ASH8

I emailed Mazda Australia to get more information on the New Face-lifted RX-8..

Questions asked were on pricing, colours, options and if Australia are to get the R3 version.

Well not a great deal of information but we will see "A Version" of the R3?..

Thought some may be interested.

Here is their (Mazda Australia's) reply,

Ashley,

Since the note I sent you yesterday I can now confirm a few more details.

The updated model is certainly due mid 2008. The changes bring it into line with new Mazda6 and planned upgrades to our other models. Our dealers have seen the car and are very positive about the changes made to it.

We will sell a version of the car called R3 in the US. The colour choice has a new blue, black and grey the others remain the same.

I trust this is of some help to you.

John

Revolver

Thanks for taking the trouble to post this Ash but really the letter is so heavily qualified that it tells us nothing, much less "confirms" anything. He's just jerking you along to keep you interested in the product.

I mean what does "changes bring it into line with new Mazda6 and planned upgrades to our other models" actually mean outside of a marketer's head?

And "a version of the car called R3 in the US" could mean anything! The base Mazda 3 (Neo??) and the MPS 3 are both versions of the same car but are like chalk and cheese.

And they're going to have blue, black and grey? No **** Sherlock. You'd be hard pressed to think of a single car model that doesn't come in those colours. Okay, colour choice freaks might get orgasmic over precisely which shade they end up choosing but it's hardly a news flash is it?

I'd be telling "John" that his letter is no ******* help at all but he's got a career in politics ahead of him...

auzoom

INteresting that we only get the R3 but yes thanks for the time and effort Ash.

Cheers

Andrew

erx8s

The R3 will be known as the................. RX8 GT here in Australia , the GT name will certainly not help in getting cheaper insurance

Cheers
Michael

ASH8

Yeah guys I could not agree more...

I actually originally emailed D Dickson (MA General Manager) who once replied to other emails I have sent him, this time he hand balled it to "John" probably because I really paid Mazda (Oz) out on first, the price of their cars (and all imported Japanese cars, you guys know it is an issue with me particularly now our dollar is closer to parity to the US), the "new" RX-8 just another "Corporate Looking" Mazda, the steering wheel among many things is tacky and cheep looking and I also went to bat hard on the price of Servicing and in particular Spare Parts. I told DD how members are buying direct from US dealers for 75% less.
The Parts issue is to be forwarded to "those concerned" (MA Spare parts Manager I gather), I expect to hear nothing.

Also (13th Feb) a letter of mine was published in the Herald Sun ( it won "Letter of the Day", they sent me a Parker Pen!! by express mail...wow) concerning this very issue on the price of new cars, parts , servicing and suggesting that the Motor Industry be including in the new Federal governments "Price Watch" Commission/Inquiry involving Supermarkets and the Petroleum Industry.

Anyway I have some info on Colours from the new Mazda 6 brochure.
So I guess these are the "New RX-8" colours Mazda Australia are suggesting.

Aurora Blue as seen on the R3, Sparkling Black, both are Micas.

Also new for the 6 is
Lilac Silver (Metallic).
Sunlight Silver (Metallic)
Other Mica's offered...
Chrystal White Pearl
Velocity Red
Copper Red
Stormy Blue
Galaxy Grey

Brilliant Black (which is just normal Duco)

ASH8

Oh, I guess the "Grey" in the RX-8 is Metropolitan? seen in the 40th edition.

DrGonzo

Just for curiousity's sake, would you mind posting your Herald Sun letter?

enforcer

I tried saving you the hassles, however a search on the Herald Sun website has over 20,000 hits for "Price Watch!"

I couldn't agree more that "John" from Mazda is a dud. You'll get more information by just reading this forum......

Revolver

You're missing the point Andrew. We don't even know that yet, so there's still nothing interesting to comment upon.

And I'm betting John isn't his real name either...

ASH8

I wish I could but I do not have the email, sorry. I do not even know exactly what they published as they are entitled to edit.

You see I live in Adelaide, Herald Sun - Melbourne and I don't get their paper.

So anyone in Vic who has the Feb 13th, I would like to know what they published too.
Here is copy of letter with the Pen.

ASH8

Yeah, I checked their site also I don't think they list "editor letters' which have been put to print.

Perhaps Mazda (DD) did not like what I said in my published letter?, know doubt he would have read it and the one Wheels published a few years back on the same issue.

And I will keep on it as these are some of the wholesalers who are not helping Australia's inflation rate..by ripping off new-car buyers, there is NO other word for it.

And it can not be justified.

auzoom

OK shall I rephrase it for you..."Its interesting he says we areonly getting the R3"

ASH8

In fairness I did only ask IF Australia was getting the R3 Version of the 8.
So "John" he replied to that question.

Of course we will also see the "normal" range of RX-8 models

ASH8

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...2573ED0008F458

Thought I would just add this in on the RX-8's future when Mazda Boss was in Australia a few weeks ago...
Again the RX-7 question came up.

Mum's the word on RX-7
IF MAZDA is planning to build a new-generation RX-7 high-performance sportscar –as many pundits expect following recent unveilings of the Taiki concept car powered by a bigger, more powerful rotary engine – then Robert Graziano is not letting on.

Under intense questioning from Australian journalists this week, Mazda’s global vice-president would only give commitments to ongoing rotary production and to the four-door RX-8.

“Everybody’s telling me that they’d like to see an RX-7,” Mr Graziano admitted. “(But) at this point what we’re looking at is continuing with RX-8 and that’s where we are with the whole sportscar theme in terms of what we can talk about with future products. The RX-8 is going to be with us for quite some time.”

Most long-term Mazda designers and engineers are happy to talk about the importance of the RX-7 to Mazda and would love for it to return – especially Mazda2 designer Ikuo Maeda, whose father designed the original RX-7.

There is widespread speculation globally that such a program has been approved and that the new RX-7 – possibly called RX-9 – will be launched in 2012. But no-one at Mazda, least of all Bob Graziano, is prepared to spill the beans…

DMRH

Interesting read.

REgards

Revolver

Nope, he didn't even say that. He said we're getting a "version" of the R3, which could mean anything!

Revolver

Why on earth would they not capitalise on the brand value of the RX7 name? Also risks confusion with their biggest people carrier...

ASH8

Agreed

auzoom

Ohh for the love of anyone who can read into anything. DOes everything need to be spelt out? Its like watching the US version of the Office after the UK version.



All consipiracy theories aside, I think its interesting that "John" talks about Mazda's interest in the R3 model not the other one (cant remember its name and cant be bothered looking). And everything I have read says that we will get an R3 model not just something based on the US R3 model.

http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring...da-rx-8-rs.htm
http://www.mazda.com.au/About%20Mazd...evolution.aspx
http://www.autoweb.com.au/cms/A_1098...wsarticle.html
http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/Ar...rticleID=47226

Andrew

ZOOMBY

be very nice, for Australians to have the choice to pick new Mazdaspeed version aswell , and not be overlooked

matt13b

We should definately get mazdaspeed factory backed parts..

ASH8

Ah...would not be so sure Australia gets a Mazdaspeed version of the New RX-8.

IMO...Computer says....NO!!

Revolver

Vague communication is no communication at all. If you want to accept maybe's and probably's to base a discussion on, that's up to you. I'd rather wait for some hard facts.

And yes, I drive my opponents mad. They mainly lose their cases because they can't take it anymore...

Revolver

Mazda Australia (cough, Horsley, cough) has some problem with MazdaSpeed parts and they refuse to import them or back them in any way. There may well be a good reason but I'm yet to hear it, even 3rd or 4th hand...

auzoom

Revolver -> <-Me