As everyone has read in R&T they estimate the base version at 26K and the top of the line at $30K.

Will there be "base" version and a top of the line version offered?

The differences I see them probably offering would be in the following areas:

Engine: We all know it's going to be 250 HP, but will the lower priced version have the same output?

Tires: Probably 16" vs 18"

Lights: Xenons vs. nonxenons (halogen)

Interior: Leather vs. fabric

Tranny: Manual vs. optional automatic


My biggest concern is the engine issue. I hope they have one single powerplant available. I don't want to hear 200HP base vs. 250HP. That would be disappointing.

Would like to hear your opinions. Or if there is any other info available to get clarification.

I remember hearing that there would be 2 different engine outputs in Europe. I think the lower output was to be 192hp? and then the std 250 we've all heard. I doubt the 192hp output engine would make it to the US

The R&T article (I think) mentioned a base version with 16" wheels and another trim level with 18" wheels.

Beyond that, I haven't seen any documentation on how the vehicle would be packaged, but standard equipment would include power windows and steering, in dash CD (maybe a changer!). A base trim with 250hp, 16" wheels, cloth interior, and 6 speed seems logical. Options avaliable would be leather trim and a LSD. An uplevel trim car would have those options std and a few other goodies like the 18" wheels, and maybe upgraded suspension and brakes?

Someone posted a pic of a listing of the equipment that Mazda had on display at one of the car shows. The info I remember from that and the other bits of info floating around are how I've derived my assumptions, but nothing is concrete right now.

Hope that helps.

Yes, here in Europe there will be a 192hp engine. The 250hp will go for sale here in the beginning of 2003 and the 192hp and the end of 2003. But I haven't got any specs about the 192hp :mad:

I also don't think that the 192hp will make it to the US. Your country always have bigger engines and we don't. Biggest reason: OUR PETROL IS VERY EXPENSIVE :mad:

And there's a big change that there will come a 350hp RX-8 MPS