Drove two RX8's today. An auto tx and a stick. The 200 HP auto tx was kind of dead
for a few seconds if you just mashed the gas. I did not try stalling the converter
and stepping off the brake. Probably would have helped. IMHO the auto tx version
is the car of choice in an LA environment as we spend a lot of time creeping
down the freeway at 10 MPH. I love the steering wheel mounted paddle shifter 
in manual transmission mode. The car has plenty of power for LA driving.

The 250 HP stick is no problem anywhere acceleration wise. Most people will be 
happy with the initial acceleration. 100 MPH was as fast as I could go on the 
freeway for a few seconds but it was still pulling very strongly.

Galpin Ford in the San Fernando Valley has delivered over 20 RX8's so far.
About 150 are on order. I saw the order list. They have about ten in stock.  
They are now selling them for only about $2000 over MSRP with mandatory LoJack 
but are not ordering any stripped versions. Most have the deluxe $5000 package. 
Fastest selling car in the Galpin Jag/Mazda division.

The ride in the back seat is not as good as the ride in the front seat.
There is some vibration and noise coming though the floor pan over the muffler.
Some sheet lead floor mats ought to do wonders for that.

The car is a bargain. I would not be a bit surprised if Ford/Mazda raised the price
soon.

I checked on the price of a new RX8 stick motor $5757.70. No intake or exhaust manifolds.
Just the water pump, oil pump and oil pan. Won't have any until January.

Paul Lamar
 
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