Here's the latest update from Mazda Customer Service.

There will only be 700 delivered in the first round.

Expect round two in the spring of 2004. (taged as 2005 models)

The following will be available in the first round in Canada.

2 packages. GT and a lesser GS.

There will be NO automatic transmission option.

6 Colour options.[list=1][*]Velocity Red[*]Brilliant Black[*]Titanium Gray[*]Sunlight Silver[*]Yellow[*]Winning Blue[/list=1]

All GS packages will have black cloth interiors.

GT packages will have leather interior.[list=1][*]Velocity Red gets black/red leather[*]Brilliant Black and Titanium Gray get black/taupe leather[*]All others get black leather[/list=1]

Prices will be announced at the Toronto Show..

 

So does that mean that the low power is not coming to Canada?

 

I never thought to ask, but it would appear that way.

The Mazda guy (Jock - sp) is suppose to get back to me on the 28th with info regarding cockpit visits to the 8.

I will ask him then.

 

A couple of months ago The Globe & Mail (I think) reported that Mazda Canada was not expecting to import the low powered model. Also, The Toronto Star (I think) reported that all Canadian RX-8's will have the sport suspension and tires. :D

 

If I am not wrong, all RX8s in Canada will automatically come with the upgraded sized rims.

Greetings!
Heavenscent

 

 

That makes sense based on their Mazda6 packages. Could it be the Canadian journalists mistook the $36K 'base' price for auto instead of the GS trim? Perhaps the $36 K starting point is realistic for a 6 speed :D. Unfortunately, I'll bet the HIDs are only on the GT. I can live with that, just make sure the 18" rims and LSD make it to the GS. I imagine GT will also include leather, power seats, Bose system, and sunroof.

I was at Carling Mazda in Ottawa yesterday (saw the Mazda6, not too bad), and the sale rep told me 42-47K for the 8, although he also said he read that from an article speculating on the price.

Like I said before, having a more then a couple thousand dollar gap between model ranges is typically excessive. A loaded 6 goes to 33K, so 36 would seem only natural.