i was wondering if mazda was goin to do any changes if they to bring out an 05 model year.

I was wondering if mazda was going to do any changes if they brought out an 05 model year. [/B]

Probably increase HP to 250 and improve gas mileage to 24-28 MPG :p Just our luck or should I say bad luck :(

That would be great since i still haven't bought my RX-8, which i plan to by next year. but that would be bad news for some 04 rx-8 owners..... :(

Yeah.

They should buy canzoomers ( MAURICES STAGE 1 KIT )AND improve the performance of the RX8.

More choice on the colours ?? WHITE , NAVY BLUE AS IN X - MEN .

Sort out the flooding issues .

Give all markets 2 oil coolers .

Fix the MPG figures .

Improve interior plastics .

COLOURED LEATHER FOR THE INTERIOR OF THE YELLOW BLUE AND GREEN CARS .(SAME AS IN THE OTHER COLOURS )

Above all be more honest with their customers .

michael

Has Mazda said anything about a possible 2005 model RX-8??

yeah new colors would be great.

If any one has information on a possible 05 RX-8 would you please share your knowledge.. anything would help

-thanks

any ideas when the 05's will even be out... not anytime soon right... if it will be only a few mos maybe 4-6 i will pre-order the 05 and say hell with the 04 lol

i would quess that they would make one for a 04 summer release or fall ??

since car makers come out with a new year model most of the time every year

well they did that with the rx-7 line

Any body have any thoughts or ideas that mazda may do to the rx-8 if they do make an 05 model

or do you guys thing that they will leave it as is???

i might check into when the 05 will be out.... it would be worth my wait if they were to do much about the gas mileage and the flooding probe the HP would be a plus.

Aw man.. dont even get started on 05... I just hope they come out exactly the same, maybe with new colors.. hahaha.. that way I dont feel as crappy..

Don't expect to see any big changes for '05. It takes too much time and money to develop a car. That's why models don't change every year or two.

well thats not a bad thing

I agree.

Originally posted by R-2Genesis
i was wondering if mazda was goin to do any changes if they to bring out an 05 model year.


If????


What kind of a car manufacturer would release a brand new car for only 1 year? Of course there will be a 2005 model, and there will only be very small changes as far as I know.

Originally posted by i3man
Probably increase HP to 250 and improve gas mileage to 24-28 MPG :p Just our luck or should I say bad luck :(


Where did you get this? I don't think MPG will be increased to 24-28. If it were it would be on par with most family sedans, and that just won't happen anytime soon.

Once I get my '04, I am going to ignore all car magazines and censor all my reading to block out mentionings of new RX-8s :p
It's like with computers, you get one and 6 months later you feel like crap when you read the magazines and find out your computer's not worth jack anymore.
The solution, DON'T FIND OUT LOL
Price check before you buy, but after you buy, don't price check!

Originally posted by rotarymagic
Where did you get this? I don't think MPG will be increased to 24-28. If it were it would be on par with most family sedans, and that just won't happen anytime soon.


sarcasm

I would guess there wouldn't be too many changes.

I would not be surprised (and actually I think they're dummies if they DON'T do this) if they give you more options and lose the "packages" deal.

People should be allowed to still get leather and not lose the 1.5 inches of head room.

Most of the changes if any will be a mickey mouse type change .

They wont effect me as i am going to install maurices (canzoomers ) Stage 1 and stage 2 kits giving me an estimated 50 hp extra than the standard RX8 .
That equates to approximately 38 kw at the rear wheels of extra powerand no new change will make up for that power increase .


Even the mazdaspeed rx8 i feel may not be as as powerfull .IF IT IS EVER AVAILABLE OUTSIDE OF JAPAN.

So i will be" A HAPPY LITTLE VEGEMITE"

MICHAEL

you guys talk like if you never owned a car before... or worst like if you never followed what the car world/industry is like...

ofcourse there will be a '05 model. most probably the way things are, it will be by august '04 when we see them, as far as changes, as usuallu minimal, merly fixing the glichs of the '04 models and not the gas milage nor the ho issue since they have 'reinstated' their numbers to lower. In any case it would take about the 3-4 generation until we see some worth while changes if any, if they input the money on it... if the new rx-7 is really on the way, they might change some components of the 8 but eventually, it will be discontinued unless they start going crazy w/ turbos and 3 rotor engines all over again... same fate as of the old rx-7 awaits watch and see until we stop using gas driven engines

05' most likely wont have mechanical enchancement, but gliches will be fixed, and interior will most likely get auto-climate... power seats... stuff like that... but as far as engine bay goes 2% chance of change.

i'm willing to put my money on a painted rear diffuser since no one has ever said they liked it the way it is

FWIW, I did email Mazda Corp. last week and the reply I got from a person by the name of Heather said the information for the '05 RX8 won't be available until April/May.

Originally posted by BRx8
i'm willing to put my money on a painted rear diffuser since no one has ever said they liked it the way it is


I like it the way it is, but painted may be better, I would have to see it.

Originally posted by XCENTRIC
FWIW, I did email Mazda Corp. last week and the reply I got from a person by the name of Heather said the information for the '05 RX8 won't be available until April/May.

THat's good to know, thanks!

I can't see much in the way of change. Mazda's on a roll right now. I think the only vehicle they sell that's not brand new or had a major redesign is the Tribute (and they get that one from Ford).

Maybe some trim changes in the RX8 would be all I would suspect. Maybe decontent it a bit since that seems to be the way most manufacturers operate these days.....less content for newer models with the same or similar price.

those little turn indicators on the side mirrors?
and perhaps body coloured plastics in place of the black plastics in the lower body parts.

Originally posted by fan


People should be allowed to still get leather and not lose the 1.5 inches of head room.

A-freaking-men!!

Mazda... listen up and offer a "moonroof-delete" option on the GT package!!!!!!!

Originally posted by Rotary Titus
Once I get my '04, I am going to ignore all car magazines and censor all my reading to block out mentionings of new RX-8s :p
It's like with computers, you get one and 6 months later you feel like crap when you read the magazines and find out your computer's not worth jack anymore.
The solution, DON'T FIND OUT LOL
Price check before you buy, but after you buy, don't price check!
:p lol yet i m guessin that they will have sum change by 05. lot of new car out by 05 like elise and skyline GTR!?

Since all Americans 03 RX-8s are called an 04 car. Then using the same whacky logic, shouldn't that mean that Americans are now getting 05 cars since its turned 2004...........:eek:

Aside from quietly addressing some of the obvious bugs that have been thoroughly documented here as well as in many dealerships, I wouldn't expect any big surprises. Their marketing material will not say, "Now with 30% less flooding!"

Mainly for the reason that it will be an admission that they botched the 2004 model and will have a small revolt on their hands and the resale value will drop big time.

Big companies would rather put out a press release claiming solar winds or the price of coffee in Paraguay was the reason for their dismal quarterly results than to admit the CEO is some fratboy buddy of the chairman and has no clue what he's doing for his $1M salary.

I haven't heard anything for the 2005 model year, but for the 2006 model year, there are supposed to be a couople of new transmissions available. A SMG and a 5 (or was it 6) speed auto along with the current 6 speed manual. I believe one of the moderators (Gord96BRG) posted it somewhere.

Also, I REALLY hope they allow you to get leather without a sunroof. With the sunroof, I DON'T FIT, but I think I'd rather have leather than cloth.

- Matt

i just want white...thats all

Originally posted by Vaillant
[B]Also, I REALLY hope they allow you to get leather without a sunroof. With the sunroof, I DON'T FIT, but I think I'd rather have leather than cloth.B]I hear you - I want everything in the GT package except the sunroof, but I just plain don't fit with the sunroof.

Thus it's the Sport package or nothing for 2004; I decided to wait and see if Mazda comes to their senses for 2005 (and to see if they can fix the flooding problem...)

Same here Bill.

Originally posted by Vaillant
I haven't heard anything for the 2005 model year, but for the 2006 model year, there are supposed to be a couople of new transmissions available. A SMG and a 5 (or was it 6) speed auto along with the current 6 speed manual. I believe one of the moderators (Gord96BRG) posted it somewhere.

Also, I REALLY hope they allow you to get leather without a sunroof. With the sunroof, I DON'T FIT, but I think I'd rather have leather than cloth.

- Matt

You don't fit?! But dude... you drive a Miata. I sat in one of those, a MR-S, and the old Capri imported from Au... I barely made it in the Miata and MR-S. The Capri was totally NG... and I was like 20 or so kg smaller then.

Just how tall are you? In Japan there is no sunroof option at all... same goes for the Protege. No cruise control either (I think the auto has it though).

If you want GT but DON'T want a Moonroof... go here and do something about it! :)

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18581

Originally posted by Japan8
You don't fit?! But dude... you drive a Miata. I sat in one of those, a MR-S, and the old Capri imported from Au... I barely made it in the Miata and MR-S. The Capri was totally NG... and I was like 20 or so kg smaller then.

Just how tall are you? In Japan there is no sunroof option at all... same goes for the Protege. No cruise control either (I think the auto has it though).

I'm about 6' 2" (34" inseam)and I do fit in the Miata...snugly. I did remove some of the padding in the back of the seat to give a little more legroom. Fortunately, my head goes between the top frame's spars when the top is up and when it is down I could have Marge Simpson's hair and still be okay. However, I have gone to the race track in the rain and the helmet pushes on the fabric top the entire time...it's pretty annoying.

But, since the RX-8 isn't a little 2200 lb roadster, I'm not willing to make the same ergonomic sacrifices. I want to fit comfortably.

- Matt

Ah... I see now.

I wondered how you fit with the top up...

I spoke with a few dealers and they all concurred. Most likely it will be an even 250hp, the option packages will be more flexible and handles will be added. (You know, the handles inside that you hang the dry cleaning from? Idk what they're called. My friends and I call them "OH S***!" handles because when I fly through a turn and they grab hold of them that's what they say... :) )


They said MPG fixes are unlikely because it would require alot of expensive research that is more likely to be devoted to getting back that 12hp to match the S2k.

Hmm... that brings up some interesting issues...

a 2004 would go for cheap then, since everyone is going to want the 2005 with the extra horsepower from the start (I smell a deal here).

When it comes to mods, would you still want the Canzoomer ECU piggyback? It improves mileage and horsepower... but CZ said that it wouldn't do much good (at least Stage 1) for a JDM car... So I wonder what they (Mazda) would do to the car to get the extra hp back but not the gas mileage... As CZ got the power by changing the A/F which also yields better gas mileage...

270 hp would be cool

maybe the 05 will have a turbo or supercharger option for extra $$$

I think everyone needs to give up hope on a factory turbo or supercharger for the RX-8. From what I've read in MagX, MotorTrend, Mazda's website and brochures... it ain't gonnna happen. Plain and simple. More power? Likely... but N/A.

Want a turbo? Wait until 2006 for the new RX-7...that's your best bet... although there is talk of a N/A engine for that as well... seems kinda undecided.

For 2005... MagX reported that we WILL get a seq. 6-speed manual... ala SMG. The auto will come in 5 speed. This mag's reports have proven to be pretty accurate in the time that I've been here... so I'd say to trust the info.

I always thought they would come out with a MAZDASPEED RX-8 for 2005
With a ready-made body kit and stuff

Originally posted by Japan8
For 2005... MagX reported that we WILL get a seq. 6-speed manual... ala SMG. The auto will come in 5 speed. This mag's reports have proven to be pretty accurate in the time that I've been here... so I'd say to trust the info.

I'm assuming that means it will be a US 2006 model year, right? So, probably summer of 2005 over here.

Originally posted by Vaillant
I'm assuming that means it will be a US 2006 model year, right? So, probably summer of 2005 over here.

Yeah... I'd probably take it to be something like that.

As far as the Mazdaspeed RX-8.... I have no idea what Mazda is thinking, but there are several special models of all the cars that is only released here. The Bathurst RX-7 is one... made until early 2003 I believe. A guy at work too a last shipped RX-7 to replace his old one in like July or August I think...

Originally posted by Japan8
For 2005... MagX reported that we WILL get a seq. 6-speed manual... ala SMG. The auto will come in 5 speed. This mag's reports have proven to be pretty accurate in the time that I've been here... so I'd say to trust the info.

Yup, I've been reporting those exact same plans for about 5 months on here, heard from a source with very reliable contacts within Mazda Japan. Word was it would be by 2006 model year.

Regards,
Gordon

[edit] - just for fun, I thought I'd check when I first reported those new transmission choices were being developed - it was in this thread (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5055) on June 5, 2003!

Actually Gordon, I did read your posts as well and thought about them when I read the MagX article.

The 5 speed auto will be a nice change for automatic owners. Although I can't understand the love for a slush box... to each his own. Unfortunately the 2L version of the S-wagon (P 5) only comes in manual mode auto (like the RX-8's) unless you get teh AWD model.... which is rare. So I have a damn slush box and it sucks. When I test drove the 8... the feel of the overal and having a manual transmission again... it felt too good! Yep... only sticks for me.

I'd like to see a much taller sixth gear for freeway use. That's, by the way, the only thing Mazda can or will do about the gas mileage that's not related to the driver's style.

So what is the best advice for new buyers at this time?

I think its a good time to buy now (winter). If you wait until summer/fall for 2005 model you may not get a good price since it will be a new model. The most they will do is increase the HP rating by 12HP to make it 250 as originally expected (All this can be done with Canzoomer's mod on a 2004 model) or some minor cosmetic changes. I dont think you could get a deal on 2004 this fall very different from what you can get now.

Unless you don't want the freaking sunroof but want some of the features available only in the Touring or GT packages.

Meanwhile, between now and then hopefully Mazda will sort out the flooding problem...

The current 5-speed-plus-overdrive is a superlative transmission, about as good as you can get a stick shift to be. I love the shifting action and those close ratios in the first five gears. (Boothguy, overdrive (so-called 6th gear) has the engine revving at less than half redline @80 mph. The overdrive does not need to be higher-geared. It may be that you're not completely accustomed to driving a rotary yet?)

OTOH, this car is a PERFECT candidate for a sequential shifting system. When it's implemented, I hope that like the Ferrrari Enzo, it will have a "launch control" mode that works like this: Plant your foot on the brake pedal and then floor the gas. As soon as you lift off the brake pedal, the clutch engages and the car shoots ahead at optimal launch revs, upshifting automatically in milliseconds at the exacty right time for max acceleration.

Schumi, eat your heart out!

The Mazda rep. (Rocky Mtn.) said same as 04 just 1 new color.

Malcom

Originally posted by johncalifornia
The current 5-speed-plus-overdrive is a superlative transmission, about as good as you can get a stick shift to be. I love the shifting action and those close ratios in the first five gears.

Yeah, this is a very nice gearbox. I'd prefer a little less spring-loading pushing from 5-6 over to 3-4, but that's just me.

BTW, the 5-6 shift is closer than the lower shifts -- 6th is 84% of 5th; 5th is 82% of 4th; 4th is 72% of 3rd; 3rd is 72% of 2nd; 2nd is 60% of 1st -- meaning that when making a shift the rpms in 6th are 84% of what they were in 5th before changing speed.

Pretty nice set of cogs!

Theres a lot of assuming that Mazda will add a whole lot of additional option and quality at no additional cost. My bet is that everything gets a little bit cheaper as they attempt to produce more for the same price. Cost cutting execs have probably been working overtime to cheapen the production of this vehicle without obviously appearing to do so, and still keep the cost at a moderate increase. They will appear to throw options at you that make it more of what you want, but they do not add to the overall production cost, yet charge you for a special option package. (different color paint, GT without sunroof, GT without electric or leather seats). This is a business and I still believe as many have posted, the 04 RX-8 was underpriced to get them in the game, the next couple years there will be economies made to get their investment back in little and subtle ways. For these reasons, I'm glad I bought the 04. The color, options, were exactly what I wanted, there is no guarantee 05 or later will deliver as good as, or the same product.

Originally posted by Chuck Clifford
Theres a lot of assuming that Mazda will add a whole lot of additional option and quality at no additional cost. My bet is that everything gets a little bit cheaper as they attempt to produce more for the same price. Cost cutting execs have probably been working overtime to cheapen the production of this vehicle without obviously appearing to do so, and still keep the cost at a moderate increase. They will appear to throw options at you that make it more of what you want, but they do not add to the overall production cost, yet charge you for a special option package. (different color paint, GT without sunroof, GT without electric or leather seats). This is a business and I still believe as many have posted, the 04 RX-8 was underpriced to get them in the game, the next couple years there will be economies made to get their investment back in little and subtle ways. For these reasons, I'm glad I bought the 04. The color, options, were exactly what I wanted, there is no guarantee 05 or later will deliver as good as, or the same product.

I can't say I entirely agree with you, but I do at least partially. I think Mazda cutting production costs further while adding a few things will happen. I think the price of the automatic will go up with the 5 speed transmission. I am wiling to bet they'll charge you to have a delete option on the GT package.

As far as the price rising significantly... unfortunately Mazda is far from in a position to do so. Look at the Mazda 3... fully loaded with leather, sunroof, and navigation system for like $22k. That's underpriced. The Mazda 6 follows this as well. However... even in the RX-8, while I love the car, I was a little disappointed in the plastic used on the door panels, etc. Similar to that in the M 3 and 6. Comparing the Mazda 3 it's predecessor... the Protege 5, I prefer the plastic used in the Protege 5. The Mazda 3 feels like a setp backwards to cut costs so that they can offer all those options, a 2.3L engine, etc. at that wonderful price. The RX-8 as well. Mazda is a minor automaker in Japan and in the US... they are fighting to make a comeback right now and so this isn't the time to significantly raise prices. It wouldn't make sense. Not with the way their "New Mazda" plan looks like... they way they've remade, priced and marketed their cars. Price the RX-8 too high, and people will buy a Mustang GT, Evolution, WRX STi, G35 Coupe, etc. instead. Outside of the rotary fan community, the RX-8 has a lot to fight against. Name and image count. Gas mileage counts. Performance counts... and straight hp numbers will count especially for those who like to have "dyno wars."

So while I can definitely see Mazda slipping in further cost cutting measures as they can, I don't believe prices will be able to rise beyond a modest increase.

I did not say a significant price increase, I said moderate, which to me means increases due to inflation and exchange rate. The minimum amount of increase allowable. If the RX-8 was truly underpriced, Mazda will get it back to within their standard profit margins. Without increasing the cost, but just modestly as you suggest, they will seek to cheapen processes and materials to achieve their goal. Marketing 101, bait and hook with high quality for unbelievably low cost, then subtly change (materials, options, workmanship) to increase profit margin. Again, I am happy to own the bait and hook version RX-8.

Ah... I miss interpreted that. Yeah... we're on the same wavelength. While the early models will inherently have more bugs, on the other hand you'll definitely have the "bait and hook" version.

There will definitely be some changes in some of the parts to cut cost but definitely not something you will noticed.

On the other hand anything that had quality issues will definitely be replaced for sure ( eg. cheap plastic buttons that cracks).

I'll take the "bait and hook" version any day.

The orignal RX8 concept car had turn signals in the outside rearview mirror bodies (which did not make it to production). Now the MX Micro Sport Concept at the Detroit NAIAS has similar signal lenses in its side mirrors, and the general design of the mirrors is similar to the 8. So, I'm betting that the '05 model will have the turn signal lenses in the side mirrors, alla the VW New Beetle convertibles. Something that I was disappointed was not included in the production model. I also regret that the red start button was dropped for production, but I won't bet on it showing up.

Well IMO since Mazda was forced to reprogram the ecu's at port to prolong the cats life, maybe on the 2005 models Mazda will upgrade to a higher temp cat so we can get back the lost hp. Who knows, we could possible get stage 2 style performance from the factory. :D

Sorry if it's be brought up before, I haven't seen any threads about it.

Changes to address fuel consumption? Flooding issues?

I'm hoping a blue interior will be offerred in addition to the red/black and chapparral/black.

Future features:
RX-8 Discussion > 2005 model RX-8 ???? will they change???
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17880

~Problems:
RX-8 Discussion > A few questions about oft-reported problems
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21573

The search button at the top and browsing will help find more threads.

I see someone mentioned 'new color'. Drooling for the Black Cherry Mica that's available on the Miata. Anyone know?

Car manufacturers all use pretty much the same rule of thumb. All models have a planned obsolescence. The lower priced cars around 10 K will have a higher planned obsolescence with drastic changes every year and completely different models every two or three. 20k range get aesthetic changes every 2 or three and a new model every four or five years. In the 30k range the p/o is much lower and there are subtle changes every 2-3 years while the model lasts 6-10 years.

Look back on the 90s at the 300z for 30k, Eclipse for 20k and an escort for 10k. You'll see the trend. It's no exact science but I would expect the 8 model to be around close to how we know it today until the end of the decade.

i heard it would probably be an rx7 priced just a little below the 8

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) Increase 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.

4) Allow more flexibility with the option packages.

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

I was just wondering if anyone knew some info about if the '05 8 will have other interior options (especially for the blue 8)?