I was in the new Mazda dealership in AZ to pick up a key for my Miata and while there I got into a nice conversation with the sales manager about the 06 RX8's coming out in Sept. He had some interesting info if it is to be belived.

1. Nordic green is going to be phased out.
2. They are working on getting the AT HP equal with the MT.
3. The color used on the Shinka will become a regular color with normal interior color choices.
4. The dark blue in Japan will be available here as well.

He also mentioned some minor option changes but wasn't specific about any details. Overall he was a nice guy and seemed to be enthusistic about Mazdas even though he knew I wasn't going to buy anything. If the dark blue is truley coming out this fall, I think I have lost my last reservation about an buying a RX8.

Anyone know anything about CardinaleWay dealerships? This is their first Revolutions dealer in AZ. I gather they have several dealershiops in CA.

Anyway I thought I'd pass on the info.

IM in az as well, but i havent heard of this. Maybe ill call up mazda and see what rocks i can turn over..

strato blue is coming!??!?!?!?!?!?

god DAMN $^#&*%^#$!&*$^*I&*#*(&!(@$#$BBQ!!!!!111

you better be wrong or i will be losing quite a bit $$$$ trading my titanium '04 in for a strato blue one :(

strato blue is coming!??!?!?!?!?!?

god DAMN $^#&*%^#$!&*$^*I&*#*(&!(@$#$BBQ!!!!!111

you better be wrong or i will be losing quite a bit $$$$ trading my titanium '04 in for a strato blue one :(


LOL, if is it true I may be first in line in AZ to get one.

I hope this is all true
but I really doubt it

my wife called the dealership and they told her that late this year a mazdaspeed 8 will be out and it will be turbocharged.

Strato Blue? Not sure I've seen that color... Anyone happen to have a pic handy?

my wife called the dealership and they told her that late this year a mazdaspeed 8 will be out and it will be turbocharged.

Hahaha, stupid Dealership...

Strato Blue? Not sure I've seen that color... Anyone happen to have a pic handy?

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=27997

OHH, I like!

my wife called the dealership and they told her that late this year a mazdaspeed 8 will be out and it will be turbocharged.

:rolleyes:

Nice colour, but it is close to black... I wonder how hard it will be to keep clean... :eek:

I'd like to see that color in natural light, but it is very impressive.

I am suprised there isn't more comment about the shinka color becoming common.

http://www.rx8france.com/forum/cartes_visite/cartes_visite.htm

A nifty little link for you to compare the strato blue RX-8 to the rest! :D

I'd like to see that color in natural light, but it is very impressive.

I am suprised there isn't more comment about the shinka color becoming common.

most people don't like the shinka color...so they are ignoring that part :p

Strato blue...love the color as we all saw on the MS v2 edition last summer

As for more hp on the Auto...

Love the blue! Very dreamy.

Damn that blue is nice!!! I don't know if I could give up my red, but it is VERY tempting!!!

I've seen that blue on some 6's and 3's, can't say I like it. Not really a blue, looks more purple in most light. Just like my fountain pen inks, I prefer a bright, true blue to that purplish blue.

I've seen that blue on some 6's and 3's, can't say I like it. Not really a blue, looks more purple in most light. Just like my fountain pen inks, I prefer a bright, true blue to that purplish blue.

The 6 doesn't have Strato Blue, it has Lapis Blue which is quite a bit different. It is on the Mazda3 (it's the color of my Mazda3s) though, and yes, it does appear Purple in most lights. When my wife was in an accident, the accident report even listed it as Purple.

i love the purplish-blueish dual tone color of the strato blue, shows up differently in different angles

did i mention it's got mica flakes (goldish) in there too?!?!?! it's a really nice color.

I like the Strato Blue, but I am one of the few, I guess, that like the Dark Cherry of the Shinka. I think it is really sharp. If Mazda does ever release a turbocharged 8, would we earlier model owners be able to purchase the turbocharger and install it, or would it be incompatible with the previous models?

I would be curious to see how closely the color resmebles the Starlight Mica of my 96 M Edition Miata. The way you are describing the color, it sounds very similar to it. The bluish/purple is a great color in the sunlight.

The blue on the 6 is the same as the exsisting blue on the 8 I believe. I have the 6 in the blue and it is very similar, but I have never had the two side by side.

I hope they don't release a hi power automatic RX-8 in 2006 just so we can have a perfect reason to point at Gordon and laugh. :D

If they do release it, some of you who currently have the lo power automatic who are considering swapping to the hi power are going to shit a brick when you discover that it's going to cost more to swap from your automatic to the hi power automatic than it would cost you to swap to the manual (the only reason why the current automatic RX-8s costs less than manual is obviously because it had a less powerful engine, otherwise automatic transmissions always cost more).

Also, if the hi power automatic is released in 2006 without any horsepower upgrades, it'll be a clone of the current 6 speed manual - except without launch capability. And without the ability to launch from 7000 - 8000 RPM, you're looking at an engine that reaches 60 in the high 6 - low 7 second range + the additional weight of the automatic transmission.

But we really should put an end to the speculations, especially when all the facts will be released in 3 - 4 weeks. June is right around the corner. Mazda's going to announce all their 2006 model plans in less than 20 days.

So....repent. The end is near. :eek:

I want strato blue with mazdaspeed body.....

I just wish the '04s could have the sirius option. It will be nice for the AT 8's to have similar power as the MTs...but they will still be panzy cars...lol! Automatics...

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=27997That is beautiful!

I would be curious to see how closely the color resmebles the Starlight Mica of my 96 M Edition Miata. The way you are describing the color, it sounds very similar to it. The bluish/purple is a great color in the sunlight.

The blue on the 6 is the same as the exsisting blue on the 8 I believe. I have the 6 in the blue and it is very similar, but I have never had the two side by side.

the lapis blue is slightly darker than winning blue, just a tad darker

I'm sorry but why throw flakes into almost every paint job?

I'm sorry but why throw flakes into almost every paint job?


I think the flakes add depth to the color.

While there I picked up a brochure and they talk about the "Phatnoise" system. What is it? It mentions being able to play MP3 and other sources, is it like a giant IPOD? Does anyone have it?

I think the flakes add depth to the color.

Besides adding color to the color, of course.

I am also one of the few who likes the black cherry color on the Shinka, but I don't care one bit for the Shinka price :(

The Strato Blue is gorgeous. To me the strato is a more refined color than what's currently offered on the 8. I can't wait to see what it looks like in person and if it has purple undertone to it, all the better. But hey what do I know, I like the black cherry color that everyone turns their nose up to :p

OMG...what the hell am I going to do with my silver..
I didn't get the winning blue, because it was too light...

Can't we just repaint on our cars with that strato blue??

I think the flakes add depth to the color.

While there I picked up a brochure and they talk about the "Phatnoise" system. What is it? It mentions being able to play MP3 and other sources, is it like a giant IPOD? Does anyone have it?

Right-but why do it on almost all of their vehicles? A lot of sports cars just have flat paint with an offering of metallic on a few. Plus, they use large flakes. Almost bigger than these suckers...

http://img14.echo.cx/img14/7421/cornflakes6tz.jpg

First time I saw an RX-8 was a red and a yellow. The red with flakes is just beautiful. The yellow just looked flat, not as eye catchy, IMHO.

IMFO, the metallic colors are beautiful and the darker blue, if available in the US, I predict will be the most sought after car in RX8 portfolio.

I am also one of the few who likes the black cherry color on the Shinka, but I don't care one bit for the Shinka priceI stopped by my local Mazda dealer today and was surprised to see a Shinka on the lot. After looking it over in person for the first time, I actually liked it and I've poopooed them from the beginning. They had 3 on the front lot. I was also amazed to still see a yellow one as well.

What I don't understand is why the majority want or think that Mazda will turbocharge the 8. Wouldn't it make more since to supercharge it. The 8 already has to make high rpm's to get it's power. Why put a turbo in it that has to spool 1st to actually work. Supercharger gives hp across the board. Doesn't a supercharger weigh less? A supercharger still adds quite a bit TQ. Just a suggestion.

This whole RX-8 thing is getting ridiculous. Mazda wont say if the 8 is getting more hp. But they will say if a new color is coming to the states. They won't say if anything performance wise will be done but they released the new 06 info for the Mazdaspeeds 3 and 6. Why is it the 8 owners have to wait for 06 info when 06 info has been released for other vehicles they make? Not a gripe, just curious. Also, if the RX-7 did ok with a twin turbo why didn't they come with some kind of force induction to begin with. I understand the ecu problem but why install that ecu if problems were to occur. Was that ecu installed because of the 13b engine? I don't know these answers so if anyone can shed some light would be great.

http://www.discountpartcenter.com/photos/06-09-04-01-Mazda-RX-8-Mazdaspeed.jpg

Hope that helps!! :D

I have been really looking at the RX-8 Shinka. If the black cherry mica becomes available as a normal color option, that will suck. It will totally take away some of the exclusivity of that car.

i think the 06 will be the last production year of the rx8 here in the U.S
the there will be something really fun going on in Japan for the 07. Mazda always do this to us......

Mazda had to rush to the market to compete with Nissan's 350z. They didn't want to be left with no offering and allow the newly emerging sports car market to be swept by 350z's and G35 coupes. Admittedly, I would be in a 350z if it there were no RX-8 in the US. Besides those three cars, the only other options for people who don't fit in the S-2k's and TT's would be domestic...no thanks. :(

I'm ok with Mazda waiting a little longer to announce new plans, gives them more time to get it right. I would, in fact, prefer that all the other makers announce their plans and then Mazda do some quick changes and announce something hotter. :D

As for forced induction, the simpler an automotive system can be and still make the horsepower mark (~250 for Mazda) the better. They were looking to make a well balanced sports machine, not something that will eat Mustangs and Vette's at the stoplight. In my opinion, I'm glad they left off the cost and complexity of the turbo. I do hope that the Renesis is able to handle boost, but that will be told in the future as more turbo kits get some mileage on them. :cool:

^^^Very good. Is it possible for the 13b to handle more hp without force induction? Will a new ecu come out with the 06? I too would rather wait for Mazda to get it right. It just makes me wonder why turbocharge the new 6 and introduce the 2,3, and 6 as mzadaspeed but not mention anything about the 8. Is it because there is something really good thats' going to happen to it and Mazda doesn't want anything to go wrong ans discourage the 8 community even more? Or is it because in fact nothing hp/tq wise is being done and just useless bodykit stuff? I would rather Mazda say the 8 will have more hp/tq in the near future rather than them telling us what color is coming out. Granted it's a really nice color but color wont help me at the track.

Wow! That dark blue color is niiiicccee...

yeah that color is just awesome

More power IS possible, but whether or not it will be substantially more is another issue. I think that with a rework of the engine you could gain upwards of 20-30 HP like going from the FD to the Renesis. The rework, however, costs lots and lots of $$ and I wonder if the return would be worth it to Mazda. From a fan perspective, it's worth whatever they have to invest as long as they don't pass on the price in a higher sticker price!!! :D :D :D

I hope its a 6speed AT with same power as MT I'd buy the engine aaahhhhhh

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=27997


LOL i take it you all like my choice of colour then!

was one of the first in tht UK with it and yes its a nightmare to keep clean! last weekend i was out on a car meet and i cleaned it 4 times and dryed it alot more! normally she gets clean once a week with Meguiars and looks stunning!

And yes i have had fellow 8 drivers follow me to ask about the colour!!!!

I probably would have gotten Strato Blue as well if it was available in the US. 6spd A/T paired with the hi-power engine will be good for sales of the lineup--that will bring it more in line with the G35 and 350Z lineup--now if a SMG came down the pipeline, Mazda would have a real marketing ace up its sleeve. I think that a unit even remotely close to BMW's would work very well with the high-rev nature of the rotary.

http://www.discountpartcenter.com/photos/06-09-04-01-Mazda-RX-8-Mazdaspeed.jpg

Hope that helps!! :D

Anybody else think that mazda should make the interior black and blue for the strato blue rx8. i think it would look nice.

meh blue two tone interior looks incredibly ricey...

and i wouldnt doubt that 06 is the 8's last production year, Mazda seems to always change things up... (possbily 4th gen 7 in the works???)

and i wouldnt doubt that 06 is the 8's last production year

I seriously doubt this but it's not the first time i've heard this rumor. Where are you guys getting this stuff from?

I seriously doubt this but it's not the first time i've heard this rumor. Where are you guys getting this stuff from?

from the same original rumor

fortunately it is total bullshit...the RX-8 is a huge sucess for Mazda, kill it? I don't think so, in fact thinking so is rather asinine so ignore those people

Even beyond how successful it is, it's unlikely Mazda would invest the $$ they have into this engine/body style only to drop it after 3 production runs. Both the RX and the 350z are selling very well so it wouldn't make any sense at all.

There's no chance they'd drop it this fast. After putting that much work into it, and getting rave reviews from car mags and critics and such, and they're selling pretty well. Not a chance. Pontiac has been making the Aztek since 01, and the RX-8 probably passed them in total sales the first year, and EVERYONE says how damn ugly that thing is. But they invested too much into it to just can it.

The RX-8 gets more press than every other model in Mazda's lineup put together. There is no value that can be placed on that, but if there was it would surely be worth more than the relatively lax sales numbers. As long as the line isn't hemmoraging hundreds of millions of dollars a year, it will remain. Mazda needs a halo car, it's the only thing keeping it on the radar thesedays, else it will fall into the same slump it did for almost 10 years in this country. The only way the RX-8 is going away is when something better is in the lineup to take its' place.

i think the only concievable reason why the 8 would be dropped after 06, is if the 7 was coming back in 07, and was built off the 8's platform.

If they do introduce the black cherry for 06, and I were already a Shinka owner, I'd be pissed. I don't think it's right to call a car a "special edition" with a special color, and then turn around and use that on their standard colorset. Yeah, I know the Shinka isn't only about the color, but that's the part most people see and will ever know. I think if you've paid the extra money to get those special features, they ought to stay special!

Oh yeah, and (1) I guess the black cherry color is growing on me, but I'd get the red first. Or the titanium. Or, the new blue, or the white, or the black. Pretty much everything but the yellow! (sorry yellows)

That blue is sweet...looks more like the shade on X-Men II (where it was fun to say, "that's the car I'm going to get!!")

Unfortunatly Mazda is known for releasing a special edition one year and then the next year putting out a similar car. In 96 they made the special edition Miata and then the next year they made the STO version which was virturaly the same car, just with a very slightly different color.

I agree though, i'd pissed as well if I owned a Shinka.

A friend of mind is a GM for a large dealer in the DC metro area. I stopped by to see him today to pick up some touch up paint for my Shinka and asked about next years line up: To his knowledge: The Shinka color will remain "Special Edition". There is no F/I for mass production (he has heard rumors about a limited edition MS with turbo. He also has heard rumors about RX-7 in 2007. He said that in his opinion the 7 would cost much more than the 8. He is a Rotary junky and had a 95 twin turbo. Loves the cars. Drives an 8 as a company car. The 8 makes up 15% of his dealerships sales and he is happy with it. The lowest price (sticker) 8 he has on his lot is $31,500, so he aint selling them cheap. We live in a high rent area so everything costs more. He said the car was never intended to be a high volume seller but to give Mazda something to hang their Zoom Zoom hat on. Over all Mazda is happy with the 8 and is unlikely to make any whole sale changes to the vehicle in 06. They are using the attention the 8 has created to roll out upgrades to the rest of the line. They have a new SUV/mini van and a new SUV that are likely to have wider appeal then the 8. Not to mention the Mazdaspeed editions of the 6 and the 5.

I asked him about mods and he said that because the Shinka is SE that I should leave it stock. Told me he could get me an 03 or 04 next year with 30k miles and for $10k-$12k to mod if I still have the bug to do it He believes the Shinka will hold its value and become a collecters item. BTW he sold me the car for $2k off sticker and has not been able to get another.

A lot of what he told me was his opinion however, he does go to corporate meetings where product roll out is discussed. If any of you work for a major corp. you know what these conventions are like. The home office folks always want to "Wow" the guys in the field, so they rarely hold back if they have something exciting on the herizon. For what it's worth.

I think the most we should expect is maybe a few changed options and a few new colors added/deleted.

The most significant change might be the addition of a new automatic transmission to the high hp model and perhaps a 5 speed manual to the low HP model. We heard rumors of this a long time ago. So the odds of this are good. But the vehicle is barely 2 model years old and they will not make radical changes to a vehicle so early in its production cycle.

I'd guess that they would discontinue the 4-port alltogether if an auto was available with the 6-port. I agree that would be the biggest news for 06.

So basically if you drive an MT like most people, there's nothing exciting about 2006 (except for another colour...wooo-frickin-hoo).

Great.

basically--however, I am anxious to see what the Tokyo auto show has in store for 07 and beyond from Mazda. I guess for '06 a new wheel design could happen.

Yeah the rumours for '07 sound a lot more interesting...Mazdaspeed 8...maybe a RX-7 (or 9)....hmmmmmm

this sucks, i'd have to reconsider trading my car in if Mazda brings out the higher power 6 port mated to an AT.... which i don't want to do considering the money i'd lose

so it would have to be a new transmission and new cat converter bare minimum for a new AT version of the RX8.... anyone know about any other limitations?

even so, none of these more radical changes will happen for '06... i'm just surprised Mazda isn't at least talking about a MSRX8 yet

Unless I got a helluva deal on a trade into the an A/T 6-port I'd just wait for the rumoured SMG or just get a used 6spd. My guess is that an A/T 6-port would be 0-60 in the low to mid 7s. I guess something like a 330Ci A/T or slightly slower.

Geesh. Is it posswible for the AT 8 to get any slower. Why would Mazda make the AT as powerful as the MT. Why not just do hp adjustments to both.

why wouldn't they give the "a/t" more power?

why wouldn't they give the "a/t" more power?

They should have done that in the first place.

Yeah the rumours for '07 sound a lot more interesting...Mazdaspeed 8...maybe a RX-7 (or 9)....hmmmmmm


I need to pay off my 8 then release rx7 or 9 dam.

This thread is nothing but opinions, rumors, and internet BS.

Closed.