After looking forever (as this is something I definitely want to buy) I found an animated Pic of the new key that I pulled from the newly updated Japanese website. I'm not sure where the door open buttons are, etc but I'm pretty sure they are on the side or this is one of the units without it (since alarm system is an option in japan)



Now...there is a remote possibility this different on the American version but I highly doubt it. And lets hope that this thing works with the '04 so we can buy it as an option.

And for people waiting around to buy the '05 8's this is the one new feature for the new model (except for a the option of a white exterior and no more yellow)

Here is the link to the page if needed (babelfish it if you want):

http://www.rx-8.mazda.co.jp/spec2.html

 

can someone say finally, i feel like this current key is from a rental car, and def a ford key

 

The current key just needs a little key chain with a tag that says 'Avis' and I never thought about it but it does scream FORD

FORD=FOrgot Research & Development

 

Hey Can Someone with Japanese mazda connections look into these...I know we were able to get that Rotary key from japan and it worked great but this is what is 'needed' now

 

JAPAN8, are you listening??? I want one of these... :D

 

Sorry been a busy week... well more like month.

Hmm interesting key. I dunno what's avaialble yet as the 2005 production is just beginning. The 2004 officially ended in June. I may take a look around, but it is possible that it is a 2005~ only item... not backwards compatible. No promises, but I'll poke around and see what can be found.

BTW... I didn't really read the article, but in a newer issue of RX-7 Magazine they were saying that the end of yellow is typical. Mazda did it with the FD as well they said. It mentioned something about two other colors... something like Burnt mahogany and a greenish silver mica...

 

I dunno man, I still like my one better. Sure it stabs me in the leg when I sit down....but beauty always did come at a cost :D !

 

The problem here is with two car families. The wife's Volvo has one of those switchblade key things. It would really be a load if I had to carry two of 'em around.

jds

 

The new key might indeed not be compatible with the 2004 - I remember our 1998 Passat had the regular key and when VW came out with a pocket knife-style new key for the 1999 model year, they were not compatible with the earlier cars.

 

How much is that key?

 

Gomez, where did you get that? Is your remote smaller than the standard one?

 

Gomez is in australia...his remote is different because of that fact and it looks like he doesn't have the alarm or imobilizer system (a us standard item but an option or not offered at all depending where you are in Australia)

 

Yep...spot-on. No factory alarm fitted, but the standard RX-8 immobiliser works off this key. Cost as an accessory was A$77.....around USD$55. I believe this key does work in the States....you just keep your own fob.

Gomez.

 

Volvo's also have the "switchblade" key? Hmm... Like the Mazda3/Volvo S40/ future Ford Focus? collaboration...is this a Ford group thing? No USDM is crap or USDM vs JDM comments please (that is a pointless merry-go-round).

 

Its an '04 XC90, and it does have that key. I can't speak for the rest of their lineup though. It doesn't really look like that Mazda key, but the differences could be purely cosmetic, I don't know.

jds

 

Personally this would be horrible for people like me. Since I went with aftermarket security, I got rid of stock key fob...but not key. I'd be stuck with 2 fobs in this case. It just makes me happier that I got my '04. Oh yeah, and I'm sure they'll have a yellow version of the key that adds 5HP.

 

so, no one knows if remote buttons are on this new switchblade key?

 

the buttons will be on the switchblade key...in the US that is

 

gomez i like that key. is there a website u got it from or did u get it from the dealership??

bureau13, most of the new volvo models have the retractable key. first started with the XC90 and then went over to the rest of the top models. it has a Unlock, Lock, Trunk, Panic and one more button to retract the key

 

Local dealer...Canzoomer may be able to get it from Japan?

 

i wish the dealers here in the states did that for us. i will check canzoomer to see if they can get it. thanks

 

Where did you get yours? How much?

 

Here in Australia all pre-order customers got the RX8 key as posted by Gomez for free in the colour of your car .

cheers
michael

 

'for free'? it is included in the 2005s...either you got ripped off or Mazda australia decided to jerk their customers around

 

I saw the 2005 key in person last weekend. They are very sweet.

The price is around $25 for the key itself, and about $85 for the fob.

We know the key works, the fob is a maybe right now until someone tries it out.

I also know that my dealership had no replacement 2005 keys in their system yet, so we can't buy them ATM, but maybe soon.