C&D Comparison - RX8 Lost its Title :(

[*DarthRX8*]

RX8 placed third overall....

Link

Which isn't bad considering that the new 2009, R3 only gained suspension mods and a face lift.

Once the new 16X rotary comes out (who knows when?), it should be a different story.

[RX-7 Chris]

It really doesn't surprise me. The car needs some updating more then a face lift.

[Ranger]

I hate to say it but I agree. The car is aging and needs something more than a (barely) new face. As much as I like Mazda, when you've got cars like the 370Z that sell for the same price as a new RX-8, that get better gas mileage, have more features, and perform better all around, it's hard to compare. When are we going to get a new RX-7, Mazda?

[roninsoldier83]

Not surprised at all. In fact, if any other car other than the 370Z would have won that comparo, I would be calling BS, and labeling the C&D staff as "fan boys". I really have to go test drive a new Z.... too bad we're not at sea level, as we'll never get the full effect of it's new 332hp NA motor at 5200 ft

[bmwzoom]

Sucks that it lost... but understandably. I must say, I am loving those RX8 rims.... yummy!

[*DarthRX8*]

supposedly Mazda is going to release its 16X rotory engine (1.6L) in the next few years (who knows how long a few years is?!). There has been talk of putting this engine in a new RX7 or making an RX9.

RX7 or RX9?

[mOOsE]

I hope they call it the rx7 again. I think it would bring more customers to have that nostalgic appeal.

[goldrocket]

I still think Mazda should:
A. release a factory turbo RX-8
B. Put together a mazdaspeed turbo kit that will not void warranty
C. Re-release the RX-7 in turbo trim.
D. Give me and RX-8 for R&d....ok, that's wishful thinking.

[*DarthRX8*]

I wouldn't mind some type of FI factory engine or the new 1.6L Rotary.

Either way more power, which is about the only thing that the RX8 is lacking!

[Ranger]

I think FI on a rotary in today's market would be a bad idea, unless they do some serious R&D. Mazda ought to make another volume sports car (I'm not counting the Miata here), and that means one that isn't going to need the engine rebuilt every 50k miles. I mean really, RX-8s already have a bad enough reputation for maintenance, and they're not FI. Adding a factory turbo would be an expensive venture, one that Mazda probably can't afford. I'd rather see them take that money and turn around and use it to build a new car. If Mazda would build another lightweight sports car (sub 3000 lbs) and if they could get around 250-300HP out of the new engine N/A, that would be perfect. Every rotary fanboy out there would be lining up, including myself, so long as they don't make it as ugly as the current crop of Mazdas that seems to be popping up...

[*DarthRX8*]

^^^agreed. I think that is why mazda is going with a lighter 1.6L engine instead of a FI 13B. The 16X is supposed to be lighter, more powerful and have better fuel economy.

If they do come out with it in a few years I will be in line too!

[jamiel]

A BMW didn't win a C&D comparison?!?!

[AIM WO4]

I'd take the RX-8 or Z. But I can't stand Euro junk.

[GR-8]

I'm actually really not that surprised the 8 didn't win. Every one else is uping up on power while Mazda is a little busy uglifying the next gen mazdas. The new look of the 8 as been slowly growing on my but just some decisions they made in the new body styling will bug me forever.

Wonder if adding a 3rd rotor into the next rotary will produce a decent amount of power to be worth it. I'm kinda not convined that the new 16X motor will be "that" much of a difference in power. Mebe they should up it to 1.9L

[AIM WO4]

That would be sick.