Use of the term "Shinka."
 

I have an '08 40th Anniversary Edition RX-8, and when I brought it to the dealership to have the iPod integration module installed they described my car as a "Shinka" (including the quotes) on the invoice. Everything I've found online and from searching this message board leads me to believe that Shinka is a term reserved for limited edition '8s made during certain years -- is it also used to indicate any limited edition? Or is it just the dealership's shorthand so they don't have to type "40th Anniversary Edition"?

If I referred to my car as an '08 Shinka, would you people (or anyone who knows what they're talking about) laugh at me? :)

I think shinka translates to evolution or transformation in Japanese... My car has had a recall and some TSB's performed and some of my own upgrades so guess it would be considered a Shinka too, then.

Shinka was a Limited Edition '05 version. It came in Black Cherry Mica and Parchment interior. It has since been made into a "package" much like cars have GT packages and such.

You have a unique version of the 8...much like the Shinka was a unique version. I would refer to it as the 40th Anniversary and not a Shinka.

On a side note, I'm sure Mazda will make a new upgrade package and call it the "40th Anniversary". Then there will be more confusion and you will see Titanium 8's everywhere with 40th anniversary badges. :p

Just say "RX-8"

Nothing else is needed:)

Of course, it's no big deal whether an 8 is a Shinka or not. But for the record, only RX-8s Mazda designated as "Shinka" should, in fact, be called that. So if Mazda doesn't call the 40th Anniversay Edition a Shinka, it's not one. (And yeah, sounds like your dealer is using the term casually to indicate it's a limited edition.)

Probably - this is a rough crowd.

Hmm...
 

My dealership told the bank it was a Shinka because they would be more inclined to approve the loan. Yikes and lol.

Not really sure why they think that would help the loan go through...sounds like sales gimmick fluff.

I agree. I sold Mazdas and never heard of that. Maybe because book is higher on a shinka.

Thanks, all!

I'm starting to notice that. Heh.

dont let it get to you. ;)

40th aniv =/= shinka

you have a really nice interior though. i think i like it better than my two-tone red/black, and much much better than the shinka's parchment color.

doesnt matter...point is you got an 8 and to top it off yours is 40th anny....ENJOY!!! :)

Thanks! I never would have picked a red interior if it weren't part of the limited edition package, but when I saw it at the test drive I was like, "I could definitely live with this!" I think because it's not fire-engine red, ya know? It's a shade that I think works very well with the gray exterior (which I just love). During my research of Shinkas I actually found myself thinking that I liked the parchment color: I was originally looking for a black GT w/sand interior, so I like the lighter color inside (which is partly why I never would have picked red). I don't care for their exterior color, though.

Dozer, I know it doesn't matter. Are we only allowed to talk about stuff that matters? ;)

What do you mean YOU PEOPLE?

Another one.... SHINKA'D

Not 100% true. I have a 06 copper red Shinka.
So " Shinka was a Limited Edition '05 version" is not all true.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_RX-8

"Mazda introduced a special Shinka edition to the U.S. market in 2005, and to the UK market in 2006 where it was branded as the Evolve. Unique features include Shinka badges on the B-pillars, re-styled mirrors, alcantara-trimmed leather seats on the 2006 MY, stiffer chassis and suspension tuning, and polished wheels. For the 2005 MY, the Shinka was only available in Black Cherry Mica, and in 2006, it was available in Pearlescent White as well as some of the standard model colors. Power output remains unchanged from the standard models. This model is also offered in Japan as the Sports Prestige Limited RX-8. The Shinka option is not available for 2007."

:lol: Well said. ;) However, even as an 06 Shinka owner I have to give props to the 05. She was the first. I've gotten to the point that I am just happy to have an 8 and let the car "speak for itself". Ya know what I mean. :lol2:

On the 06 Shinka's they were available in multiple colors, but Copper Red was only available on the Shinka

I think you have been Shinka'd

Have I inadvertently offended some non-people message board members? ;)

Ok, help a newbie out (please): what is being Shinka'd?

THe 06 Shinka was available in 4 colors, all with B-pillars that badged them SHINKA'S...however whereas I BELIEVE that all the seats in all four colors had the Copper "dots" in the Alcantara leather material, what made the Copper Red stand out was the fact that the exterior color and the little Dots in the seats actually matched. Some have referred to it as the "true SHINKA" of 06, but as I posted before... I have to give Props to the Black Cherry. She was the first...


Ya know admins, this might be a good subject for a sticky...

Lots of people ask about the differences, and a few have been hoodwinked. Just my .02.

ooooOOO I likey "true SHINKA" of 06. Never thought of that. Copper Red Mica did only come out in 06 and only on Shinka. Good one rddragoness, your like the goddess of the CR Shinka.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the 40th edition versions have everything the Shinkas had (excpet of course for the name), including the foam-filled cross members. But the 40th edition also has the new style wheels, which are very nice indeed IMHO. Personally, I'd rather have a 40th edition, for the wheels, except for the Copper Red, which is a great color.

Robrecht, you are correct. I forgot about the suspension. However, I think it will become standard on all future models. I think Mazda is just upgrading, and Its a good thing. My main reason for posting though was to try and help eliminate as much confusion and possibly prevent someone from getting hoodwinked, as has happened to a few. Unfortunately that little word does come with a higher price tag, and anyone thinking they are buying one deserves to get what they pay for.


Oh no, no goddess here AJ.. No where near the authority as some are. Again just trying to help solve any confusion.


OP, I hope this helps clear up any confusion, and I believe that what you saw on your invoice was just as someone else pointed out, a "short cut" to imply special edition, but you need to correct it. Your VIN should not reflect it... so for insurance purposes I'd make sure that it's correct in every aspect. I had my paperwork redone because they put as the color "RED".. It now says Copper Red, which reflects the paint code on the car. It may seem a bit anal, but when you put out the kind of money we are on the kind of car we own, not to include the $$ for the MODS that some put out, I don't take chances with Technicalities.

calling your rx8 a shinka is a misnomer.

;)