I asked Mazda about the cars that are at the dealer in Manchester this wekend, and this is their official reply which I have been asked to pass on.

"please be aware that the 20 vehicles will be 'stored' only at Knightsbridge throughout the duration of the launch - this is only likely to be a short time after hours. The launch is scheduled as such that the vehicles are pretty much used continuously.

Please advise the forum members that random visits to the dealership will not result in viewing the RX-8. We are talking to Knightsbridge about the possibility of a more formal showing of the vehicle post launch events and will of course advise you of this once we have it confirmed.

Once again, could you please advise forum members to not attend Knightsbridge on the 'off chance' as I would hate for them to have a wasted journey."

Im not going anyway as its too far, but for those of you planning a visit, the official line is not to go.

Dont shoot me, im just the messenger

 

Mark, any chance of you using your power and asking them about the curious lack of power shown by the US cars. I'd be VERY interested in any explanations they can offer.

 

Hi Mark

Just to let you know the bulk of the cars (all except 2) will be stored at Knightsbridge compound, which is off site.
Dealer said that we could drive up to it and look in from the outside if I wanted to see a Black RX-8 (if it wasn't in the showroom (and if they actually had one in black - they werent sure what they were getting)) PS I don't know the location of the compound.

Got to say the dealer was indeed much more interested in details of my order etc before confirming I could go to the showroom to see and sit in the car.

Sounds like they don't want 100's of people turning up on spec on the off chance seeing the car.

If the cars are there and they will be there then if your journey is not too long and you have pre-ordered I just can't see them not letting you see the cars!!!

I would just say for those of you lucky enough to live this way it is probably worth a shot --- bring you preorder confirmation and I don't think you will be turned away or disappointed.

PS dealer not yet sure when cars are arriving on Friday if I find out I will let you know!

Regards

 

I'll give knightsbridge a miss, be patient and try to see an official UK car when I can.

In the meantime I'm still going to the Manchester meet at bridgewater on Sunday to see the pre-prod blue RX8. It will still be fun, and it is a chance for me to see how well I fit.

STU

 

I can ask next time I mail them, but I wouldnt really expect MazdaUK to be aware of any potential poblems in the US.

Maybe the have put European ECUs in the US cars by mistake :D

 

I've spoken to Knightbrisdge Mazda this morning and they have confirmed that they will have NO RX8's on display in the showroom.

They suggested I rang my local dealer to sort out a place on the guest list. Which I have done. The event is on 9-6 at Bridgewater hall with each dealership having a 1 hour slot.

As I only pre-ordered about a week or so ago I hadn't recieved an invite. A quick call to my local dealer and I`m going 3-4pm on Sat.

Cant Wait....

Also take digi camera, which can do 1min movies as well

 

I'll be at bridgwater 2-3pm.

 

Will be there at 2 till 3pm as well.

Going to pop down to Knightsbridge Mazda at lunch, 1 O'Clock, I only work 10 minutes away, got my camera with me as well.

I'll report what I find after 2pm.

 

This is the same Knightsbridge Mazda who said that the cards "would be on display in the showroom" and that we were "more than welcome to come along and see them".

Jesus Christ I just want to get a glimpse of the cars in few different colours so I can confirm my colour choice before it's too late to change. WHY ARE MAZDA DETERMINED TO MAKE IT SO F***ING DIFFICULT FOR ME TO BUY A CAR FROM THEM!!!

 

Spoke to my dealer in London, not a clue....no idea this was going on!

rael

 

Just got back, didn't get to see any cars.

According to the dealer Mazda have told them they are not allowed to show the car interiors or allow anybody to touch them whilst the cars are in their possession.

He also stated that all the cars were booked out all this weekend and next week?? Didn't Mazda say all but two would be stored overnight in their yard?

I mentioned the Dealer Launch event on Monday and he made no comment about it, however he did say he would be at the champagne reception on Sunday.

But the final point he did make was that in a week and a halfs time they would have a car on display in the showroom!!!

So perhaps after next week the press will be finished with the cars and they will get distributed out to dealers around the country. Or are they just getting the car as a thank you for storing the others. Ideas?

 

My dealer just phoned and informed me that these are pre-production cars available for pre-sale purposes (whatever that means), not UK spec and not for general public viewing (as advised by Mazda UK).

rael

 

So the UK press, and the UK dealers are yet again testing/seeing 'pre-production' models.

So when are they/we gona see real UK speced cars? Mid/late October?

And are they gona be like the US production moddels?

 

I phoned knightsbridge this afternoon and my salesman who invited to come and see the cars is on holiday.
The receptonist comfirmed that the cars will not be displayed, still waiting for a sales man to ring me back
I might drive down in the morning to see if I can get any nearer to seeing a car, but I am not hopefull.

 

I spoke to Mazda customer services yesterday to ask where my confirmation letter was - I have had no correspondence from Mazda since I placed my order. The lady I spoke to said the demonstrators will be with dealers at the beginning of September.

 

I have a work colleague who drinks with the SmithKnightFay group (to which Knitsbridge Mazda belongs) group sales manager. He's going to ask him about the cars and the where abouts of the storage compound if he sees him this weekend.

 

Whilst at the Bridgewater hall event I spoke to a Knightsbridge salesman who explained that the reasons the cars were not available was 'because some one has posted it on the internet forum'. I embarassingly amitted that it was me and he replied oh you're Mark Hopley ! :o
So hello to Mazdablaster if you're reading this and sorry to everyone else who did not get to see the cars.

 

I don't think it was down to you Mark.

The rep I was talking to said they had given instructions to Knightsbridge that no one was allowed to touch the cars except for designated people and that Mazda had also warned Knitsbridge employees not to start the engines at all unless the drivers were present and that milage would be checked on pickup.
Sounds like they were worried about the dealers taking the cars for a spin.