I've just started looking for a used RX-8 and I'm seeing a number of 2005's that are claimed to be "Shinka" edition cars. From what I know of the Shinka in the USA, these are not Shinkas!

So are these guys full of crap or is a Canadian "Shinka" markedly different?

 

I think Shinka's in Canada come only in the Black Cherry Mica for '05 models and Copper Red Mica for '06 models, all the rest aren't real shinkas. In both years, the seats are the tan leather/suede combination and the centre console is in black instead of silver plastic lining the edges. There are also the rotary accents, but those can be put on other non-shinka cars too.

 

^ don't forget the shift **** gear background is black on white while non-Shinkas are white on black.

 

I bought my 8 last spring used, vin check check say it's a shinka, sold as a "shinka" from a mazda dealer?
what gives? told buy dealer it a suspension package.

 

Capitalizing upon the great reviews that the 2005MY version received, the 2006MY RX-8 Special Edition will
again capture the appeal of rotary engine enthusiasts.
The 2006 MY RX-8 Special Edition model will contain the following unique features, in addition to all of the
standard features found on the GT model with moonroof option (T4TF66 AB00)
�� Unique Exterior Colour – Copper Red 32V
�� Special Sand colour leather seats with Alcantara® inserts
�� New semi-gloss finish on rotary bezel
�� Special Edition floor mats
�� New Piano Black finish on console side bar and on steering wheel spoke
�� New semi-gloss finish for meter ring, HVAC dial, vent grille ring, shift base ring
�� Leather wrapped parking brake lever with colour keyed stitching
�� Leather trimmed front & rear console lid with colour keyed stitching
�� Trim colored front & rear door handle and bezel
�� Dark silver 18" Alloy Wheels
�� Dark silver (new color) head lamp & rear combination lamp
�� Aluminum air outlet garnishes
�� Aluminum front & rear rotary crests
�� Unique suspension tuning (urethane injected cross members)
�� Model code is: T4EF66 AA00 FF03 NAB

I think that should clear it up? That is my product bulletin from Mazda Canada

 

if you're looking at autotrader or something like that.. don't be fooled by the "shinka" title that they slap on EVERYTHING. Most of the dealers have no idea what the shinka bit means and will just add the title to make it seem like a better deal.

For me the easiest way to tell is just look for the piano black console liners (as apposed to the standard silver). The Shinka is suppose to have an upgraded suspension as well.. .Mazda gave the car to Proline in the UK (the dudes who do the suspension for the WRC subbies and what not). All the really did for that was polyurithane motormounts and some different shocks n springs if I recall correctly.

 

The use of "Shinka" seems to be tied to the VIN. For some reason, lots of non-GT 2005 VINs are decoding as shinka for some reason.

 

Where are you finding that?? On CarFax? Or a different service?

 

for the record, its prodrive.

also, are you sure about the polyurithane motormounts? As far as ive heard, the just filled the front subframe with some sort of urithane or something on shinkas, nothing about motormounts. Polyurithane motormounts would be very uncompfortable in our cars the way they idle.

sorry for being a douche and pointing this crap out.....im just in one of those moods where i cant let it go. haha.

and for my take on the whole shinka thing, i dont care what the vins are saying. If its not purple (black cherry or whatever) or copper red, its not a shinka in this part of the world. end of story.

 

WOOHOO for COPPER RED!!!

 

doooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooouche. :p hahah

but yes... you're right. Though I thought I read that they did fondle the motormounts in some way... I guess I didn't "recall correctly" :p

Greg... we gotta start you off drinking... it seems like you're in "mood" a lot these days

 

you have no idea. haha

 

lol.. next beer's on me in that case....

.... you are old enough to drink right? :p

 

ya, but i need it in a sippy cup.

 

friend of mine's got kids, i'll bring it for you next time we meet up

 

ahhhh... no worries greg... I'll fabricate one out of carbon fiber.. that way you can drink faster

 

Amen Brotha!