Howdy all, I have been lurking (and searching) here for a few weeks now. I have been trying to decide between a few cars. Boxster, Z, S2K and RX8 (I have driven them all). It came down to several things but in the end I decided on the RX8 after driving one last week.
I plan to purchase my RX8 in March 2007. I have been looking for information about the Shinka model. I only came across one thread that mentions a "2007 Shinka".
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=81718&highlight=2007+shinka
That being said I also emailed Mazda USA and got this:
Hi Mike,
We appreciate your interest in the 2007 RX-8!
In regards to your inquiry, Mazda is offering for the 2007 model year three trim levels, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring, of the RX-8, but no Shinka edition. Delivery time is generally 3 to 4 months from the time the order is accepted from the factory.
I hope this information is helpful to you.
Thank you for contacting Mazda.
Regards,

*******
Specialist, Customer Assistance E-Business

With my experience, dealers and those answering the phones and email dont always know what is going on in the real world. Does anyone have any information beyond this? Will there be an 2007 RX8 Shinka?
Thanks

As as side note- I want several Mazda Speed parts. I went to two different dealers and they were totally clueless about the parts, pricing and installation. So I guess I will just order install them and myself. Is this typical?

I'm glad you didn't decide on the Boxster.


... I know, nothing at all to do with this, but I'm really glad you didn't get the Boxster.

^+1

i didn't believe that they weren't doing the shinka version but going to the mazdausa.com site seems to confirm what you were told.

From what local dealer said, no Shinkas are to be built. It was not a good seller so was discontinued.
Sorry Bro!!

Question..why March? If you want to save some $$ to put into "upgrading" your 8 (suspension, etc.), you can wait till near the end of the year to get better deals..that or, go with the 06 in March 07! Nothing special about Shinka..I personally rather get a regular 8 then use the extra $$ you save to do the upgrades. I don't think much have changed from the 06 to the 07..correct me if I'm wrong folks..but if you are thinking about upgrading anyways, you can seriously save some $$ from buying a 06 vs. 07...

As for either a grand tour or sports..depends on what you want out of the 8..for the serious track users, the sports is better because you don't have the extra weight from the moonroof, etc. (not to mention the height issue). Search for threads out here about that...and...good choice! Granted, our 8 drinks gas quicker than a V8, but it is more practical (comfort & 4 functional seats)!! Handling is awesome..not to mention the looks..lets not forget about it being a Wankel!!!

As as side note- I want several Mazda Speed parts. I went to two different dealers and they were totally clueless about the parts, pricing and installation. So I guess I will just order install them and myself. Is this typical?

Guess it would depend on what the parts are... but unfortunately too many "Mazda" dealer service departments (which typically also service 2-3 other car brands) only deal with the rotaries on a very limited basis. You might be better off calling around to some import car shops and seeing if they have any experience.

Now, why the Boxter hate, guys? Of course I'll agree that the Rx-8 is a wonderful cash:performance value, but the Boxster is a pretty good car too. But I also have to agree that the Sport is probably the best trim unless you just *have* to have leather. I can live without the sunroof and all the other little extras.

To answer your question the Shinka is a stand alone package.
You can get the Shinka trim with any of the current RX-8 colors.
There is no longer an exclusive Shinka color like the Black Cherry (05) or Copper Red (06).
If you want a Special edition colored Shinka model you can always get the 06 Copper Red model. Best color for the 8 :ylsuper:

In fact i saw a black 06 shinka in NYC on Saturday. Real Clean too.

Anyways best of luck with the 8 if you do decide to get one.

To answer your question the Shinka is a stand alone package.
You can get the Shinka trim with any of the current RX-8 colors.
There is no longer an exclusive Shinka color like the Black Cherry (05) or Copper Red (06).
If you want a Special edition colored Shinka model you can always get the 06 Copper Red model. Best color for the 8 :ylsuper:

In fact i saw a black 06 shinka in NYC on Saturday. Real Clean too.

Anyways best of luck with the 8 if you do decide to get one.

To revise the Shinka was a stand alone package and color for 2005. For 2006 it was a package on the Copper Red (exclusive shinka only) White, Gray and black.

There is no shinka package for 2007 models.

Ja, please be inconvienced torpedo.

Get the SHinka now and save a ton of money.

Welcome to the club.

To revise the Shinka was a stand alone package and color for 2005. For 2006 it was a package on the Copper Red (exclusive shinka only) White, Gray and black.

There is no shinka package for 2007 models.


Thanks for correcting me. But i though you can still get the Shinka package on the 07 models. Just no exclusive shinka colors. Guess i'm wrong
that sucks cause the Shinka package really brings out the 8 from the inside.

Get a used one. Poor resale values.

Glad I just got my 2006 Copper RED Shinka!!!

Great-looking car, both inside and out. I wouldn't be surprised if the red Shinka were the most collectible RX-8 some day.

I just hope a used one turns up in great condition at a great price when I'm ready to buy my father's 2005 Sport.

Do a search in Feb - Mar and see if their are any 06 Shinka's on dealer's lots depending on where you live and how far you want to drive. They also have a boat load of incentives on them.

For 07 you can get the same color leather as a Shinka on almost any color you want. It will be similar to what you find in the 05 Shinka. It will not have the tan leather/Alcantara combo is all. I got the CR Shinka mainly for that combo as well as I don't like black interiors and couldn't find a VR with B/R interior which was my second choice.

Just got a Galaxy Gray Shinka and paid about $5500 off MSRP. I"m happy.

06 is the last year for Shinka. Almost all the features are available as 07's option (except suspension). If you're going to do some mods, go with 06 or 07 (if you want sand color leather & free 6 CD changer) models.

I bought an 06 Copper Red Shinka the first week in July. Needless to say there wasnt much in the way of incentives back then, but I really didnt care. One drive and I was hooked. I love the color, and must agree, It is the ultimate color on the 8(imo) ;) I believe the sand interior brings the color into a whole new light, and really sets her off. If you can find one now, buy it. If they truly arent going to be a marketable item anymore by Mazda, then they will be a rarity.

Slightly off topic. Does anyone know how many CR Shinkas were made?