Mazda's official position on the MazdaSpeed RX-8

subject:	Mazdaspeed
author:	No Rotor
date:	December 7, 2004 - 12:56pm

Mazda screwed up with the current RX8 IMOO by not giving it enoght hp and torque. I still enjoy my car but it doesn't have enough midrange power. It just dies. The underground Mazdaspeed looks good but won't be worth it if it only has 275 hp, that should be base. Thats still substantially less than a Zcar, and the new Z will have about 300 hp NA. The Renesis shouldve been larger, say 1.5 liter with an output of at least 260 hp. I think Mazda needs to get the base car more competitive before attempting to upgrade to Mazdaspeed. If Mazda offered this supercharger as a kit for existing 8s for a relatively inexpensive price then maybe it would be nice. I for one am not really interested in FI. I'm just not into spending that kind of money. A modest increase with say a chip, maybe a flywheel would be enough for me. Just get the performance out of this car as it's supposed to be a performance car.

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subject:	Dealer Acknowledgement of MazdaSpeed RX-8
author:	No Rotor
date:	December 7, 2004 - 11:42am

I spoke to two dealers yesterday (12/06/04) and both confirmed that they would have a MazdaSpeed RX-8 available early summer 2005. One of these dealers was located in CA, and one in NV, so I think it adds a little weight to their comments.

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subject:	proto-type bull
author:	No Rotor
date:	November 13, 2004 - 2:02pm

When will the public get go fast goodies and not go fast pretty's I hope not next summer or the summer after!

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subject:	Make it real
author:	No Rotor
date:	November 9, 2004 - 1:33pm

I own an RX-8 and love it with the exception of:

- Needs more power (300 hp would be nice)
- Get the power to kick in around 4K and pull hard to redline
- Suspension is a little soft. Make it stiffer with less body roll
- Tranny is delicate and is hard to make smooth shifts consistently.

This Mazdaspeed version appears to address some of my issues. I hope that they will improve on it and produce it! Even better is if there is a way to retrofit my car.

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subject:	Regarding styling
author:	No Rotor
date:	November 9, 2004 - 1:52pm

I forgot to make a statement in my previous comment about the cosmetics of this Mazdaspeed.

I really like the front nose of this car much better than the stock one. To me the stock front end is too cute. It looks like a smiling adorable face. NOT really desireable on a sports car.

This one-off Mazdaspeed front end is much more to my liking. It is more aggressive without being juvenile or overly flashy. I think it even looks better than the currently available Mazdaspeed nose.

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subject:	Mazdaspeed RX-8 concep thoughts...
author:	No Rotor
date:	November 9, 2004 - 1:08pm

Make sure it makes at least 300HP and give it some fatter (not bigger, 18's are fine, tires. 18x18 & 18x9.5

Bonus: ...and at the same time increase fuel economy or at the very least do not allow it to go under the 18/24 listed...pretty please

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subject:	Mazdaspeed RX-8
author:	No Rotor
date:	November 9, 2004 - 12:53pm

i currently drive a 2004 RX-8 and love it. Would have been nice to have a higher torque number.

The story says it is able to lap Porsche Boxster S and the 350Z. But if you consider that the facotry tuned MS RX-8 is just that, it's 'suped up, what will happen if/when Nissan and Porsche factory tune their cars?

I think the MS RX-8 should be pushed to the limits in terms of power since handling isn't a problem even on a stock RX-8, else you'll just be playing catch-up instead of leading the pack in terms of product delivery.

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subject:	-The more HP, the better. 30
author:	No Rotor
date:	November 9, 2004 - 8:36am

-The more HP, the better. 30-40 isn't going to cut it.

-Lightweight flywheel, strengthened tranny is a must STANDARD

-Drop a few hundred pounds.

-Get rid of the Bose stereo. Get something that isn't just a brand name, but really is good quality.

-The new kit looks absolutely fantastic. Loving it.

If all, or most...shoot even if you just up the HP enough, I and many others would be willing to trade in our existing '8s on the spot.

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subject:	strengthend tranny?
author:	No Rotor
date:	December 9, 2004 - 12:18pm

thats stupid trannies are rated for torque, not hp, the r8 could use a civic tranny with the measly torque it has.

why would you want more torque it would be just like every other car out there.

personaly i would like to se mazda cut the electro nannies. this motor is supposed to be able to easily rev to 10k. it should be like a mini f1 motor. and it almost is.

perfect would be a new model with only 2 seats, instantly loses 200lbs. if they put a 300hp naturaly aspirated screamer in there too, it would realy be something.

either one of those things would be enough to make it faster than current z, but both would make it rival high end europeans. probably a low 5 sec 0-60, and allready phenomenal handling would be better with less weight and revised suspension.

theres a lot of potential. and given the rumors surrounding putting rotaries in miatas, and how mazda like to make mazda speed versions as of late. i would think that you would at least see a supercharger option, there is allready a suspension option.

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subject:	Bring it and make available
author:	No Rotor
date:	November 8, 2004 - 6:04pm

I must say, I picked up my first issue of Speed mainly for the cover RX-8. I am a fan of the rotary, and currently pondering the purchase of an 8. Like most people I would like to have a bit more power in it. The overall car is excellant, but a bit more power would definitely quench the deal. If Mazda offered this (or slightly tweaked) version of this RX-* as a Mazdaspeed version, I would definitely buy it, provided cost was kept in line. I would also like ot see it as a retrofit kit for current RX-8's. Much like Toyota and the TRD superchargers. That way one can purchase a current 8, and then later purchase the Mazdaspeed supercharger kit for it if at the present they do not have the funds for the Mazdaspped 8. In other words, Mazda, please bring the Supercharged 8 to fruition and make the kit, or one similar available for future 8 owners.

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subject:	Mazdaspeed RX-8
author:	No Rotor
date:	November 8, 2004 - 12:51pm

Like everyone else touched on: More power for the MS version. ~300-330 would be more than enough, and having it in a usable portion of the power band is just as important as raw hp figures.

Keep it light & tight, maybe have it lose a few pounds (kill the backseat if you like...), but keep the balance as good as it is now.

As for styling - don't feel the need to lean toward the Fast & Furious crowd. If the car has more classic appeal, it should end up with broader acceptance as a great sports car and not just another tuner "rice-rocket." The appeal of the FD was it's power, handling, and classic styling, not superflous wings/vents/scoops/carbon fiber.

Powerful + Tasteful = Successful.

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subject:	Mowah Powah
author:	No Rotor
date:	November 7, 2004 - 5:42pm

I love my RX8. But this great auto chassis needs more power!!!
I don't care how, but either add a rotor, increase displacement, add a supercharger or turbo, but make sure it has 300 plus reliable horsepower measured at the rear wheels.

Here's a quick christmas wish list for my RX8 or a new Mazdaspeed RX8:

-300 wheel HP
-10,000+ RPM engine redline
-heavy duty trans/clutch/rear diff
-Less body roll
-Less rotational mass... light flywheel, light brake rotors, lighter wheels.
-Better HID (farther beam pattern)
-Satelite radio, MP3 CD changer standard
-Multiple Aux Audio/video inputs for Navigation screen
-functional vented hood
-"Beer can" styled taillight structures like Ferrari Enzo and new F430
-LED Stop/tail/turn signal/side marker lights with clear lenses (especially 3rd DOT brake light) and stealth (silver or clear) type bulb color.

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subject:	Wants and needs
author:	No Rotor
date:	November 6, 2004 - 5:10pm

I think we all want a MS RX-8 with new bodywork, an overhauled suspension, and a supercharger, but I think what we need should take more precedence. We NEED an RX-8 with more power. Not 10-20 measly hp, but a serious bump that will bring the RX-8 more inline with other Japanese sportscars. If only Mazda would stop teasing us with concepts of a faster RX-8 and just build it and make it available by 2006.

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subject:	Retrofit
author:	No Rotor
date:	November 6, 2004 - 11:59am

If Mazda does offer some type of forced induction for the RX-8 in the future, it would be nice to have a factory retrofit kit available for the current 8 owners.

Either way, I'm looking forward to what Mazda has in store for the RX-8. After all, there is no way they can allow the MS 6 to be the fastest car in the lineup for too long...can they?

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subject:	More comments...
author:	No Rotor
date:	November 6, 2004 - 11:07am

I think that perhaps the way TRD offers up superchargers for Toyota products would be a good way to offer the Mazdaspeed FI for people who already own an RX-8. I imagine there would be some pretty good profit margins for Mazda if they did this.

300 hp would be great. A tighter suspension is a given. Those two things alone would probably be enough to make me happy, though I imagine there will be a body kit and special interior (which I don't care as much about...I want the best performance per $).

Hey Mazda, thanks for putting together a great car, by the way. In fact, your whole car lineup is steller...

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subject:	Why do we have to beg for car
author:	No Rotor
date:	November 5, 2004 - 4:22pm

Why do we have to beg for car manufacturers to bring their enthusiast models to the States? It's not like we don't lust after those vehicles like every other enthusiast. Japan has had two versions of the Mazdaspeed 8 already, we have zero to date. If and when it comes, make the MS 8 look and drive like the one in the new speed magazine, not just a regular RX-8 with a bodykit and exhaust.

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subject:	Step up to the plate Mazda!
author:	No Rotor
date:	November 5, 2004 - 2:50pm

Nissan already has an anniversary Z with 300 hp, Mitsu has the
Evo MR, Subaru has the WRX Sti, and the S2000 is pretty formidable as well, but the current RX-8 is kinda weak. We know you guys are more than capable of turning the RX-8 into a street terror, so why not do it?!? People are willing to buy, and performance R&D on the Renesis will be more than worth it in the long run.

Give us a Mazdapseed RX-8 with some balls!

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subject:	How Long Must We Wait...
author:	No Rotor
date:	November 5, 2004 - 9:37am

For a more powerful RX-8?!? When my old Prelude gives out I'm going to need a new car. I've narrowed it down to a few choices, namely the RX-8 and G35 coupe. The RX-8 is so much tighter and better balanced than the G35, but the G35 has that strong rush of power throughout the revband that the RX-8 REALLY NEEDS. I don't care how you do it, trirotor renesis, increased displacement with the 13B, or forced induction, this car needs more power! Please Mazda give us a sportscar that is more worthy of the RX name!

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subject:	rx8
author:	No Rotor
date:	November 4, 2004 - 8:44pm

as far as the interior of the car goes, it cant get much better, as well as the outer appearance with a mspeed kit, I do think the trans defenately needs to be beefed up though, say 500 ft/lbs capable, that should be plenty for aftermarket tuners and would benefit mazda as well because of less trans problems due to the high reving clutch dump needed to get good 0-60 times, Also power needs to be addressed, and in my opinion a turbo is a better choice because of the adjustablity, your boost isnt limited to pulley size with a turbo like with a super, and with todays tech, turbo lag is almost non existent. The final thing I would like to see from the mspeed rx-8 would be weight reduction while keeping the interior as nice as it is, lots of weight could be lost throughout the car that isnt necessary with todays fabrication abilities, mostly rotating weight, calipers and rotors could be made out of titanium or aluminum. It would also be cool if the renesis would be used to its full potential and rev to 12,000 instead of 9 that would just be awesome

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subject:	Geez, some people are never satisfied
author:	No Rotor
date:	November 4, 2004 - 5:21pm

All I want is an RX-8 with a lightened flywheel and a centrifugal blower to give some more top end oomph and keep fuel consumption about the same as stock. Oh yeah, keep it around 30 thousand too.

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subject:	WTF No Turbo and only 25hp?!?!
author:	No Rotor
date:	November 4, 2004 - 3:07pm

Sorry guys... I was not expecting a paultry 25 bonus hp. Look at the AU concept. 360 turbocharged. Now that's a damn car. If it doesn't make at least 300 REAL HP at the fly forget about it. You currently are insane to state that the car even makes 238. I own it, and seriously am hating the lack of power. If not for the need of three seats, I would rather have bought a 3rd gen. Now that was a car. If you want something to aim at when building this car, look at the 3rd gen. Now that was a car. For once just give us the car you would want. Stop playing games a make a sports car. Superchargers are ok, but +25hp is not. Dump a nice single turbo in there and drop the hammer. No messy twin turbo crap, turbo lag is almost non-existant and doesn't require this with newer turbo tech.

Anyways... if you are going to offer the car at +8k over non-MS I would rather buy a turbo kit from someone willing to give me power.

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subject:	Mazda math
author:	No Rotor
date:	November 4, 2004 - 2:19pm

Current RX-8 + more power + better wheels + stronger tranny + more aggressive styling + $32,000 price = A very satisfied customer

Class is dismissed

Except for you corporate beancounters, you have detention

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subject:	We want more power!
author:	No Rotor
date:	November 4, 2004 - 1:35pm

Wow, it seems a lot of people have some pretty thoughtful and technical comments so far, but here are two simple suggestions...give us an RX-8 with 35-50 more hp at the wheels and a beefier tranny, and I will be more than happy!

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subject:	S/C and this body kit? Sweet!
author:	No Rotor
date:	November 4, 2004 - 7:13am

I really like the looks of this concept. If Mazda offers a MS version of the RX-8, I will buy one provided there isn't a new RX-7.

What Mazda needs to offer in the MS to be competitive is:

More HP - Upwards of around 300.

More Torgue - One of two performance gripes I have about my RX-8.

Upgraded Supspension - Second gripe. Reduce the body roll.

Better Interior Options - Get rid of the sunroof as a requirement. Change the center stack to allow for an aftermarket stereo.

New Tranny Option - A SMG would be nice.

Better Color Selection - How about the Mutant Blue, or an orange, or a darker shade of red. Even better a flat black (kinda like the stealth bomber).

Lighting - LED lights the whole way around. True HID and bright driving lights. Add an amber fog light option.

Don't get me wrong, I love my RX-8. It's just that when I'm ready to upgrade to something new, I really want to UPgrade; not move laterally.

ABM

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subject:	2005 RX-8
author:	MARK H GORDON
date:	March 1, 2005 - 5:27pm

I'm tired of all the complaining...I LOVE my 8, and you know, if you REALLY know how to drive,you can make a 350Z ashamed ! Talk about body roll and serious blind spots ! The Z needs to go back to school !! I test drove the Z at 3 different dealerships, and after one test drive in the 8,I was sold. Maybe the Z has a little more power,but it just doesnt handle like the RX-8.I also hear about a stronger tranny ??? What's up with that? My short throw 6-Speed is Awesome, and what do you mean about stronger? did you tear your's up?
All I can say after owning a 73 RX-3,an 86 RX-7,and now, a 05 RX-8......................IS ZOOM ZOOM !!!!

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