Same RX-8, newer model
 

The Sales guy at my dealer told me that the RX-8 they are going to be selling in the early part of 2004 are going to be sold as 2005 models. So basically the same car but they are going to be selling it as a 2005 model. I'm not 100% sure but I believe they did something like that for the Mazda6.

Can someone who knows the in's and out's about how Mazda model their cars verify this for me please. Thanks.

Not true.

My gf just bought a Mazda6 about a month ago and it was still a 2003 model.

Come on guys, you are talking to dealers that think these cars have cylinders!

Well, hate to tell ya, but my best friend just got his Mazda6 over here in Toronto last month, it is a 2004 model.

Hmmm, better talk to your gf's dealer about that.

Well, then again, the model year is only useful for reselling or for some insurance purposes. Other than that, it really is the same car.

Nope - in the US, the current Mazda6 is a 2003 model which went on sale in late 2002. In Canada, they held back the intro of the Mazda6 until mid-January 2003 so that it could be called a 2004 model. So while the US Mazda6s on the lots now are 2003s, ours are 2004s! The regulation is that a designated model year can not be sold over more than one calendar year changeover (ie Jan 1). Theoretically, a 2004 model that went on sale Jan 2, 2003 could be sold until Dec 31, 2004, ie 23.9 months! Typical model cycles are to introduce the new model year in late summer or early fall for a 12 month period, but often a manufacturer will introduce a entirely new model in spring and sell it for 18 months before switching in fall to the next model year.

Regards,
Gordon

I see, thanks Gord for clearing that up for us.

So let me see, so I guess it would be very unlikely for us to see any of the 2005 RX-8 models until next August or so.

What does the 6 have to do with the 8?

Plain and simple is the answer will be no. They wouldn't release a new model year early on unless something is changed.