there. He gave a pat on the shoulders and let me go.
For not having a front license plate.
Funny thing is I did but he did not see it
Until he took a second look after I told him it
was there. He gave a pat on the shoulders and let me go.
note to self: do not take the RX-8 to the Green Onion. I haz no plate and refuse to drill holes in my new bumper.
thanks Gerry!
It took a while but it finally looks the way I've always wanted it to.
The only problem now is I'm running out of mods to do and the only ones left are going to wtf PWN my wallet.
it went really smooth this year. still super long days but just about everything went off without a hitch.
Scremn8 was the big dawg this year with 207 whp.
Shadycrew and a friend rebuilt his motor, with custom cut apex seals, and ported the motor, he had the highest HP for a non-turbo. 218 whp!
Scremn8 was the big dawg this year with 207 whp.
Shadycrew and a friend rebuilt his motor, with custom cut apex seals, and ported the motor, he had the highest HP for a non-turbo. 218 whp!
j/k
Work in Progress
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Orange, CA
We saw Jason (Spice Boy) on Monday!
He got his car painted. he stoped by for a few minutes. it was nice to see him.
Here is a picture.
Chris was loving his car.
Its a Porche color
the Carbon hood is dusted. Its very cool. looks the same color in the picture, but when you see it in person you can still see the carbon through it. (Ive always wanted to do this if I eer got a carbon hood.)
He got his car painted. he stoped by for a few minutes. it was nice to see him.
Here is a picture.
Chris was loving his car.
Its a Porche color
the Carbon hood is dusted. Its very cool. looks the same color in the picture, but when you see it in person you can still see the carbon through it. (Ive always wanted to do this if I eer got a carbon hood.)