I just saw an automatic 07 RX8 at Jim Ellis of Chamblee as well as a retractable Hardtop 07 MX5.

 

Going slightly off-topic here: Should I wait for the RX-8 redesign or get an '07? I'm hoping the big model change happens around the end of next year.. and if it does, I will ****** one up immediately. I drove the RX-8 very recently for the first time in the Zoom Zoom Live event and I've been going crazy over the car. It's almost perfect right now- engine response is terrific, as is the suspension.. but it would make me feel miserable if a better version is released soon. I can wait another year if it means the one that's coming out will be the latest and greatest RX-8 as I intend on keeping the car forever. Any recommendations?

 

Doh, no more keyless starting for those below grand touring?? Or was that always a GT only option?

 

i believe it was one for GT.

 

What's the difference between white water and crystal white pearl???

 

If the detail of the name is as it is, then I'm assuming that the difference maybe that White Water Pearl Mica has the metallic flakes in it.

 

Here is a shot of the Stormy blue with sand leather. This will be my choice of color for sure.

 

It says Nemesis?

Looks like they went back to all sandy leather trim?

 

doh.... not dark enough blue for me.... but i'll wait to see it in person before i make more judgements.... Hopefully it looks so bright only due to the lights they used in the photo!

 

The Nemesis is a special edition for the UK only. As for the trim, for '07 you can choose between black and sand leather on almost all colors (not restricted to the Shinka package anymore).

I saw a Stormy Blue Miata at my dealer when I was picking up my Phantom Blue 8 yesterday - you're right, it is just the lighting in the photos that makes it look that bright. Seeing it in person almost made me wish I'd ordered that color instead.

 

Well I was just generalizing how they went from the full parchment leather on 05's to the alacantra trim in 06, now to full sandy leather for 07?

 

Ah, I see what you mean. Yes, it is full sand leather - no Alcantara available this year.

 

Too bad the Copper Red was discontinued and not made available on other trim levels. It was just a little bit too orange rust for me, but still a very nice color. That sand leather would like nice on would look nice in a subdued, classy darker red. Mazda had such a color on other models.

 

I'm not a real big fan of Alcantara...I think that most people would rather have full leather.

 

I had alacantara in my old Maserati Biturbo- looks and feels nice, but when it gets soiled, it is really difficult- if not impossible- to clean. The sand color doesn't help.

 

I have an MY06 w/ shinka package and so far am liking this Alcantara trim. Best of both leather and pesudo suede. FYI from Mazda's notes, "ALCANTARA is non-woven suede made of Microfiber by TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC."

Yeah it can be hard to clean so I try not to dirty it in the first place. Makes me think of those chemical guard applications now. I just know this is better for those like myself who can't wait and have jumped into a hot leather seat in the summer sun.

I think the current EVO MR's and the old IS300's had this leather/suedue trim arrangement too. Least it keeps you from sliding around too much under hard G's.

 

Pic from Mazda website of the Sand leather interior. Notice the steering have black/sand combo, I wonder how fast the sand color part of steering is going to get dirty...


http://images.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/i...nd_summary.gif

 

But its leather...will be easy to clean hand marks

 

That's interesting - my Phantom Blue w/Sand interior has a completely black steering wheel. It also doesn't have as much sand-colored trim on the doors, and the rear center console is not sand-colored.

http://anttau.freehostia.com/rx8/2006_09290010.JPG (Yes, I'm a noob photographer for catching my reflection in the window... )

I wonder if it comes that way only with certain paint colors?

 

Alcantara in my Shink-dawg rocks my socks. Great for cool seating in the summer. And the chicks really digs the suede between their legs.

 

Thanks for providing the real picture...

It may have been a bad photoshop job from Mazda...

now that I look at it again... from your picture, the color of the sand leather is consistent... but the sand leather in Mazda's gif... some area appear darker than other... so likely the person that did it mistakenly change the color on the steering too

 

Hmmm, the Sand leather color looks a lot like the Parchment leather in the '05 Shinka:

 

I'm checking this thread because I *MAY* have a buyer for my acura, and I was trying to decide if I wanted to buy a new 06 now, or buy a **** box for the winter and buy a new 07 in the spring. I didn't realize the 07's were out already. Kind of disappointing that they don't have anything significant though. I still may buy a **** box inbetween car. It will be nice to have a new car in the spring. I hate winter/fall. If only i could get rid of this crapura.

 

After all that they only have 232hp? damn they need to open the ports up on these things some atleast get yall to 250 or something.

 

My Acura has 270 by the same standard that gave RX-8's 248.... I'll take an RX-8 any day over a TL.