Does any1 know if mazda is making significant changes for next yrs model (2005)..!!!!! Any pictures would help !!!!

The chances of any significant changes are very very slim. It just costs to much money to research and design a car and then only sell that version for one year. You probably won't see any real changes for a few years.

It's possible that they might introduce their new transmissions for the 2005 model year - a 5 speed auto (instead of the current 4 speed auto) that can handle the higher redline and power of the High-Power engine, as well as a 6 speed SMG. If not, those two transmissions should definitely be in the 2006 RX-8.

I could also see the automatic climate control system being offered in North America for 2005, since they offer it in other markets now but held it back from the US and Canada.

Regards,
Gordon

2006, there should be a convertible. some mazda guy from mazda said there planning to make different coupe, and convertible... possibly 2006-2007.

Any chance of a turbo and/or supercharger?

by 2005 I doubt you will see a turbo

I'd be very surprised to ever see an RX-8 convertible. The rear doors contain the integral B-pillar that locks into the roof and platform structures and if that were not there the structural integrity of the car would be compromised. IMHO the 8 was never and never will be considered for a ragtop version.

I was at the dealership yesterday and was talking to one of the managers while I was waiting for my car to be serviced.
He said that on the weekly national or regional conference call a Mazdaspeed guy got online and told them to expect a turbo for a Mazdaspeed version in late 2004/early 2005.

agree with the turbo, but no way ragtop. It would take away from trunk space, rear seat room, and rear frame stiffening. All three have little room to give. Plus, you use the rear doors which is a big styling cue of the car.

I also agree with the rag top. the only way they coulr safely pull it of is to copy the porche targa top. and then it wouldnt be a true convertible.

Yeah, with a ragtop you would lose the virtual B-pillar because there would be nothing solid up top to connect with.

I would love to see a 5 speed auto for next years model(which is the model I will probably get).

Seems like they could make a convertible if they only made it a 2 door, could still be 2+2, using the same platform. I agree no way with the current door situation. Sure would be beautiful and fun.

It was very hard to give up the fresh air of my Miata, and that was almost enough to make me choose the Cobra convertible.

I don't miss it as much as I thought though, the 8 is a blast!

If there's a turbo, I hope it can be retrofitted to the existing model.

Yeah, I should think that if they're going to offer the turbo as any sort of Mazdaspeed package that it'd be just a bolt on / reflash for a current model.

So, for all the geniuses talking about a ragtop.........

Tell me, why would Mazda make a convertible 8 when the new Miata will be built on the same platform (the sports car platform) ?!?!?!?!?!?!


ruh roh Shaggy....... I see a conflict here.......

Because, Einstein, we want one.

I want a rotary ragtop with more HP than a Miata that can seat 4.

And some Scooby snacks would go good with that.

If its not going to happen, then so be it.

But it would be nice.

I just want to see white offered in the U.S. market.

Mazda's actually said they are considering a convertible and a 2d cpe version of the 8. I don't really care either way, but since they are considering it, there must be a demand and a way to make it.

You guys need to read your RX-8 Yamaguchi book again. It says that 90+% of the structural integrity comes from under the doorline, and that the frame is well suited to being a convertible. I still think there will be vert in 2006 ... at which time I'll be trading in my M3 convertible. But it will probably be a 2 door.

Originally posted by XUrotaryrocket
So, for all the geniuses talking about a ragtop.........

Tell me, why would Mazda make a convertible 8 when the new Miata will be built on the same platform (the sports car platform) ?!?!?!?!?!?!


ruh roh Shaggy....... I see a conflict here.......

Uhh, simple ... because it has a back seat. And it's in no way similar to the Miata platform. I bought my M3 because I wanted a fun to drive convertible that has a usable back seat for my daughter.

I hear they will add AWD, take away all the lines and curves, redesign the body to look like a bug eyed cardboard box, spy on owners at racetracks to avoid warrenty claims and start a lot of s^&^ on other car sites......also they are changing the name from ""rx8" to "WRX"

That looks like bait to me for a certain dancing banana (or whatever that thing is.....

Uh yeah... I was at the dealer on Saturday and was told that they are going to be releasing a 2 seater convertible not the Miata. They are also going to change some of the cars shape. Maybe this is really going to be a convertible RX-7? They have talked about bringing it back to the US and that would be just the way to do it.

Forget the 5 sp auto. Now that I thought about it, I want a 6 sp SMG for the '05 models.

Originally posted by 93rdcurrent
[BThey are also going to change some of the cars shape. [/B]

I can't imagine they'd change the shape of the RX-8. At least not for several years. Back to my original post on this thread, it just takes to much time and money to make any big changes.

anyone know when the 2005 model rx8 will be available in the US? i plan on getting the rx8 within a month, however, if the 2005 model comes out, i should wait so that the price drops on the 2004 model...

I think headlight washers might also show up, as they seem to be on the Canadian cars, judging from Gordon's avatar photo... standard in Canada?

Originally posted by MEGAREDS
I think headlight washers might also show up, as they seem to be on the Canadian cars, judging from Gordon's avatar photo... standard in Canada?

Yep headlight washers are standard in Canadian models. No Auto Climate control though

My wish list for 2005 is simple:

1) Re-work the ECU to provide 20-30 more HP

2) Re-design the ugly tail lights and change them back to the earlier concept RX-8 that had a clean 2-round lights on each side.

3) Increade the size of the exhaust tips. I have seen RX-8s with aftermarket exhaust systems and the larger tips make a huge difference in the looks of the car. The stock ones look wimpy while the larger ones compliment the surrounding bodywork much better.

That is it! I think this is doable. Simple, easy and would make this a much better looking and better performing car!

I LIKE the rear taillights...has an italian look to them

I'd just like to see them offer the MazdaSpeed body parts as factory options in order to defray labor/installation costs.

I love the front end and side skirts, but it pains me to pay for two front and rear ends plus installation when it's a Mazda part to begin with.

-Eric

Originally posted by 93rdcurrent
Uh yeah... I was at the dealer on Saturday and was told that they are going to be releasing a 2 seater convertible not the Miata. They are also going to change some of the cars shape. Maybe this is really going to be a convertible RX-7? They have talked about bringing it back to the US and that would be just the way to do it.


Guys. Quit believing the dealers. Dealers don't know crap about whats coming out or not. About 80% of my friends work as Car designers and two of them are at Mazda/Ford in Irvine.

Even they don't get all the information. But one things for sure is that the convertible won't be available next year, if ever. They're still trying to decide. The only viable market for a 4 seat sporty convertible is the U.S. Remember, the Rx-8 isn't a 2+2. Its four seats.

It won't sell in Japan. The Lexus SC is a whole different market.
They also said that if they release the convertible, it will most likely be a 2 seater, but that will eat into Miata sales.

Yeah, I don't see a convertible coming, nor do I personally think it should. I think it'd look stupid, imo.

However, I DO want the MazdaSpeed Turbo bolt-on option w/ reflash. That would be stupendous to have a turbo that I could add as a Mazda party w/o voiding my warranty...