While surfing the world wide web in search of all things RX8y I came across the current RX8 R3 which is a stunning looking thing, was just wondering out of interest if anyone was running the current RX8 R3 and what their thoughts was on the current model compared to the original RX8 model.
Ian (HypoThermia) has an R3 and had an original RX-8 before so he should be able to answer your questions.
Brilliant!
Next!
Well you probably wanted a bit more information that that :Giggle
There are a huge number of subtle things that Mazda have done to the car to make it a more enjoyable drive. The steering feels more responsive and sensitive, and suspension has been firmed up and damped a bit better so that combined with a stiffer body frame there\'s less body roll in the corners. 19 inch wheels and lower profile tyres (225/40/19) Very connected to the road and plenty of feedback. It uses the MX5 gearbox and has different diff ratios as well. I\'ve yet to take the car out onto a track or car handling day - plans for that in the new year.
Lots of technical stuff under the hood - engine refinements (twin fuel injectors instead of 3 per rotor, third oil injector, increased sump capacity) and too much else to go into here.
Nicer creature comforts too - the Recaro seats are figure hugging, MP3 on the BOSE 6 disc CD, handsfree bluetooth, automatic windscreen wipers). Lots of external styling changes.
One thing that initially caught me out - on roads with lots of bumps and "ripples" you really do feel it through the car, more so that on my old Rex which had unmodified suspension (04 plate), Racing Brake calipers and discs, and little else performance wise.
Was there anything more specific you had in mind?
Ian.
With my budget still slighty adrift for even a orginal RX8 a R3 is way out of my league but I was just interested to see how many owners of the first RX8 wnt on to the new model as I hadn\'t seen any posts or threads in the gallery of the current model.
I was wondering how much of the original car was kept as the bodywork is quite different, is it just the outter wings that have changed or has larger panels like the roof changed as the rear quater area of the roof still looks like the original 8
Too find out more,why not look on www.rx8ownersclub.co.uk (http://www.rx8ownersclub.co.uk) as there are several Owners,who have switched from RX8 to R3 :D
lol Nigel, you\'re a walking advert :p
One does ones best Luke :2Rolleyes :Giggle