Mazda has just released a upgraded auto version recently.

Now features the 6-port 13B-MSP engine with the 6-speed auto. Should be considerably quicker.

Price is $34k in Japan for the top level model which (as usual) makes you really angry knowing the rip off profit Mazda Austraia are hiting you for. Whats worse is that although the auto & manual are now the same price (auto was presiously cheaper) in Japan, the (****) Mazda Australia team will be rubbing there hands with this new excuse to bump up the auto price to new heights. I wonder if they would be ridiculous enough to insult customers with a $3k auto option.......

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HIROSHIMA, Japan--Mazda Motor Corporation has upgraded its four-door, four-seat, rotary engine-equipped RX-8 sports car, which is to be sold at Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealers throughout Japan. Mazda is commencing sales of the 5-speed and 6-speed manual transmission models and accepting orders for the new 6-speed automatic transmission (AT) version from today. The 6-speed AT RX-8 goes on sale in mid-October 2006.

Mazda RX-8 Type E with Sand Beige Leather Package (6-speed AT)

The newly-adopted 6-speed AT model delivers reassuringly smooth acceleration and improved noise reduction at high speeds. In addition, a 6-port design of its rotary engine--2 ports more than the prior model--improves the intake efficiency, and the newly-added Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) control raises the ride quality and enjoyment of driving a sports car.

Additionally, new accessories improve the vehicle's quality feel. For its exterior and interior, Mazda has introduced the "Sand Beige Leather Package" to the Type S and Type E models. The exterior features two new body colors, with a stark blue "Stormy Blue Mica" and radiant white "Crystal White Pearl Mica" having been added to the body color range to further emphasize the RX-8's sporty pedigree and reputation for quality.


Main features of the upgraded RX-8

- 6-speed automatic transmission

The adoption of the 6-speed AT, increased by two speeds over the base 4-speed, enabled the overall gear ratio range to be widened and the gaps between each gear to be reduced to achieve a better close ratio. This results in a more powerful, smoother acceleration and reduces shift shock, while improving noise reduction at high speeds and increasing fuel efficiency.

- Adoption of the 6-port engine

The 6-port engine that up to now has only been used in the RX-8 Type S (6-speed manual transmission model) has been adopted for the 6-speed automatic transmission version, which until now mounted only a 4-port engine. This development pushes up the power output by increasing intake efficiency as well as further enhancing the torque produced at high revs--one of the special features of the rotary engine.

- Advanced AAS (Active Adaptive Shift)

The AAS function optimizes transmission shift points based on driver input using data from various sensors (for example, in the accelerator and brake pedals) and vehicle handling (rate of acceleration, cornering etc), and this function has been further advanced in the upgraded RX-8. Accordingly, the AAS helps enhance the vehicle's performance whether it is being driven in a relaxed way or more aggressively.

Interior/exterior upgrades

- Sand Beige Leather Package

The following factory-installed options are available on the Type S and Type E models and improve its quality and sporty image:

- Sand beige-colored leather upholstery (with 8-way power adjustable seats and power adjustable lumber support) with door trims coordinated to suit.

- Leather steering wheel trim (2-piece type; the base model has the 4-piece type as standard).

- A leather-wrapped parking brake handle.

- Advanced keyless entry & starter system with two advanced keys.

- Water repellent glass coating (windshield glass, front door glasses, and door mirrors).

- 225/45R 18-inch tires and alloy wheels. (These are special equipment for the 6-speed AT, but are standard equipment on the MT model.)

- Front fog lights (These are special equipment for the 6-speed AT, but are standard equipment on the MT model.)

- Aluminum pedals (These are special equipment for the 6-speed AT, but are standard equipment on the MT model.)


Body colors

Two sporty and high-quality body colors, "Stormy Blue Mica" and, "Crystal White Pearl Mica" have been added. There are now a total of eight colors for customers to choose from.

REgards

 

Thanks for that - great post.

The auto doesn't appeal to me but it's good to see they've brought it up to manual spec, power and port wise.

Interested to see if this influences some of the FI options under development. Hymee?

 

If the Automatic was DSG Dual sequential gearbox as in AUDIES , i may possibly considered it but from reading other threads on this its only marginaly quicker or better than the 4 speed Auto , which is as ordinary as

Michael

 

Port wise yes.....power wise, don't think so. Still down 20kw or so, I think. Not sure, but probably due to a auto-induced lower redline.

 

Just checked. 20hp down....not 20Kw. Redline is 7500, MT redline is 8500.

 

Yep I would buy one.....if I lost my left arm in an accident.

 

Hey even the EVO X is getting DSG



Michael

 

I wouldnt buy one, driving a manual is far too much fun!

 

Oh, and before anyone wonders (like I did) whether Mazda were about to release an Ugly Chocolate RX-8, here's the same pic in it's true colour.

 

Well, in that case...the queue for hairdressers forms to the right.

(just kidding auto owners - don't come after me with your scissors )

 

Umm, somehow I'm tipping you're the only one who wondered that...well, certainly the only one who'd go to the trouble of pointing it out visually.

 

Yes, maybe I need to desensitise my curiosity bone....

 

Where in the press release did it say that part.........???

Still, compared to the 4-port 13B-MSP & 4-speed auto. its a step in the right direction so it gets a thumbs up from me for design................

A thumbs down for the expected rip off price in Oz though................

 

http://www.carpoint.com.au/car-review/2000039.aspx

Same power, not destined for for Oz.

 

Apply .................... even poo brown looks good after enough "medicine"........actually just thinking about driving a snickers makes me want to.....hang on........

 

Ditto

 

Why doesn't this surprise me.

Gets back to the same issue as the RX-7. Japan wont do much for us as the sales volume is too low. The sales volume is too low as Mazda Australia make ridiculous mark ups on the cars. Ridiculous mark ups mean Australian buyers are few & far between. Few & far betwen buyers mean Japan wont do much for us & the circle continues...............

Just imagine how popular the RX-8 would be if they sold it for around $38k after getting the same mark up as the M2 - M3 - M6........???

 

Going by Mazda's market success with it's 'bulk' models, I don't think they really give a crap about reducing the markup on cars like the RX8.