My RX-8 is an automatic, and it came with the appearance package (w/ front air dam) from port. Mazda says that you cannot install the grill trim ring on an automatic transmission car along with the front air dam. The reasoning behind this is apparently that the grill trim ring will further block airflow to the automatic transmission. I really don't see though how adding the grill trim ring would really block much air flow. The majority of the mesh grill on the car is solid. Only the lower 1.5" of the grill is actually functional and provides airflow. The grill trim ring is made up of two parts: The large upper lip and the lower ring which goes around the outer three sides of the grill. This lower ring is very thin and blocks very, very little of the open area on the grill. I really do not see how this small ring would cause an airflow problem. I am curious to hear other opinions on this issue. I am thinking of trying it out on my car, but I hate to spend almost $250 on it and then find out it is no good. Now my car has the Mazda front aero nose mask installed. The sides of the nose mask that go by the grill probably block more airflow than the trim ring would. But just to note, there is no way I can see for the front nose mask to be used with the grill trim ring installed. Mazda does not say this at all, and I think that they should. There is no way the front mask will fit with the trim ring on.