IWANTanRX8

Anyone interested in having a satellite radio option (like XM or Sirius)?? I've heard a demo of the technology in a Cadillac, and (at least while sitting still) it seems pretty good: CD-quality sound, a large number of formats/"stations" available, claimed USA-wide coverage, commercial-free music (at least on Sirius). Downsides: it requires a separate tuner module, antenna, and a subscription which is like $10-$15 per month. And you still need good old AM/FM for local radio.

According to the Sirius website (www.sirius.com), Mazda is "....expected to provide Sirius to customers by equipping original 3-band (AM/FM/SAT) radios in all its vehicle lines."

Of course, the extra electronics mean more weight....which is bad!!

Hercules

If you've seen the aftermarket recievers, it will add about 10 pounds to the car. Not a HUGE deal

Grimace

What about Canada? Will we get the radio stations too? I'd be interested, if so.

Hercules

I would so imagine. It's 'satellite' so you can just get your car calibrated for the dish, and boom, you're in business. Maybe they have a different network for Canada though

IWANTanRX8

Very true.....but every ten pounds eliminated from a vehicle helps!

I wonder if a factory system that is SAT-ready will be more "weight-efficient" than an aftermarket system?

Hercules

I would imagine so. Because the antenna would be a single antenna for both the satellite and FM radio. There's combination of weight, and probably no more than just a standard FM radio antenna. Then the head unit will just be made adaptable to recieve the satellite signals thru the antenna, so there's no weight gain, just software changes.

In my opinion, if they offer satellite (I won't take it but..) there will be probably NO weight gain whatsoever.

Jerome81

I would suspect it will be offered. Mazda has partnered with Sirius and as stated will put it in all their cars in the future, as will all Ford, Volvo, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Jaguar, and Aston cars. I believe Sirius has also partnered with DaimlerChrysler as well as BMW.

XM is partnered with General Motors and Honda.

Sirius is my choice. I will gladly pay an extra $3 a month for 100% commercial free music.

I LOVE this technology, and it can't come soon enough. I just bought a Kenwood head unit with Sirius control, and will probably pick up the tuner and antenna soon ($75 off tuner and $25 off antenna is a great deal).

I don't think the 2003's will have it, but I know all the car companies are planning to get it in as an option in the next 1-2 years. Being the RX-8 is a 2004, and the flagship model for Mazda technology, I would bet well see it there, as well as the 2004 6 models, and then in the new Mazda3, which I believe will either be a 2004 or 2005 model.

ZoomZoom

I cannot remember where I read this (it was one of the many automotive rags) but Ford and Mazda will be offering its customers the choice of either Sirius or XM satellite radio.

Hercules

Wait wait wait.. 3 bucks a month? Then I might consider it. XM Radio is like $10 a month and I heard that the stations that sitll have good music DO have commercials.

*shrugs*

Synergy

It's pretty solid that Ford (hence Mazda) is partnered with Sirius, so there will be no choices from Ford. Nissan is the only one I've heard so far that might give a choice between the two.

IWANTanRX8

Sirius is $12.95 per month for 60 channels of commercial-free music and 40 channels of news, sports, etc (yikes, I sound like a Sirius ad!). I'm with Jerome81 on this one....the sooner SAT radio becomes available, the better. Especially if it comes factory-installed.