I was over on the Car and Driver forums and I came across a Mazda dealer who said that he got to sit in a new Mazda RX-8 in Las Vegas a while ago. He said the two tone interior will only come in the red and yellow cars. He also said that the base model will start at 29000 dollars, and that for those who are curious, the automatic will have buttons on the wheel for shifting. Can anybody confirm or deny these statements?

I remember seeing this a short time ago and did a search to find the thread:

http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?threadid=1196&highlight=seat+insert

Sorry, no yellow inserts on black seats.

Originally posted by boowana
... Unfortunately, the two-tone yellow-black interior color scheme will not make production. :(
I can only assume that the yellow part of it was considered too light and would definitely show every bit of dirt and stains.
Other two-tone color interiors will however, be available but I am not at liberty to say which ones yet.:p

There might be other posibilities ...

http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?threadid=1242

Originally posted by Hercules
Brilliant find! The only reason I say this is because:

quote:

Seat choices are black leather, tan leather (with tan inserts), red leather (red inserts) and black fabric.


That helps us a lot :)

Sorry, don't know any real hard cost on MSRP or having buttons on the wheel for shifting...

Anyone else out there?

i dunno but $29,000 is a bit scary hopefuly its just a bit of price gouging on the dealers part

I know, the 29000 sticker kind of gave me a fright too. For that much I would consider a G35 coupe, but I would say that 29000 is out of my range. The best reasoning I can give for the number is that maybe that value is for the automatic version, while stick versions are 26000.

well hopefully thats the case 29 is way out of my price range 26 is streching it as is.

Even though automatics are more expensive. 4,000 would be a rediculous jump (improbable).

not necessarily... for people to justify buying the lower performance car (there'd be significantly less demand for it), they'd have to offer it at a lower price... that 6-speed gearbox ain't cheap, and it comes with a bunch of other sporty stuff in the car too, right??

Originally posted by said7
Even though automatics are more expensive. 4,000 would be a rediculous jump (improbable).

actually, a lot of cars make you pay more for the manual (Acura CL etc) so if there was any price difference, the manual would be more.

Secondly, as much as I love this car and its potential, if a fully loaded version cost 34k or more, you should get smacked when you cut the check for being so stupid as to buy it from a purely economic standpoint. Its going to be a great car, but at that point, what are you paying for exactly? You aren't getting the Audi (A4), BMW (3), or Lexus (IS) name for that price, and at that point you could be sitting in one of them instead.

I really hope it's not starting at $29k- I'm willing to go as high as $30-31K (which is really pushing it), but if I can't get a decently equipped car for that much, I'll just get a nice used Miata and let my husband get something nice that he wants instead.

Originally posted by pmacwill


what are you paying for exactly? You aren't getting the Audi (A4), BMW (3), or Lexus (IS) name for that price, and at that point you could be sitting in one of them instead.

ur paying for a kick ass sports car. i currently drive a 200 323i and the rx8 will be my next car. nothing wrong with getting an rx8 instead of those cars u mentioned

higher price = more exclusivity = good

You guys are dreaming if you think this car well equiped will be less than $33K or $34K MSRP. A Miata will come close to $29K MSRP with all the goodies and the RX-8 definitely be more than a top-of-the-line Miata.

"For that money I will get a G35 coupe" -- please -- just go get one and save the spot on the waiting list! The RX-8 is not a "poor man's" G35 for goodness sakes! The RX-8 (if it delivers as we expect an RX to) may be a "poor man's" Porsche but it is certainly a cut above any Nissan in looks, quality and true exotic sports car feel. I drove the 350Z for 3 days a few weeks ago and didn't even have the slightest desire to trade my current car (Volvo 960) in for it -- I will wait for the 8.

It would just be nice if they could offer a basic, stripped down model RX8 for driving enthusiasts without deep pockets. Sure leather interior, fancy stereos, GPS, all the unecessary junk you can get with these cars is nice, but it means nothing if all you want is to have a fun car to drive. I might be jumping the gun to say this, but Mazda seems to be targeting young to middle-aged, middle-class buyers, and their prices should reflect this. The RX8 is supposed to exist within the bounds of practicality for people with families. $26,000 really is a good sum of money, especially if you're considering that to be the entry level price of a vehicle. I guess my point is that I don't think being greedy on the company's or the dealer's part is going to make them any more money in the long run.

I get the impression that their "zoom zoom" campaign is based around the idea that they're an affordable, reasonable car company that can offer a more fun or enticing car than their competitors. Ok, enough rambling out of me tonight. --peace

Originally posted by tribal azn
higher price = more exclusivity = good

higher price = less sales = bad for mazda

The RX-8's price definitely needs to outgun its competition by a large margin. Mazda has alot riding on the RX-8 and can't afford to botch it up by pricing it out of the range of target buyers (like the 3rd gen RX-7) or into the range of some of the other cars potential buyers would cross shop---it has to be a deal. I would consider a G35 if it was priced the same as a RX-8. The Infinity would probably be less of a risk, as well, considering the engine is already proving to be reliable. As far as braggging rights go, it's faster on paper than what the RX-8 is speculated so far. In addition, if Mazda expects to push any kind of real volume with the RX-8, it has to be kept reasonable.

I, for one, cannot go higher than 28-29k with the options I want. I'll have to settle for something else if it can't be delivered for that.

Originally posted by rxtreme
The RX-8's price definitely needs to outgun its competition by a large margin. Mazda has alot riding on the RX-8 and can't afford to botch it up by pricing it out of the range of target buyers (like the 3rd gen RX-7) or into the range of some of the other cars potential buyers would cross shop---it has to be a deal. I would consider a G35 if it was priced the same as a RX-8. The Infinity would probably be less of a risk, as well, considering the engine is already proving to be reliable. As far as braggging rights go, it's faster on paper than what the RX-8 is speculated so far. In addition, if Mazda expects to push any kind of real volume with the RX-8, it has to be kept reasonable.

I, for one, cannot go higher than 28-29k with the options I want. I'll have to settle for something else if it can't be delivered for that.

This is what I think as well. Mazda doesn’t' have the name to command a high price, especially the image conscious Americans. If the price were high, it'd only be a good alternative to a sports sedan/coupe, not an offer that can't be refused. The Audi A4 is one of those good alternatives by a brand with a so-so name. It doesn't exactly sell great.

Originally posted by RXhusker
You guys are dreaming if you think this car well equiped will be less than $33K or $34K MSRP. A Miata will come close to $29K MSRP with all the goodies and the RX-8 definitely be more than a top-of-the-line Miata.

I agree completely...the RX-8 pricing will begin somewhere well above where the Miata's pricing ends. The other issue is that we shouldn't expect base 8's to be available for a long time...have you ever tried to find a "base" 325i? Unfortunately, I don't believe a low to mid $30's price will hurt sales. Here in my part of the world people buy their kids A4's, 3 series, and Freelanders to drive to high school for cryin' out loud. You've also got the wealthy, but not too bright, "me too" crowd, who, while driving their Avalanche (last month's must have) to the mall, will see an RX-8 on the road, drive directly to a Mazda dealer and plunk down $40k cash to get it. Mazda will sell all they can make - initially anyway.

"I might be jumping the gun to say this, but Mazda seems to be targeting young to middle-aged, middle-class buyers, and their prices should reflect this. "

No you are not jumping the gun at all. It has been said from the very beginning that the RX-8 will be slated towards the 20-30 something crowd. Plus Mazda needs this car to be competitive, they need people buying it instead of its competition, not just people that will only buy the Rx-8 because it is a Mazda rotary. That well will dry up quickly, and in order for it to compete it needs to offer excellent pricing, because like it or not a large number of people look at the dollar sign before they consider the car. I know some people on here don't care about the pricing and how 34K is justifiable- it may be for them, but for me (a 20-something...) it has got to be in the magic pricing area, 26K was a beautiful number, just enough to justify getting the Rx-8 over a WRX, if we are now looking at a 29K starting, it looks like Mazda made my decision for me, which is too bad. Conclusion: 34K is too much, for the crowd Mazda is aiming for 26K is the number, anymore and the RX-8 will just be a revolutionary, beautiful shame. :o

The other thing I worry about in the first year is price gouging. These very same Mazda dealers (some of them, at least) were selling Miatas in 1989 at $5,000 to as much as $10,000 over it's base price of $13,800!

Will the RX-8 generate as much frenzy? Hope not...

The other thing I worry about in the first year is price gouging. These very same Mazda dealers (some of them, at least) were selling Miatas in 1989 at $5,000 to as much as $10,000 over it's base price of $13,800!

Yeah, I remember back when the miata first came out. Because of its price, the miata quickly became what it wasn't meant to be. Though it has come a long way since its debut, I still don't think its price today matches its worth, but what car really does?!? Anyways I know a lot of miata owners that would counter that argument. I have yet to meet a person that has driven one that hasn't liked it.

Originally posted by rxtreme
I would consider a G35 if it was priced the same as a RX-8.

[snip]

I, for one, cannot go higher than 28-29k with the options I want. I'll have to settle for something else if it can't be delivered for that.

Um, have you looked at the actual price for a G35 with the sport and aero package? You have to get the luxury leather version, so you're *immediately* at over $32,000 MSRP (because you then have to get the sunroof) even if you don't get the Bose stereo or premium package....

Let's see....
For the sedan with just the sport and aero packages and required sunroof: MSRP 32,170 - with an automatic transmission (the 6MT when available won't cost any less). If you can get it w/o sunroof (this may be a bug at infiniti.com) then it's $1000 less, but still well over your limit.
For the coupe 6MT, base MSRP without the aero package is $32,495. The aero package is $550.

I too like the G35. I think it's a very nice car and I'm considering it and the Audi A4, primarily because I may need the cargo space it has compared to the RX-8. However, if your limit is $29,000, then the G35 isn't really a viable option unless you want the version without manual transmission, with the softer suspension, and with slightly worse aerodynamics.

-Patrick

Originally posted by rxtreme?


The RX-8's price definitely needs to outgun its competition by a large margin. Mazda has alot riding on the RX-8 and can't afford to botch it up by pricing it out of the range of target buyers (like the 3rd gen RX-7) or into the range of some of the other cars potential buyers would cross shop---it has to be a deal.


Originally posted by fuz


This is what I think as well. Mazda doesn’t' have the name to command a high price, especially the image conscious Americans.

This is what I was trying to say. Mazda is trying to re-enter a market that it has been absent from since the rx-7. Granted the reputation of the 7 is very high, they cannot price the 8 accordingly so. With established competitors that receive very good reviews and name recognition for being high class vehicles, Mazda has to offer some sort of incentive in exchange for loyalties. This will not come with overpricing.

It will take time for chicks and elitists to get used to swooning over a... Mazda? ... so we as the pioneers in this frontier should be given a break for helping start the cause, because after all, from the sounds of the future vision of Mazda, this is the beginning of a whole new campaign right? A lot depends on the success of this car for the company, and I know most of the people here have alternatives in mind if this car is priced to high.

no offense guys, but mazda doesnt need ur sales. if u dont buy it, there will be plenty of plp lined up willing to pay 34k. and there isnt gonna be alot of rx8s, there only making a limited number. its simple capitalism, if u dont buy it, someone else will. its the nature of the beast

I'm going to have to agree with tribal azn.

There are going to be people out there willing to pay in excess of 35K to get a hold of this car.

To me proof of the public willing to pay for a fad is the Audi TT. It's not a great performer and there is nothing really special about it. But they still fly off the lots because of the initial hype. (At least they do where I am.)

Originally posted by Red Devil
I'm going to have to agree with tribal azn.

There are going to be people out there willing to pay in excess of 35K to get a hold of this car.

To me proof of the public willing to pay for a fad is the Audi TT. It's not a great performer and there is nothing really special about it. But they still fly off the lots because of the initial hype. (At least they do where I am.) That's why smart people like me go to the dealership 10 months before it comes out, put a deposit on it and get guaranteed MSRP in writing.

Yea, but not everyone out there is that smart.

Originally posted by Hercules
That's why smart people like me go to the dealership 10 months before it comes out, put a deposit on it and get guaranteed MSRP in writing.

what guarentees you msrp?

Originally posted by Immi


what guarentees you msrp?
I went to the dealer, and told him that I'd give him 200 bucks if he wrote me a slip saying he would not charge me over MSRP.

He didn't understand why I'd want that, since the car was so far away from launch. I explained that I'd rather get the car guaranteed at MSRP rather than 'take his word that he won't sell higher than that' when the car is launched, and he realizes he can take advantage at that point in time.

Thus, he called his general manager and I stated my case over again, and they got a typed note, signed by both the salesman and the manager, dated and I gave them a copy (I took original). I also have a reciept on my bank card (Visa Checkcard) for a $200 charge.

Originally posted by Red Devil
Yea, but not everyone out there is that smart.

and not all dealers r willing to do that, in fact most arent willing to do that. i have deposit too but im not gurantted msrp

Hey Herc, on the off chance that demand is so high for the RX-8 that out-the-door prices are well over MSRP, don't be too surprised if the dealer just gives you your $200 back...

What were you expecting? Thought, I think cars, in general, cost way more than they should, the fact is that cars are very complex and sophisticated machines. With all the safety equipment and computers, and the expensive research, developement, testing and certification process, their prices are justified.

Hey, I work hard for my money and I want the most bang for the buck I can get and there's a reason why I've purchased many Mazdas over the years. Mazda gives the value in terms of style, quality, and performance.

Look, everyone knows that the lower one sets a price for a product the better that product will sell. Mazda execs are not stupid. Mazda knows that if their future products don't sell well, that will pretty spell the end to the company. Mazda is trying very hard to be as competitive as possible. So when news is released that the RX-8 has a starting price of $29K, I'm sure you will get $29K's worth of car, if not more.

There's a lot more to a car than it's HP rating. Need an example? Look at the Miata. $29K loaded and only 140HP, there's a reason why Mazda has been consistantly selling 20K Miatas/year for the last 13 years.

In addition, the RX-8 gets you at lot of things other cars in that price range doesn't. First of all, an engine that can't be bought anywhere else with characteristics that can't be found anywhere else. Extreme exclusivity under $50K. Think about it.

Next, the concept of the RX-8 is very novel, interesting, and unique. One gets all the trappings of a sports car, but with four doors and four REAL seats. Yes, it's not a true two door, two seat sports car, but it doesn't pretend to be. The reality is there aren't many TRUE sports cars out there anymore for an affordable price.

Finally, there's practicality. I wouldn't hestitate for a second to replace my 2000 626 ES V6 for an RX-8. To be able to commute daily and still be able to have a baby seat fit in the back and not having to be a contortionist to get my child in and out is great. Having 250HP in a 1.3L rotary engine again is icing on the cake.

Do I think $30K is a lot of money? Sure I do. Do I think the RX-8 is worth the asking price? Of course, I do. Why? Because I could easy spend a lot more money on something that doesn't even offer as much fun, excitement, and practicality.

Just a thought.

Originally posted by tribal azn
no offense guys, but mazda doesnt need ur sales. if u dont buy it, there will be plenty of plp lined up willing to pay 34k. and there isnt gonna be alot of rx8s, there only making a limited number. its simple capitalism, if u dont buy it, someone else will. its the nature of the beast

Sure, there will be people lined up initially...but what about after 2 years? Remember the new beetle? They can't even give those things away now that the initial novelty has worn off. At that point people won't be willing to pay the premium anymore.

I don't think Mazda can afford to run into that problem. And they've already stated that the RX-8 will NOT be a limited production car.

This is exactly why I'm glad my lease is up in spring of 2004.. initial bugs will be worked out.. price gouging will be no more.. I could maybe get one for "gasp!" below msrp.. imagine that novel concept.. :)

Originally posted by Quick_lude
This is exactly why I'm glad my lease is up in spring of 2004.. initial bugs will be worked out.. price gouging will be no more.. I could maybe get one for "gasp!" below msrp.. imagine that novel concept.. :)

price gouging in canada???
i've never heard of such a thing

Originally posted by jbebernes
Hey Herc, on the off chance that demand is so high for the RX-8 that out-the-door prices are well over MSRP, don't be too surprised if the dealer just gives you your $200 back...
If I gave them money and the car is out, they have to sell it to me. If they don't, I'll talk to my dad's lawyer.