I'm interested in purchasing an RX-8 and recently contacted Mazda to ask if the flooding and MPG issues would be addressed with the 2005 model. I also asked about Octane requirements, since I have heard mixed messages from dealers and elsewhere. Here is the response back, for those who might be interested:

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Thank you for contacting Mazda North American Operations. I appreciate the opportunity to respond to you.

In regard to your inquiry, unfortunately we don't have any specific information on the 2005 Mazda RX-8. However, Mazda has come up with a solution for the flooding concern, and a new calibration will be sent to the dealerships on April 15. The EPA estimated fuel economy is still under further investigation. Also, you may use a fuel octane rating from 87-90, but this will slightly reduce performance.

I hope this information is helpful for you....

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Oops - sorry I posted this here. Please forgive a newby. Perhaps a moderator can move it to a more appropriate venue and out of Dealerships/Ordering/Financing?

 

sure thing Thanks for posting that- I'll be interested to see what's announced on April 15th.

 

Hmm. Hmm, indeed. Just had my PCM updated, too. I wonder how much truth there is to that response.

 

The N flash maybe???

 

Heh, what happens when they run out of letters. Maybe they'll start appending letters. So 5 years from now we might be getting the AACQR flash.

 

I'm using 87 octane. I think the performance is better. Car excellerates more evenly, smoothly. I notcie no less performance. Anybody else notice any difference beween the two levels of octane in their car?

 

just put my first tank of 87 in yesterday cant tell any difference between 91oct yet

 

My exhaust pipes have been much less discolored since I switched to 87 octane.

No other difference noted - the car has always run GREAT.