If the prototype's center console makes it to production, I hope someone will make a replacement (maybe out of REAL Carbon Fiber) so Aftermarket Headunits can be put in with ease...

Or, Mazda, just make a opening for the radio, double din sized, and put the fancy-smanchy factory head unit in that space.

As I commented in another thread, I have an expensive aftermarket head unit (and whole system for that matter) that I will be transplanting in once I get the 8. This is a good $5k worth of equipment tha I would like to put in with ease... and not have to spend $1k modifying the stock console just because some designer thought the radio would look better if it was tightly integrated into the car's system....

 

I personally wouldn't want to remove the stock stereo..

You lose the controls on the steerin wheel Just add some new speakers, amps, subs.. and keep the same head unit. Not like it will power anything anyways.

 

I’m sure that the stock sound system will be just fine, the stereo will not be on much anyways because I will be listening to the rotary (the sound of music).

 

This is a great idea, as there is speculation that the factory stereo may not be up to snuff for the young bass boomers, who want, no, need, much more power and clarity. Need the option for the aftermarket system.

 

You don't have to lose the controls on the stereo, it is possible to get someone to build something to interface with the aftermarket radio. Some guy on the S2000 forum did this for their car.

 

Actually, it's a pretty straightforward thing to convert those switches to control aftermarket stereos. The only real requirement is that the aftermarket stereo has a remote, or similar control interface.

Heck, on a previous car, I setup the power mirror switch so that it controlled the stereo (and I could flip a switch, and still control the mirrors too).

---jps

 

I'll be leasing the 8 so it better have a decent audio system in it. BMW might be expensive but their audio system (Harman Kardon) kicks ***

That Lexus Marc Levinson system is sweet too

 

I agree, Mazda should not try to force us to be stuck with a lame head unit due to the built in design limitations. Give me a good aftermarket unit and I'll be happy.