One thing i found different between the prototype and production versions was the shifter stalk is now longer (and not as attractive). But really bothers me is that the two buttons on the central tunnel that appear to be the window buttons. It would be a clear attempt at cost cutting, but on a $30,000 car they should be on the door. I hope I am wrong about this, but i'm not sure what eles it could be.

 

Here is an interior pic of the old car to compare shifters.

 

I have seen Mercedes AMG cars wich have the buttons for the windows on the center tunnel so imo its not that bad. I think even some Ferraris have the buttons there!:D

 

I fail to see how locating the buttons in the center would save any substatial cost over locating them on the doors, but I totally agree with you...I'd much rather have them on the doors.

As for the shifter, I'll probably replace that with something rediculously tacky like an eight-ball or something anyway... :D

 

Those buttons are no doubt for heated seats.

My Millenia has them located infront of the shifter, which is a bad place so I think Mazda learned their lesson and moved them back.

Besides, I saw there are window buttons on the drivers door and passenger door, so I doubt that they moved them to the center. It would add cost because the motor of the window is located in the door, not in the center tunnel.

 

my mom has had a couple of vettes over the years and her window buttons were there also.

 

Or a skull....:D

 

Or an aftermarket copy of the super-short concept car shifter

 

An aftermarket concept shifter would be good but i would have to see the one on the 8 before I make any decision wether I like it or not.

 

It is the same size shifter. The difference is that the car is put in gear this time and thus the shifter looks longer because the leather sheath is streched.

If they put it back into neutral you'd see how I'm right

 

First how did you see a production car? But if you did can you say something about the seating. Is it two tone leather? Is the leather solid or perforated? Hopefully in my opinion, solid

 

There's a reason for a sports car to have mesh leather, at least in the *** area... it is more grippy and holds you into place, as well as breathes better. From the pictures though, it looks solid to me.

There has been mention of two tone leather on the MazdaUSA website so I'd fathom that it will come in certain colors on the cars, perhaps not all. I don't know if I'd go for the two-tone scheme, but I might... leaves me that option available at least

 

Personally I don't like any buttons there..

 

I don't mind the window buttons on the center tunnel since I like to keep my left hand on the wheel when I drive. The right hand can come off the wheel for shifts or playing with the radio or window buttons if needed. I find that friends that drive automatics tend to drive with their right hands and rest their lefts on the door armrest. They probably wouldn't like it. So maybe the buttons are on the right for ergonomics?

 

I just hope the buttons aren't in the way of where I'd like to rest my elbow on the center console. Doesn't look like they're in a very good place considering the design of the center tunnel. I'd like 'em on the door.

 

Please spare me the conventional wisdom. I prefer solid, not perforated. Cloth is much better choice for the properties you mention anyway.

 

If the leather is not perforated, you could throw a cat in there with a catnip toy - it'll be perforated in @ 30 minutes :D

Seriously though, solid leather is bad in cars. Gets too hot in the summer sun, and doesn't breathe. Hopefully, if 2 tone is an option, it won't be too expensive. and perforated.

 

i think its going to be perforated for the heated seats. which for economic reasons means perforated for all even if you dont get heated seats.

 

I remember reading one of the preview articles saying North America was not getting leather, due to North American consumer preferences. Instead we would be getting some synthetic, non-cloth material (did not specify). I'll try yo look for the exact reference.

 

EEEP!

No I want leather, screw everybody else :D

 

my sentiments exactly, herc!

 

The North American market DOESN'T like leather? Huh? Say it ain't so.....I WANT LEATHER. The real stuff.

 

Are these mirror controls???

 

nope those are NAV(!) controls:D

 

Well that pic puts to rest my idea of those being window buttons. Definetly heater controls. Btw RotorMotor where did you get that pic?