someone posted a list from rotarynews of the Shinka's differences, it was only partially complete and some of it was not different then other models

here is a listing of things that are unique:

ALL 2005's were Black Cherry Mica

ALL Copper Red '06's were shinkas(some shinkas in standard color like my galaxy grey)

Windshield, front windows, and side mirrors impregnated/coated with a water shedding compound... aka permanent RainX

Foam filled cross members(i never noticed a difference between them, but i have met a few people who noticed it right away, 2 of them before they knew it was a shinka)

14mm dampers

wheel color( to me it seems to have more of a black chrome color)

Alcantera and leather seats... vs. 1 or 2 tone leather

headlight and taillight silver areas are shinier

all rings and silver dials are shinier

-- the stitching color i never noticed a difference on... maybe in 05 it was, but newer models i have seen stitched like mine.

-- and FWIW i got my 06 GG Shinka for 31K brand new, total including all the little stuff like ext. warrantee, tinting, rust/corrosion protection, scotchguard, clearcoat sealer, etc etc etc, and thats the FULL amount of my load including interest that will have been paid(at normal payments) when the loan is complete


also, rumor is, the Shinka is actually a MazdaSpeed 8 with all the MS badging replaced with the word "Shinka", so that means it has 250WHP!!!

 

The leather seat and steering wheel stitching in the '05 Shinka is a baseball style cross stitch pattern in a reddish-brown color that is somewhat close to the exterior black cherry mica. Nice contrast to the parchment seats.

 

I was in agreement until I read this paragraph. Shinka <> MSP8.

 

I paid less for my 06 Shinka MT than most paid for their GTs
Got it last week for $19,750
Has the smart key and LoJack
And mine is not PURPLE, it's Copper Red!