The appeal I am sure is partially the "cool" factor, and partially that when not in use the "blade" of the key is retracted thereby protecting it. Not to mention that many people here I am sure are like me, and have the car key seperate from the tangle of house/work/shed/yada yada keys.

 

I need one of these keys & a "rotor" key!

 

There is no "cool factor". There was when Audi/Volkswagen and Mercedes first put out retractable keys, but now they're just ordinary.

"Cool" is the keyless entry system in Infiniti FX's with the Tech package, or Mercedes S-class vehicles, or some of the new Cadillacs...where you simply have to have the electronic key in your pocket to start the car!

 

The appeal of the new key to me is that I currently have a keychain with 3 keys on it and 2 giant blobs, one for the fob and one for the rx8 key. Getting the new key means my keychain has 1 giant blob instead of 2 and takes up less space in my pocket.

 

I'm vain.. I need the cool factor =)

Seriously, you put your current set of keys on the table and they look no different than a set of 95 Protege keys.

.. just something to be unique as always. Any ideas if the new FOBs are going with the new 3's and 6's?

 

OK, so I am wrong on the coolness part. But yeah, its mainly the form part, the less the better, regardless if you are like me and only have the car key, or if you attach it to other keys.

Back on topic though, anyone figure out how much they are going for?

 

I e-mailed this question to Mazda today. Here is their response, "In regards to your inquiry about the retractable key, at this time it
is only available for the 2005 Mazda RX-8."

 

Ok, I have some pictures as I held them in my hands today... The 2005 Miata also gets the same key by the way... Here are two pictures showing both sides, its nice...

No pricing available yet checked the DMS system and the online parts ordering system and nothing yet. It actually only shows up on the electronic parts catalogue right now, I will call Mazda and have them track down pricing but the parts guys estimate it should run between U$125.00-175.00...



And like before it will work on the 2004 cars, no problem...

 

very nice. thank you for sharing cortc

 

Good lookin out Cortc--let us know when/where we can order--cause I'm on it ASAP.

 

cotc: how big is that key compared to the 2004 key & fob (in size). Basically I want to see if there is any advantage to having the key and fob integrated, otherwise it's pretty ugly looking.

 

MyRxBad--if you think its ugly then I wouldn't waste the money to get one--Mostly everyone that is ready to pounce on these is going for the "cool" factor which is to each others discretion.

 

It is a little larger than the current transmitter but then the key is integrated so together they take up less space when closed... It is a nice piece and has a quality feel in your hand; if you want something a little less cluttered in your pocket it makes sense...

 

ivyrose: Saw the little steering wheel you have with your keys on another thread; very cool...

 

Unless of course the key is in your pocket and you're tied up/unconsious in the back seat and some guy is starting your car w/o it in the front. That said, I wonder how long until the aftermarket puts out a system for that.

In the meantime, I am interestetd in the retractable mazda key.

 

More intuitive and easy to remember button placement, too.

 

I would want one so the fob would stop hitting my leg. :D

 

That's a cool looking fob...i wonder why they waited a year. how much? $130? backwards compatible to 2004s?

 

Yes, about 125.00-150.00 and they work on the 2004s...

 

i 'quickly' skimmed through this thread looking for a part number.

anyone have a part number for this key? i wanna try and get it in canada.

Thanks!

 

The picture shows two remotes one has the key out and has the Mazda logo facing out and the other has the key in the folded position with the buttons showing... The next picture shows the same first view and a side shot...