Just starting to look into getting my first RX-8. I used to have an '81 GSL a long time ago, and now I'm just about due to treat myself. I'd love to have a Shinka. I've never seen one on the road, and the interior just seems sharp to me. My question is why navigation is not an option with it, and if there's an aftermarket kit that can be installed in the same manor as the stock option on the regular modals?

Also, besides the interior and suspension components are there any advantages to the shinkas other then the fact that nobody has them, and are they worth the extra cost?

Are they even available in the states? Like I said before, I've never even seen one?

 

I thought Navigation was an option on the Shinka. They may be worth more down the line--but the only advantage is of personal taste--the colors and what not, nothing or any tangible value except different style. For 06 the 'shinka' will be a different color (not sure if it'll still be called Shinka either)

 

^Yup... it's pretty much just an appearance package. But, a very nice one. Are you sure Nav. isn't an option? I don't see why that would be discluded?

 

DP339, I purchased my '05 Shinka in Sept of this year. Yes they are available in the US. There are several differences between the Shinka and the standard 8. The exterior lights, foam filled suspension arms, interior trim, shocks (14mm vs 12mm on standard 8) and exterior paint. I have driven the Shinka and standard 8 and you cannot tell the difference from a ride standpoint. But the Shinka will be more valuable in the future due to it's limited production (only 1357 built). For '06 the 'Shinka' becomes a option package like 'Touring' and 'Grand Touring' and the color 'Black Cherry' is not going to be available. '05 is the only year of a truely unique Shinka branded RX8. If you plan on keeping your RX8 for awhile, then Shinka is the way to go.

 

Navigation was not an option when I purchased my Shinka.....not sure why.

 

what color/s will be available in the '06? surely something else unique? anyone know? i do really like the appearnce of the '05 shinka alot though.

 

There are going to be three color options available with the Shinka package.....but I don't think those colors are unique to the Shinka package only. I know one of the colors is the new Sunburst orange (not sure if this is the exact name). I think the other two are the new silver for '06 and black.

 

Someone posted a PDL (product direction letter) for the '06 RX8 in one of the other threads (use search). It gives all the info about the colors and options for '06.