2004 MAZDASPEED MAZDA RX-8
AS-TESTED PRICE: $41,566 Powertrain: 1.3-liter twin-rotary; rwd, six-speed manual
OUTPUT: 238 hp @ 8500 rpm, 159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 3029 pounds

 

too high of price for not that much of power.

 

Big waste of money, and they really need to address the power issue. I wish they'd bring back a turbo version.

 

i wanna see some pics of it. the rx-8 really is all about the looks and the novelty of owning a renisis

 

I wouldn't spend $40k on a car unless I'm buying a BMW or a 500hp cobra. But definitely not on a Mazda.

 

From the Autoweek article.

 

yeah, i was really expecting them to pop a turbo in their for this car, bump it up to at least 255 hp or something. Meh, its still one of the most attractive cars out there right now in my opinion.

 

its uglier

 

It doesn't need much power, with a low weight. Check out the power in a Lotus Elise sometime, the low number will astound you ... but so will the curb weight

 

Low weight is one thing, but the "low" you're talking about with the Elise is very, very low, less than 2000 lbs. I believe. This car weighs over 1000 lbs. (~3000 lbs.) more than that. A turbocharged version with 350+ horses and reasonable torque would make this a competitive car in the segment.

 

True, i'm not so into those wheels or the wing. Remember the one in X-Men? That was a pretty cool car.

 

I didn't think the front could get any uglier, it looks like it has a dip in it's lower lip.

 

Yeah, I'm all about more power, but I won't judge this one yet. The Elise was just an example, albeit an extreme one. The RX line has always been as much about the uniqueness of owning a rotary as it has been performance. While the Elise weighs half a ton less than the RX-8, it also has much less power ... IIRC, the Lotus is rated around 120hp for the base model.

 

Yeah, I'm all about more power, but I won't judge this one yet. The Elise was just an example, albeit an extreme one. The RX line has always been as much about the uniqueness of owning a rotary as it has been performance. While the Elise weighs half a ton less than the RX-8, it also has much less power ... IIRC, the Lotus is rated around 120hp for the base model. [/b][/quote]
Gotcha.

 

it is lacking in the power department isnt it? i wish they did do something to this car to make it more powerful. i do, however really like the way it loox.

Mazda spies (yeah we know you're here too) listen: drop in the 4.0L from the mustang V6 to this car. add a blower. put on a sticker price of ~$30K-35K. you will be happy. but keep the rotary as the base car. if y'all do this the the car would have the power to match the looks.

do this and i might actually consider a Japanese car purchase. frankly, the only Japenese cars i like @ all rite now are this car n the 350Z.

now that i think of it, you dont even need the blower. just the 4.0L V6 would help. DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT


you know you want to

and if my photoshop trial hadnt died, i'd make you all a chop to base ur design on.

 

That isn't a true Mazdaspeed RX-8. If you read the Autoweek article, it states:

If you go to the Mazdaspeed website, there's no mention of the RX-8, only the Mazdaspeed 6 and Miata.

 

so its like some one just putting a partial Saleen bodykit and some upgrades on their stang.


also, are there any plans for a topless version of the RX-8?

 

I've heard there's going to be a new RX-7 which will be a two-seat convertible.

 

coolio, now they just need to implement my drivetrain plans :angry:

 

Naaaa....the Mazda purists will say any car that has "RX" in the name, must have a rotary.