RX-8 in the flesh
Discussion
You may remember that I mentioned a I had been asked to go along to one of those market research days for a new sports car.
So on Saturday I went along and it turned out to be the RX-8 we were reviewing (although we did not know that until 1/2 way through.
The prototype on show was bright yellow dressed in chrome 19/20 inch wheels.
The day took place in a film studio in Earlsfield, and consisted of me and 3 other Jap car drivers discussing the car with a technical guy from Mazda Europe and a marketing guy from the PR company, while upstairs, Mazda UK staff viewed us on live video and fed questions to the guys down stairs.
Mazda view the car a being a direct competitor to the TT, Alfa 156, and the Toyota Celica. On seeing the RX-8 you can’t imagine that the 156 or the Celica could compete on the same level, while the RX-8 has very similar styling to the TT, in fact the RX-8 looks like a TT on steroids. The 1.3 litre Rotary engine delivers 250bhp and reaches 60mph in under 6 seconds (so I am told) and will deliver a top speed to enjoy on German autobahns. The rear doors are hinged at the back rather than the front and they have done away with the B-Pillars (there is no pillar between the front and back doors). Apparently as the pillar is now integrated into the back doors and it is angled along the side of the car, the car will be safer. My opinion was that this just made opening the doors a pain as to open the back doors you have to open the front doors first and close them in the same order. They are selling this an advantage over a 2 door while not loosing the 2 door looks.
The interior is load with chrome every were you could put chrome and bright coloured seat inlays, yet it looks functional and sporty, the central dials are huge and the gear stick is one of the shortest I have ever seen.
The light clusters looked good but the general body shape is just a bit to round for my liking, but with 50/50 weight distribution and a very low centre of gravity (engine set just behind the front axel) the car is sure to be fun to drive.
Mazda are selling the car as a new type of sports car for the family man, delivering performance and coupe looks with 4 seats (and an integrated child seat in the rear).
After seeing the car and hearing their ideas I have to say I think they are onto a winner.
Comparing it with the TT, 156 and the Celica I know which one I would rather have.
So on Saturday I went along and it turned out to be the RX-8 we were reviewing (although we did not know that until 1/2 way through.
The prototype on show was bright yellow dressed in chrome 19/20 inch wheels.
The day took place in a film studio in Earlsfield, and consisted of me and 3 other Jap car drivers discussing the car with a technical guy from Mazda Europe and a marketing guy from the PR company, while upstairs, Mazda UK staff viewed us on live video and fed questions to the guys down stairs.
Mazda view the car a being a direct competitor to the TT, Alfa 156, and the Toyota Celica. On seeing the RX-8 you can’t imagine that the 156 or the Celica could compete on the same level, while the RX-8 has very similar styling to the TT, in fact the RX-8 looks like a TT on steroids. The 1.3 litre Rotary engine delivers 250bhp and reaches 60mph in under 6 seconds (so I am told) and will deliver a top speed to enjoy on German autobahns. The rear doors are hinged at the back rather than the front and they have done away with the B-Pillars (there is no pillar between the front and back doors). Apparently as the pillar is now integrated into the back doors and it is angled along the side of the car, the car will be safer. My opinion was that this just made opening the doors a pain as to open the back doors you have to open the front doors first and close them in the same order. They are selling this an advantage over a 2 door while not loosing the 2 door looks.
The interior is load with chrome every were you could put chrome and bright coloured seat inlays, yet it looks functional and sporty, the central dials are huge and the gear stick is one of the shortest I have ever seen.
The light clusters looked good but the general body shape is just a bit to round for my liking, but with 50/50 weight distribution and a very low centre of gravity (engine set just behind the front axel) the car is sure to be fun to drive.
Mazda are selling the car as a new type of sports car for the family man, delivering performance and coupe looks with 4 seats (and an integrated child seat in the rear).
After seeing the car and hearing their ideas I have to say I think they are onto a winner.
Comparing it with the TT, 156 and the Celica I know which one I would rather have.
quote:
Mazda are selling the car as a new type of sports car for the family man, delivering performance and coupe looks with 4 seats (and an integrated child seat in the rear).
Utter heresy. Flies in the face of the philosophy of its predecessor i.e. a zero-compromise, fast, two seat coupé derived from a Le Mans winning race car.
They've even stuck the indicator stalk on the left hand side of the steering column. Ugh!
I have had my 1995 RX-7 for 6 years and use it as a daily driver--with 73,000 miles on it. The car has been great--and looks the part, too.
The internet pictures of the RX-8 don't leave me too excited, though. I like the 350Z.
Final judgement will occur when I see the RX-8 in the flesh!
The internet pictures of the RX-8 don't leave me too excited, though. I like the 350Z.
Final judgement will occur when I see the RX-8 in the flesh!
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