Prodrive RX-8 - Subaru Enthusiasts Car Club of the Sierras

Nick Koan · 2006-05-09, 09:54 AM

Stolen from Nabisco, stolen from jalopnik.com... hot. I love it. Debbie needs to (sort of) come back to her Subaru roots with this RX-8

http://noonzwheels.blogspot.com/2006...o-produce.html

Beginning July 1, 800 lucky UK enthusiasts will be able to purchase the Mazda RX-8 PZ, a special model developed in collaboration with the motorsports gurus at Prodrive.

The RX-8 PZ is based on the top-level 231ps (that's 228 Horsepower) RX-8. Power numbers remain the same as the standard car. No engine modifications are part of the PZ upgrade.

The changes begin on the outside, where the RX-8 undergoes a subtle, purposeful transformation. Customers can choose either Brilliant Black or Galaxy Grey for the exterior color. Prodrive-branded 18-inch OZ wheels finished in a dark grey (Mazda calls it "dark silver") complement either exterior color. The stock mirrors and rear spoiler are ditched in favor of new, aerodynamic mirrors and a new, functional rear spoiler. The spoiler receives subtle Prodrive badging and is unique to the RX-8 PZ.

Black mesh grille inserts are applied to the front and rear fascias. Around back, larger exhaust tips peek through the rear bodywork. They are connected to upgraded performance mufflers which provide more audible snarl but no increase in performance. Finally, new "PZ" badges are given prominent position on the front quarter panels.

The most significant changes are made to the RX-8's suspension. The car is dropped 15mm (.59 in) overall, and new Bilstein shocks and Eibach springs fitted all around. The front bump stop is also replaced by a new Bilstein unit, which is 10mm shorter than the stock version. The rest of the stock suspension pieces are left in place. Prodrive dials it all in to give the car steering and handling characteristics that truly set it apart from a regular RX-8. All told, spring rates are increased 60% stiffer than stock, yet ride comfort is maintained.

The RX-8 PZ's interior is unchanged. It shares the same specifications as the 231ps RX-8.

The Mazda RX-8 PZ looks like an attractive, involving street carver with the added cachet of exclusivity. Only 800 will be built. British fans of the RX-8 have a new aspirational vehicle to dream about.

See all pictures at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30614642@N00/142814252/

Kevin M · 2006-05-09, 10:20 AM

I'd hit it. Continuously.

JC · 2006-05-09, 02:56 PM

It's like an RX8 P1! Awesome. Haha, look at the RX8 forum reaction...

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=89345

sperry · 2006-05-09, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC

It's like an RX8 P1! Awesome. Haha, look at the RX8 forum reaction...

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=89345

Apparently RX-8 owners are idiots with their heads burried in the sand (Debbie excluded from that comment of course).

1) They clearly have no idea what Prodrive does.
2) There isn't a single change to the car that isn't functional ('cept maybe the exhaust, since it doesn't make any more power... oops!)
3) Prodrive knows what they're doing, I guarentee that car will *stomp* a factory RX-8 on track.

It's the idiots like the people in that thread that make it so hard to get special editions of cool cars sold here in the US. The US market just doesn't know shit about cars.

tysonK · 2006-05-09, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC

It's like an RX8 P1! Awesome. Haha, look at the RX8 forum reaction...

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=89345

Wow those guys really hate their car.

Nick Koan · 2006-05-09, 03:17 PM

At least one guy got it.

Quote:

The package sounds nice to me, and I'm very much against cosmetic upgrades. I'll take the stiffer suspension any day as unlike a lot of people, I don't seem to measure how much "go" a car has by its horsepower rating.

I said pretty much the same thing about the new spec-b. Many people saw the same HP numbers, and complained it was all show and no extra go. For some reason a lot of people don't see Bilstein suspension as a performance upgrade.

Bob Danger · 2006-05-09, 05:12 PM

Is the Mazdaspeed RX-8 coming to the states anytime soon?

Have you guys seen the Speed 3? I heard its going to be a 250hp Front Wheel Drive, 6 speed. Aimed at combating the SRT-4 in the straights and demolishing it in the corners (which wouldn't be hard).

tysonK · 2006-05-09, 06:16 PM

But there is no SRT-4 anymore. It's the new Caliber right?

sperry · 2006-05-09, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tysonK

But there is no SRT-4 anymore. It's the new Caliber right?

There's no Neon SRT-4.

tysonK · 2006-05-09, 07:06 PM

right. thanks. good.

Bob Danger · 2006-05-09, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sperry

There's no Neon SRT-4.

They plan on making a Caliber SRT-4? Thats so weak.

JC · 2006-05-10, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Danger

They plan on making a Caliber SRT-4? Thats so weak.

They already have.

http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/08/a...caliber-srt-4/

sp00ln · 2006-05-10, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nKoan

At least one guy got it.

I said pretty much the same thing about the new spec-b. Many people saw the same HP numbers, and complained it was all show and no extra go. For some reason a lot of people don't see Bilstein suspension as a performance upgrade.

He didn't get it right. People want power, not handling. I'm not saying its bad to have no power and good cornering, but the majority of people out there want their head forced back to the seat when they step on the gas... and mazda isn't providing that. But... then you have to question, why did they buy their car in the first place if all they want is power...? I think their reaction is priceless... as Tyson said, they really do hate their cars

Nick Koan · 2006-05-10, 08:42 AM

True, in a consumer environment, he didn't get it right.

But from a true track whore perspective, he got it right on the money. Adding Bilstein suspension and eibach springs tuned for the car is just as much of a performance increase as bumping the hp up a smidge (for track times anyway).

Or maybe its just me. I prefer my cars to force my head side to side, rather then planted into the headrest.

khail19 · 2006-05-10, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sp00ln

He didn't get it right. People want power, not handling. I'm not saying its bad to have no power and good cornering, but the majority of people out there want their head forced back to the seat when they step on the gas... and mazda isn't providing that. But... then you have to question, why did they buy their car in the first place if all they want is power...? I think their reaction is priceless... as Tyson said, they really do hate their cars

If people wanted only power and no handling, the Mustang GT would be the only "sports" car sold in the US.

JonnydaJibba · 2006-05-10, 08:50 AM

I don't think they did enough to warrant a $48,000 price tag.

Nick Koan · 2006-05-10, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonnydaJibba

I don't think they did enough to warrant a $48,000 price tag.

Well, keep in mind its UK only, so the price only went from to £21,400 to £25,747. So, don't think of it as a $48k RX-8 (or about $20k over US retail), but a performance package costing an extra £4k (or about $7.5k US).

Yeah, its still a bit much for suspension and wheels (and a few other shiny bits), but it does have the exclusivity.

JonnydaJibba · 2006-05-10, 09:00 AM

Yeah I know that, but still it's a lot more money for what little they did. And the limited production of 800 probably adds to the price.

Kevin M · 2006-05-10, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonnydaJibba

And the limited production of 800 probably adds to the price.

Precisely. Unit cost for 800 of anything is significantly higher than for 8000 of them, especially when it's a complex item requiring dedicated tooling, like wheels, or intricate assembly, like shocks and struts.

sperry · 2006-05-10, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonnydaJibba

I don't think they did enough to warrant a $48,000 price tag.

That's $48,000 converted from GB Pounds, since the car is only sold in the UK.

For reference: a fully loaded RX-8 MSRP's for almost $53,000 in the UK. Cars are just more expensive there.

Edit: damn I'm slow... that's what I get for pricing out an RX-8 on Mazda's UK website.

JonnydaJibba · 2006-05-10, 09:09 AM

Yeah I just priced a fully loaded US spec RX-8 versus the Prodrive one.

Kevin M · 2006-05-10, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonnydaJibba

Yeah I just priced a fully loaded US spec RX-8 versus the Prodrive one.

But it doesn't work that way. A standard WRX is like $38,000 there.

JonnydaJibba · 2006-05-10, 09:21 AM

Wait what? It costs MORE for the same car? How's that work...? Do they just charge more over there because of whatever reason?

Kevin M · 2006-05-10, 09:26 AM

Yeah, and the "whatever reason" is just the totally different economy over there. cost of living isn't that much different there relative to wages, just the numbers are different looking.

JonnydaJibba · 2006-05-10, 09:29 AM

Makes sense.

2006-05-09, 09:54 AM	#1
Nick Koan JDM Cowboy Real Name: Nick Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Somewhere Posts: 8,642 Car: 2015 Mazda 3	Prodrive RX-8 Stolen from Nabisco, stolen from jalopnik.com... hot. I love it. Debbie needs to (sort of) come back to her Subaru roots with this RX-8 http://noonzwheels.blogspot.com/2006...o-produce.html Beginning July 1, 800 lucky UK enthusiasts will be able to purchase the Mazda RX-8 PZ, a special model developed in collaboration with the motorsports gurus at Prodrive. The RX-8 PZ is based on the top-level 231ps (that's 228 Horsepower) RX-8. Power numbers remain the same as the standard car. No engine modifications are part of the PZ upgrade. The changes begin on the outside, where the RX-8 undergoes a subtle, purposeful transformation. Customers can choose either Brilliant Black or Galaxy Grey for the exterior color. Prodrive-branded 18-inch OZ wheels finished in a dark grey (Mazda calls it "dark silver") complement either exterior color. The stock mirrors and rear spoiler are ditched in favor of new, aerodynamic mirrors and a new, functional rear spoiler. The spoiler receives subtle Prodrive badging and is unique to the RX-8 PZ. Black mesh grille inserts are applied to the front and rear fascias. Around back, larger exhaust tips peek through the rear bodywork. They are connected to upgraded performance mufflers which provide more audible snarl but no increase in performance. Finally, new "PZ" badges are given prominent position on the front quarter panels. The most significant changes are made to the RX-8's suspension. The car is dropped 15mm (.59 in) overall, and new Bilstein shocks and Eibach springs fitted all around. The front bump stop is also replaced by a new Bilstein unit, which is 10mm shorter than the stock version. The rest of the stock suspension pieces are left in place. Prodrive dials it all in to give the car steering and handling characteristics that truly set it apart from a regular RX-8. All told, spring rates are increased 60% stiffer than stock, yet ride comfort is maintained. The RX-8 PZ's interior is unchanged. It shares the same specifications as the 231ps RX-8. The Mazda RX-8 PZ looks like an attractive, involving street carver with the added cachet of exclusivity. Only 800 will be built. British fans of the RX-8 have a new aspirational vehicle to dream about. See all pictures at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30614642@N00/142814252/ __________________ While a standard engine is powered by a belt connected to the crankshaft, a turbo engine runs on its own exhaust steam, making it more energy efficient. -- CNN

2006-05-09, 10:20 AM	#2
Kevin M EJ22T Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Reno Posts: 9,445 Car: '93/'01 GF6, mostly red Class: 19 FP	I'd hit it. Continuously. __________________ FWD is the new AWD

2006-05-09, 02:56 PM	#3
JC Ask me about dubs! Real Name: JC Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 2,895 Car: 2013 Triumph Speed Triple R	It's like an RX8 P1! Awesome. Haha, look at the RX8 forum reaction... http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=89345 __________________ Actually, I am a rocket scientist. Last edited by JC; 2006-05-09 at 02:58 PM.

2006-05-09, 05:12 PM	#7
Bob Danger Tape Terrorist Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Melmac Posts: 1,792 Car: ? Class: Retired! Warning: Prolonged eye contact may cause insanity	Is the Mazdaspeed RX-8 coming to the states anytime soon? Have you guys seen the Speed 3? I heard its going to be a 250hp Front Wheel Drive, 6 speed. Aimed at combating the SRT-4 in the straights and demolishing it in the corners (which wouldn't be hard). __________________ A fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi.

2006-05-09, 06:16 PM	#8
tysonK warehouse SECCS Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: SoCal... Posts: 6,253 Car: 04 Evo 99 Cadillac Class: street de le mod	But there is no SRT-4 anymore. It's the new Caliber right? __________________ Anjali? Anjali?

2006-05-09, 07:06 PM	#10
tysonK warehouse SECCS Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: SoCal... Posts: 6,253 Car: 04 Evo 99 Cadillac Class: street de le mod	right. thanks. good. __________________ Anjali? Anjali?

2006-05-10, 08:42 AM	#14
Nick Koan JDM Cowboy Real Name: Nick Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Somewhere Posts: 8,642 Car: 2015 Mazda 3	True, in a consumer environment, he didn't get it right. But from a true track whore perspective, he got it right on the money. Adding Bilstein suspension and eibach springs tuned for the car is just as much of a performance increase as bumping the hp up a smidge (for track times anyway). Or maybe its just me. I prefer my cars to force my head side to side, rather then planted into the headrest. __________________ While a standard engine is powered by a belt connected to the crankshaft, a turbo engine runs on its own exhaust steam, making it more energy efficient. -- CNN

2006-05-10, 08:50 AM	#16
JonnydaJibba EJ207 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Reno/Sparks, Nevada Posts: 3,482 Car: 2000 2.5RS Class: RestNPeace Master Slurper.	I don't think they did enough to warrant a $48,000 price tag. __________________ "Why do chicks tell you to call and then not answer....so gay." "Cuz girls are fags I dunno"

2006-05-10, 09:00 AM	#18
JonnydaJibba EJ207 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Reno/Sparks, Nevada Posts: 3,482 Car: 2000 2.5RS Class: RestNPeace Master Slurper.	Yeah I know that, but still it's a lot more money for what little they did. And the limited production of 800 probably adds to the price. __________________ "Why do chicks tell you to call and then not answer....so gay." "Cuz girls are fags I dunno"

2006-05-10, 09:09 AM	#21
JonnydaJibba EJ207 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Reno/Sparks, Nevada Posts: 3,482 Car: 2000 2.5RS Class: RestNPeace Master Slurper.	Yeah I just priced a fully loaded US spec RX-8 versus the Prodrive one. __________________ "Why do chicks tell you to call and then not answer....so gay." "Cuz girls are fags I dunno"

2006-05-10, 09:21 AM	#23
JonnydaJibba EJ207 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Reno/Sparks, Nevada Posts: 3,482 Car: 2000 2.5RS Class: RestNPeace Master Slurper.	Wait what? It costs MORE for the same car? How's that work...? Do they just charge more over there because of whatever reason? __________________ "Why do chicks tell you to call and then not answer....so gay." "Cuz girls are fags I dunno"

2006-05-10, 09:26 AM	#24
Kevin M EJ22T Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Reno Posts: 9,445 Car: '93/'01 GF6, mostly red Class: 19 FP	Yeah, and the "whatever reason" is just the totally different economy over there. cost of living isn't that much different there relative to wages, just the numbers are different looking. __________________ FWD is the new AWD

2006-05-10, 09:29 AM	#25
JonnydaJibba EJ207 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Reno/Sparks, Nevada Posts: 3,482 Car: 2000 2.5RS Class: RestNPeace Master Slurper.	Makes sense. __________________ "Why do chicks tell you to call and then not answer....so gay." "Cuz girls are fags I dunno"

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