I'm looking at buying a used RX-8, maybe a 2004-2006. Does the "Shinka" edition provide the same horsepower as the GT?
I've found many threads describing the differences of the shinka, but, none describe the available hp rating........

 

"yes"

 

The only difference is the "Shinka" has a special color combination that isn't found in the regular series of RX8's. It also has a urethane filled crossmember in the frame. The drivetrain is the same.

 

Mazda started Job 1 on the Shinka Special Edition today, for a total production run of 2150 RX-8's. Some of the features of the special edition include the Black Cherry Exterior, special bright finish wheels, and bright-chrome head and tail light fixtures. On the inside, parchment leather seats and more use of piano black accents provide a look and feel of luxury. Looks aren't all that changed on this RX-8, however. Chassis improvements include:

* Suspension cross member injected with foaming urethane improving performance and ride quality
* Unique Suspension tuning with thicker 14mm damper shafts (up from 12mm)

Other Equipment includes:

Interior Design:
* Seat & Trim Material -- Parchment Leather with soft-back seats (Light Beige)
* Steering Wheel -- Sewing pattern change (4 pieces -> 2 pieces) & Colored Stitch
* MT Shift **** -- Colored Stitch
* Parking brake lever – PVC -> Leather & Colored Stitch
* Front & Rear Consol Lid -- PVC -> Leather
* Rotary Bezel -- Chrome -> Semi-gloss
* Meter Ring -- Chrome -> Semi-gloss
* Ventilation grille -- Chrome -> Semi-gloss
* Center panel Ring -- Chrome -> Semi-gloss
* HVAC Dial -- Chrome -> Semi-gloss
* Shift-base Ring -- Chrome -> Semi-gloss
* SW Bezel -- Material color -> Piano black
* Consol side bar -- Silver -> Piano black
* Bose 300 Watt, 9 Speaker Sound System with Audio Pilot noise suppression technology 6 Disc CD Changer Satellite Radio receiver with 1 year Sirius subscription (N/A Hawaii & Alaska)
* Auto Dimming Mirror w/Homelink
* Xenon Headlamps w/ auto leveling
* Fog Lamps
* 8-way Power Driver's Seat w/Lumbar Support
* Heated Mirrors and Seats
* Power Sunroof
* Dynamic Stability Control w/Traction Control
* Tochigi-fuji torque-sensing limited-slip differential

 

Thanks for the replies, I've been looking to purchase an advertised 05' Blue Shinka edition.
Will the interior contain all of the above "interior features"? Is it hard to check for the difference in the crossmember?
I want to make sure this RX8 is a Shinka.

 

05 shinka were only 1 color, black cherry mica. there is definitely no blue for 05. actually i dont think the shinka ever came in blue

 

thanks snipaz......jus came across a thread about guys who have been "shinka'd".
Definitely looks like this blue one is not a Shinka.

 

my 8 is actually an 06 shinka. the 06 came with the option of the shinka package and was offered in different colors black, grey, white, and copper red if i remember correctly.