Wanna ride in my RX8?
By Charity Boozier
 This is the text message that I sent to my husband as I
drive into his office parking lot to show off the 2006 Mazda RX8.
Unfortunately, he was involved in a meeting and did not hear the text
notification, but I was well-received by his co-workers who all gladly offered
to take his place in the car. As I drove the RX8, I began to realize how many
people, and things, did ride in it during the week it resided at my house. Then
I began to consider their responses and attitudes.
My husband: the most excited and passionate passenger.
This is the one car that he has always wanted to experience, and he does view it
as an experience. With the unique 1.3L rotary engine sporting a hefty 212 horse
power, the RX8 gives the feeling of speed and power. The short-throw 6-speed
manual overdrive transmission offers great acceleration control and a wonderful
“fun” factor. Mazda designed it to provide the driver with the ability to
maximize the engine’s powerband and have the most amount of enjoyment.
The RX8 definitely has acceleration down to a science. I
often found myself leaving all other vehicles behind me after the signal turned
green. In fact, this caused another driver to rev their engine and “peel out”
one particular day. One thing that did surprise me was the ease of maintaining
a steady speed. I think that Mazda may have specially designed this for speedy
drivers, but I was very thankful.
 My brother-in-law: the most jealous passenger. As we drove
the RX8 to his workplace and began to show it off, we had to clean up the drool
and remove the jealous looks. As a 19-year-old ready for speed and sports cars,
this would be a great addition to his parking place, but unfortunately, he was
resigned to the back seat. Having the second door fold out for easy access made
him feel a little better since he is a generous 6 ft tall. There was room
enough in the back seat for him to be comfortable for a short ride, but he would
not recommend that adults make long trips in the back seat.
The exterior style of the RX8 draws attention from all who
see it. The sleek lines of the hood and body combined with the metallic blue
paint are a beacon for all admirers.
My daughter: the most indifferent passenger. At 7 years
old, she was only interested in the moonroof. As the week wore on, she began to
really enjoy the Bose sound system. We already are arguing about the volume of
music in the car. While traveling to and from Dallas, she appreciated the rear
center arm rest because it was just the right height for her pillow and head.
 Her classmates reacted very positively when we took the RX8
on a field trip. Parents and children both admired the influence of the car.
The RX8 gives the driver and passengers a sense of importance and positive
self-esteem, especially when others are oohing and ahhing over it.
Cargo - 9 folding chairs: the most surprising
“passengers”. A good friend loaned me 9 folding chairs for an event at my
house. She needed them back during the week I had the RX8. Ok, I thought, let’s
try it. I was pleasantly surprised and thrilled that 7 of these chairs fit into
the trunk of the RX8! Mazda engineers deserve applause for that kind of trunk
space in a sports car. The other 2 were placed in the back seat without any
problem.
All things considered, the RX8 can take anybody, anywhere.
With a starting price of $26,435, the RX8 is a lot of car for the money. For an
added $4500 a Bose sound system, heated seats and keyless entry and start system
will be included.
After 7 days to experience the RX8, my husband came to the
conclusion that in the next few years when he needs a sports car for his
advanced years, this is the one he wants. Stop by your Mazda dealership today
and see if it fits you.
The female factor:
If you want guys to notice you, buy an RX8! I saw many heads turn while I drove
the RX8. People just notice it, men and women alike. The sparkling blue could
have helped too. It looks good and makes you look good too along with being
powerful and amazingly roomy. All things aside, the Mazda RX8 will get you
noticed.
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