Im using costco to buy a rx-8, and I dont understand some of the stuff the packages comes with.
The shinka offers B-pillar applique and Urethane foam injected suspension cross members, what are these?
If I go with the shinka I lose color options and navigation, is the Shinka's performance worth the sacarfice?
what are the other pros and cons of 'Shinka' and 'GT' package?

thanks

 

shinka doesn't have extra performance. just small added looks and the leather is more comfortable.

 

www.mazdausa.com

 

yea, shinka is just a limited production appearence package...nothing more. Performance and engine remain the exact same as a base manual.

So the real question you have to ask yourself is if you'd rather have the title of a limited production Shinka, or every option/color you desire. To me, it seemed like a simple decision.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

The Shinka includes the Grand Touring options and most others, less the Nav system (but does include a Sirius sat radio and a year of service).
There are Shinka-unique colors, Black Cherry Mica '05 and Copper Red '06.
The B-pillar applique is simply a "Shinka" label.
The urethane foam injected cross members give it a bit firmer than grand touring ride, but with some shock absorption.
I just added a nice Garmin c550 GPS, which includes hands free bluetooth cell interface and an MP3 player, to my '05 Shinka. Perhaps not as functionally elegant as the pop-up non-Shinka OEM unit, but many more features at less than half the cost. And I can use it in multiple vehicles/on foot.
The parchment leather seats I think are much nicer than the non-Shinka.
But a very subjective choice. Pick the options you want and if the Shinka meets them go for the touch of class imho.

 

Easiest thing to do is go to www.mazda.com and select build a car. The Shinka Package (that is what it is for 06 vs 05) is available on Copper Red (requires shinka) galaxy gray, white and black. Pick one of those colors and then just mouse over the shinka package and the GT package for what they include.

Off the top of my head it's the two-tone/surface interior, urethane filled cross members, 6-disc changer, sat radio and some cosmetic stuff inside and out.

Performance-wise it's 99% the same as a standard GT. If you love the Shinka interior thats pretty much the only real reason for going with it unless you want Copper Red again only available as a Shinka.

 

I have a Shinka, Its bascially the same as the JDM's Sports Prestige Edition.

Urethane foam injected suspension Cross member means theres about 20% more absorbing than the ones without it. (As shown in Mazda's Picture, found in JDM)
Rear Suspension is a bit bigger (Tokico shocks)
and some parts of the body frame has been reinforced (added a few piece of metal to certain joints)

Performance wise, I dont think you can tell, but its a bit more stable at corners.

 

Yep, alot of marketing hype with performance but the interior is great!

 

I got the shinka because I wanted the black cherry color and the parchment seats. It all depends on what you like.

(of course, everyone knows the black cherry Shinka goes faster, handles better, and its exhaust smells like lilacs.)

 

 

I have the Copper Red Shinka and am very satisfied. I find the handling very similar to my 2004 GT but more comfortable for a long trip. I think worth it IF you like the colors available.