Ok Here we go, I have received a timely response from Mazda.

Our questions have been passed on to someone else, but our contact has beed very helpful in providing some info for us as follows:

"Thank you for your e-mail which I have passed to a colleague who is
responsible for the RX-8 and should be able to answer your questions.

The one item I can answer is the one on events leading up to the UK launch
from a media perspective.

There have been two media drive events, the first was in Myoshi in Japan
back in November where four journalists drove the car. This was followed up
by the World launch at Laguna Seca in January where a further 11 journalists
drove the car.

The next media drive of the RX-8 will be mid-May when 70 UK journalists will
drive European specification cars in Rimini. This will be followed by a UK
driving exercise where 120 journalists will drive the UK spec, RHD car in
the UK.

Already there has been a lot written about this car, however, the majority
of press comment will hit between the end of May and August."

Lots of reviews around May time then

Looks promising for the other questions as well.

Mark

 

Good news, It looks as if we may be getting all the information we need.

How do I get to be a journalist, it can't be that hard can it.???

Well done Mark.

 

Yes - well done Mark !

One worrying bit though... "Most press stuff between May and August". Does that point to an August release rather than July.....?

Cannot wait until the other questions come back !

Morgan.

 

Well done Mark.

Look forward to the rest

Cheers
Oilman

 

Just to let you all know that I have had no further reply today from Mazda.

Hopefully the person who it was forwarded on to is out/on hols/sick etc and not just ignoring us.

 

Hi Morgan,
From the latest official Mazda press release /

As 2003 proceeds Mazda will introduce three models into the U/K market .
Mazda's new small car the Mazd2 will go on sale on 20 March followed by the long awaited Mazda RX-8 in July .

Hope this helps.
All The Best Clive.

 

Update...

Still now news regarding our original email.

I have also forwarded it to the mazda magazine to see if we can get anywhere via that avenue.

Cheers

Mark

 

Pretty poor really MAZDA if you're looking.

Let's have a reply and quick!

Cheers
OILMAN