Just two days ago I acquired my first RX-8, a 2005 M/T with a very nice looking trim, fog lamps, all leather seats, and a bunch of options that make it seem like it's a Shinka Special edition.

A quick search of the site knowledge base, however, has revealed that the 2005 Shinka only came in one color--which is NOT the color of my car. Additionally, I have also read that this trim level and these options were not available for the 2005 model.

Ultimately I have no idea what I really have. it doesn't look like somebody tried to bolt on new bumpers and side skirts to make it look like a Shinka. It really does seem all original. A VIN search states that this car came from the factory as a base model and not a Shinka, and it also shows the car without the fancy bumpers and skirts. I'm sort of at a loss here.

Thanks guys, and for reference the car pretty much looks like this:

 

Yup, nice looking RX-8, but not an '05 Shinka. The front spoiler and side skirts were optional Mazda RX-8 parts, as are the rear spoiler and sunroof air deflector (which might be a WeatherTech rather than Mazda; I can't tell from the picture).

 

Okay, awesome! So this trim WAS available in 2005. I must've just read wrong or maybe that poster was misinformed. Would this be the top of the line model for that year without being a Shinka?

 

It's not a trim, the aero parts were dealer extras that could be added to any car. If you have leather, sunroof and the Bose system, it's the top trim.

 

Yup. Along with the aero, it's got all three. Thanks for helping me figure this out!

 

On many title searches Shinka is listed, even on non Shinka's. I don't know why that is but then those who don't know what a Shinka is, list them as Shinka's.

 

Yeah the delineation between the various trims / options / special editions really confuses me. This thread was really helpful, though.

 

There is a sticky thread on that topic.