Quote:
Originally Posted by Maxim
Look at the RX-8. It was about 3000-3100lbs depending on options. It's a 2+2 and there's not much size difference. The trick doors might have added a small amount of weight but not much. Look at the Solstice and Sky. Both 2800lbs+....and no top or rear seats.
As for the question of the auto/manual tranny, LOTS of cars have significant performance differences between auto and manual versions. There's even the chance that if this engine revs high enough, the automatic car will make less power because the transmission will not be able to rev to the peak power. That's what happened with the RX-8 auto. Lost 30hp.
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the RX-8 is a full 10" longer than the FT, going by the size of the FT-II concept (about 165" long). its actually closer to the miata in size (157"). the RX-8 also has actual rear seats. and like you said, the rear doors mean they have to strengthen the chassis for stiffness and the doors themselves have to pass side impact standards.
on the other hand, the miata in grand touring, auto, PRHT trim is about 2600 lbs. i'd be willing to bet the FT stays under 2800 lbs easy.
and about the auto, your example is an anomaly. the RX-8 spins to 9k rpm. again the auto miata is close to the manual in 0-60. also, the aisin auto tranny in the miata is supposedly the one thats to be used in the FT so its really relevant.