Base Sport Package aside.. I keep seeing pics with leather and no moonroof, however, when you preorder on the site on either the touring package or grand touring, moonroof is listed as included..

Hmmm...

All us models come with sunroof when you get the leather.

Those pics are from the 200 or preproduction models going around the states. I know becuase I was toying around with an RX8 for about 2 hours and it was numbered (32)

Hmm.. well on the preorder site, even the Touring package says Moonroof.

Cornfused..

In Canada, the moonroof is a separate option. We get the GT package, then moonroof is optional, the only other option is Nav (which requires the roof).

Regards,
Gordon

With that being said how about the DSC is that standard on the T or GT models?

the sun roof is standard....i think it comes with GT package....

In the UK the roof is optional but you can only have the nav with the leather.

at mazdausa.com/rx8
but... DSC comes in the Sport pkg - touring pkg gets everything in the Sport Pkg; GT everything in sports and touring plus it's own unqiue goodies. Sunroof is in the T & GT; DSC is in all 3 pkgs.
the options are spelled out well in the printable version of the specs - they've recently removed them from the specs that show on the screen at the "Features & Specs" dropdown.
And I made a mistake yesterday at rotarynews in a post, but the 6speed comes std. w/ 18",LSD,larger brakes, & sport tuned suspension - which come in the auto's Sport pkg.

Well I asked Mazda these questions.. and here are their answers..

Questions
1) Is the 6 CD Changer standard with my Touring Package?
2) What exactly is the Bose Audio? The site doesnt go into much detail about it.
3) My Touring Package listed a moonroof, DSC, fog lamps, xenon lights and the HomeLink mirror. Are those definitely being installed? I'm curious as I read on your site that those are options to the car.
4) Are there any standard features that have been finalized for the U.S. that are not listed on the site, (ie rear lip spoiler, rear fog light, side view mirror under lights, etc)
5) Will pre-order people be getting any special gifts?

Answers
1) The 6-CD changer will not be standard on any of the vehicles with the Touring Package. It will only be available as an accessories.
2) There are specific information regarding the Bose system on our website. Go to the RX-8 website (http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/rx8/rx8_main_flash.jsp) and click on "Innovation". There should be four options for you to choose. One of them will be for the Bose system. This should provide you with enough information. If you can't find or access this site, please let me know and I will be more than happy to assist you.
3) The items listed on the Touring Package is scheduled to be installed on to the vehicles.
4) Any of the items you've listed (rear lip spoiler, rear fog light, side view mirror under lights) will not be standard item.
5) Mazda is planning on sending out special gifts for the customers who participated in the Pre-Order program. We haven't decided exactly what it will be at this time.

So there you have it.. Some questions answered.

Ok....so now, after much reading on this subject, I am fully annoyed. What is the email address for Mazda? I expected the in dash 6 cd changer to be in the GT package. For goodness sake, it came standard in our freaking Hyundai Santa Fe at $21,000, I should think that a 32K car should have it. Not to mention, it has been represented as such to the press, i.e. C&D and R&T. We all need to gripe about this, it is unacceptable to think that they would not include this in the upscale package.

well they didnt say if it wasnt standard in the GRAND Touring package, but they did say it's an optional accessory in the TOURING package..

so maybe you will still get it.. email here to check. please come post your findings..

rx8orders@mazdausa.com

Really, REALLY big sigh.



My letter...

Greetings. I am taking the time to write you because I currently have a deposit down on a 2004 RX-8. I have been reading much about the car, both in print and on the internet. As I am sure you are aware, rumors abound in reference to this vehicle. On thing is troubling me, and I hope you can clear it up for me. I have ordered the Grand Touring package. From what I have read in the press and other areas, the Bose audio system with this package includes an in dash 6 CD changer, as it certainly should in a car at this price point and level. But recently, I have read that it will not include this. Could you please let me know which is the case? If for some reason, that rumor is accurate, I would like to register my serious disappointment in that decision on Mazda's part, as I feel we out here were led to believe that it would be included(take a look at the car magazine articles that specifically mention it as standard on the GT). Thank you for your time.


and the reply...

Thank you for contacting Mazda North American Operations. I appreciate
the opportunity to respond to you.

In regards to your inquiry, no, a 6 cd changer will not be standard
with the touring package. There may be other international markets that
have included a standard 6 CD changer, and prices in those regions will
reflect its inclusion. While accessory developments are still being
made, a CD changer will be available for order at some time.

I regretted to read that you felt misinformed by independent
publications that may have printed inaccurate information regarding
this. If you would like to respond and advise us of which magazine and
the date of the magazine and page that it was listed that the U.S. RX-8
would have this feature standard, we encourage you to do so. I will
forward this information to our marketing department for their review if you will do so.

I am pleased you took the time to bring your suggestion regarding the
CD changer to our attention. Consumer feedback is always very important
to Mazda. Certainly, we want to offer exciting vehicles, and comments
such as yours help us to achieve that goal.

Rest assured I have documented your suggestion for our corporate
record. These records are continuously being reviewed by our Product
Planning Department in an effort to provide only the highest quality
products to our customers.

Again, thank you for contacting Mazda. It has been my pleasure to
assist you. If for any reason this response has not completely
satisfied you, please feel free to reply to this message. You may also
contact our Customer Assistance Center toll-free at 1-800-222-5500.

Please take a moment of your time to give us your opinion about our
e-mail service. Click the link below to complete a brief, online
survey.

http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?5TYD85TYCGRDSLWVFE7RJ6R9

Regards,

William Zdan
Specialist, Customer Assistance E-Business




Original Message Follows:
------------------------

Hmmm...a curious thing. The subject line of my return message was "KMM85505V97560L0KM". Does that look like a VIN number? Surely not, but it does resemble one, no?

Hmm.. he still said "touring package". He didnt say GRAND.. I dunno maybe a glimmer of hope..

Originally posted by thebobman
Hmmm...a curious thing. The subject line of my return message was "KMM85505V97560L0KM". Does that look like a VIN number? Surely not, but it does resemble one, no?


I got the same thing in my emails from them. Interesting, isn't it?

Mine (at least 7) always start with "KMM". From there it's always different. Some sort of tracking ID - probably so the same rep can grab the email when the reply is returned.

Ok...so in annoyance, I sent them this...I mean, he did ask me to.


The first reference I can find is in the current Road and Track, page 87


"For the full 9000 rpm rush, look to our 6-speed manual-equipped test car whose $26,680 base price gets bumped to $31,100 with just about every conceivable option: xenon headlights, fog lights, heated leather seats, a crisp sounding Bose audio system with a 6-CD changer, and a power moonroof."

Again, I must voice my STRONG disappointment, as well as many of the other internet dwellers out here at this choice. In this day and age, an in dash 6-CD changer is common fair in a supposed "Premium Sound System." (take a look at the "lowly" Hyundai Santa Fe, at $21,000 with such, for example)As for the different prices for different markets, as you can clearly see from the above excerpt, it was indeed the US market, and the US market prices that I have referenced.

But I am sure you are not the individual making that choice. I would just ask that my complaint be registered. I just find it sad that I put out my money so far in advance, expecting Mazda to perform at a bare minimum of market norms, only to be disappointed before I even take delivery. A serious misstep, in my opinion.

Okay, if the 6-spd comes standard with 18" wheels, LSD, sport tuned suspension, larger brakes, when what does the sport package add? I was told that's where you get the DSC, LSD, sport suspension, larger brakes... and of course the fog lights and HID. I have a Winning blue on order here in Texas. What is what?

What comes with the Sport pkg depends on if it's added to an auto or a 6speed. More is added to the auto because those things were std on the 6sp (like the larger brakes for example). DSC, Xenon, fog lights = Sport on 6sp.
Touring adds BOSE,moonroof,auto mirror.

Gotcha... I tstill think it looks kinda funny when you have HID headlights and halogen fog lights :) Does anyone have any pros/cons on the DSC? I read it's mazdas term for traction control, then i read it's different. I heard the sport pkg. gives you LSD, but i thought that was standard with a 6-spd.? I think mazda pulled a fast one on me so they could make some more $$. And I can confirm what was posted in another thread. Certain dealers are alotted a number of pre-order Rx-8's... remember when they pre order started? you may of heard something like we can only order 10 for january, 13 for feb... etc... well even if the dealer reaches it's 10 limit for jan, they still recieve a few extra cars used for demos, one to stick on the showroom... and even one you can hold with a $500 deposit. Or if you know the salesman good enough he'll hold you one for free and call you with it comes in. (expecting a winning blue 6-spd sport pkg in may)

For what it's worth, in Canada the RX-8 has the 6-disc in-dash CD changer as standard equipment in the base model, along with the Bose system. That's according to the Mazda Canada RX-8 Features Table (http://www.mazda.ca/eng/down_the_road/rx8_2002/2004_RX-8_Features.pdf) found on the www.mazda.ca web site.

Regards,
Gordon

same on both UK models...

Ok...maybe I am the stoopid one here. Can some of you intellectual giants out there help me out. Here is the reply I got back from them:


Dear Bob,

Thank you again for contacting Mazda North American Operations. I
appreciate the opportunity to respond to you once more.

Thank you for forwarding the magazine quote. According to the quote,
the description noted features on a test vehicle, not that a 6 CD
changer would be standard on U.S. models upon final launch. A CD changer


will become available for this vehicle and your comments have been
noted again. I have forwarded a copy of your comments to our Product
Planning department for their review.

Again, thank you for contacting Mazda. It has been my pleasure to
assist you. If for any reason this response has not completely
satisfied you, please feel free to reply to this message. You may also
contact our Customer Assistance Center toll-free at 1-800-222-5500.

Please take a moment of your time to give us your opinion about our
e-mail service. Click the link below to complete a brief, online
survey.

http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?5TYD85TYCGRDSLWVFE7RJ6R9

Regards,

William Zdan
Specialist, Customer Assistance E-Business

Now, I realize that I am beating a rigormortized equine here, but is not the point of the quote that I sent them from the article that if you pay the 31,300 for the GT model, you get the 6 CD changer? Is there a language gap here? I am curious, am I overly annoyed by this response?

no you are rightfully annoyed! what they are saying is that since it was a pre-production car that the mag tested they can't be held responsible for what the author of the article wrote. it's not mazda saying it it was the mag:mad: what they aren't saying is that they should have told the mag what was and wasn't coming with the car so that there wouldn't be any false or misleading info published.:mad: "sorry that is their mistake not ours" is a cop out!!

Originally posted by RotorGeek
All us models come with sunroof when you get the leather...

Does anyone know if you want cloth seats (not leather), will you be able to get a moonroof too?

I heard a rumor when I was at the Dallas Auto Show while talking to a Mazda rep that you can't?

i got the touring package which is cloth seats and supposedly the moonroof as well. only thing touring package doesn't have is the leather seats, (faux?) leather trim, heated seats/mirros

GT pkg also includes power drivers seat, heated front seats w/ lumbar support.

Originally posted by lefuton
heated seats/mirros

mazda changed that awhile back. the heated mirrors supposedly come standard with the touring package now.

I'd seen heated mirrors mentioned w/ touring before. But the website doesn't show it yet - is there anything official about that? I can just wait and see - I don't care a lot either way about those.

when the site was allowing you to print a window sticker, the touring included heated mirrors. i have that printed out. however now it is not there. hmm. i think it is also posted in a note to rotarynews.com on their site. i will check it out.

here is a letter to rotarynews.com from the pr people at mazdausa that is posted on the www.rotarynews.com website forum. the bold on the touring mt package is my doing for clarificatiion

From Mazda

Thanks for joining us for the global launch of the all-new 2004 Mazda RX-8. We sincerely hope you had as much fun behind the wheel as our engineers had in designing and producing a "sports car like no other." Several of you have inquired about pricing since the event. Specifics follow:

2004 Mazda RX-8
Trim
210-hp 4-speed automatic transmission $25,180
250-hp 6-speed manual transmission $26,680

Both cars are equipped with the same standard equipment including the all-new 13B RENESIS rotary engine, power windows, power mirrors, power doorlocks, cruise control, AM/FM/CD audio system with 6-speakers, ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution, front and seat-mounted airbags as well as side air curtains. In addition, the manual transmission RX-8 comes standard with 18-inch wheels, a sport tuned suspension, aluminum foot pedals and foot rest and a Tochigi Fuji torque sensing limited slip rear differential.

To make ordering easier, available options are grouped in one of four packages. The only stand alone option is a navigation system priced at $2000. The 2004 Mazda RX-8 will make its U.S. debut in mid-June at Mazda showrooms nationwide.

Equipment Packages
The Sport Package, Touring Package and Grand Touring Package
are available for both Manual (MT) and Automatic (AT) RX-8's

MT Sport Package: Xenon headlights, DSC w/Traction Control, Fog Lamps
$1,100

AT Sport Package: Xenon headlights, DSC w/Traction Control, Fog Lamps, Tochigi Fuji LSD, 18" 225/45R18 tires, Sport Tuned Suspension
$1,800

MT Touring Package: Xenon headlights, DSC w/Traction Control, Fog Lamps, BOSE audio system, Auto Day/Night Mirror w/Homelink, Moonroof, Heated Mirrors
$2,700

AT Touring Package: Xenon headlights, DSC w/Traction Control, Fog Lamps, Tochigi Fuji LSD, 18" 225/45R18 tires, Sport Tuned Suspension, BOSE audio system, Auto Day/Night Mirror w/Homelink, Moonroof, Heated Mirrors
$3,500

MT Grand Touring Package: Xenon headlights, DSC w/Traction Control, Fog Lamps, BOSE audio system, Auto Day/Night Mirror w/Homelink, Moonroof, Heated Mirrors, Leather Trimmed Upholstery, Leather Door Trim, 6-way Power Driver's Seat, Heated Seats, Lumbar Support
$3,900

AT Grand Touring Package: Xenon headlights, DSC w/Traction Control, Fog Lamps, Tochigi Fuji LSD, 18" 225/45R18 tires, Sport Tuned Suspension, BOSE audio system, Auto Day/Night Mirror w/Homelink, Moonroof, Heated Mirrors, Leather Trimmed Upholstery, Leather Door Trim, 6-way Power Driver's Seat, Heated Seats, Lumbar Support
$4,600

These prices do not include a Destination Charge of $520, state and local taxes, fees or any other charges. Should you have any further questions, don't hesitate to call. It was a pleasure hosting you in Pebble Beach and look forward to bringing you more "zoom" into focus...

Sincerely,
Jeremy Barnes
&
Will Bortz