rotarymagic

I like it the way it is, but painted may be better, I would have to see it.

rotarymagic

THat's good to know, thanks!

graphicguy

I can't see much in the way of change. Mazda's on a roll right now. I think the only vehicle they sell that's not brand new or had a major redesign is the Tribute (and they get that one from Ford).

Maybe some trim changes in the RX8 would be all I would suspect. Maybe decontent it a bit since that seems to be the way most manufacturers operate these days.....less content for newer models with the same or similar price.

Rotary Titus

those little turn indicators on the side mirrors?
and perhaps body coloured plastics in place of the black plastics in the lower body parts.

racerdave

A-freaking-men!!

Mazda... listen up and offer a "moonroof-delete" option on the GT package!!!!!!!

Roar 629

:p lol yet i m guessin that they will have sum change by 05. lot of new car out by 05 like elise and skyline GTR!?

DMRH

Since all Americans 03 RX-8s are called an 04 car. Then using the same whacky logic, shouldn't that mean that Americans are now getting 05 cars since its turned 2004...........

JaegerNH

Aside from quietly addressing some of the obvious bugs that have been thoroughly documented here as well as in many dealerships, I wouldn't expect any big surprises. Their marketing material will not say, "Now with 30% less flooding!"

Mainly for the reason that it will be an admission that they botched the 2004 model and will have a small revolt on their hands and the resale value will drop big time.

Big companies would rather put out a press release claiming solar winds or the price of coffee in Paraguay was the reason for their dismal quarterly results than to admit the CEO is some fratboy buddy of the chairman and has no clue what he's doing for his $1M salary.

Vaillant

I haven't heard anything for the 2005 model year, but for the 2006 model year, there are supposed to be a couople of new transmissions available. A SMG and a 5 (or was it 6) speed auto along with the current 6 speed manual. I believe one of the moderators (Gord96BRG) posted it somewhere.

Also, I REALLY hope they allow you to get leather without a sunroof. With the sunroof, I DON'T FIT, but I think I'd rather have leather than cloth.

- Matt

epitrochoid

i just want white...thats all

BillK

I hear you - I want everything in the GT package except the sunroof, but I just plain don't fit with the sunroof.

Thus it's the Sport package or nothing for 2004; I decided to wait and see if Mazda comes to their senses for 2005 (and to see if they can fix the flooding problem...)

racerdave

Same here Bill.

Japan8

You don't fit?! But dude... you drive a Miata. I sat in one of those, a MR-S, and the old Capri imported from Au... I barely made it in the Miata and MR-S. The Capri was totally NG... and I was like 20 or so kg smaller then.

Just how tall are you? In Japan there is no sunroof option at all... same goes for the Protege. No cruise control either (I think the auto has it though).

racerdave

If you want GT but DON'T want a Moonroof... go here and do something about it!

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...threadid=18581

Vaillant

I'm about 6' 2" (34" inseam)and I do fit in the Miata...snugly. I did remove some of the padding in the back of the seat to give a little more legroom. Fortunately, my head goes between the top frame's spars when the top is up and when it is down I could have Marge Simpson's hair and still be okay. However, I have gone to the race track in the rain and the helmet pushes on the fabric top the entire time...it's pretty annoying.

But, since the RX-8 isn't a little 2200 lb roadster, I'm not willing to make the same ergonomic sacrifices. I want to fit comfortably.

- Matt

Japan8

Ah... I see now.

I wondered how you fit with the top up...

RogueRX8

I spoke with a few dealers and they all concurred. Most likely it will be an even 250hp, the option packages will be more flexible and handles will be added. (You know, the handles inside that you hang the dry cleaning from? Idk what they're called. My friends and I call them "OH S***!" handles because when I fly through a turn and they grab hold of them that's what they say... )


They said MPG fixes are unlikely because it would require alot of expensive research that is more likely to be devoted to getting back that 12hp to match the S2k.

Japan8

Hmm... that brings up some interesting issues...

a 2004 would go for cheap then, since everyone is going to want the 2005 with the extra horsepower from the start (I smell a deal here).

When it comes to mods, would you still want the Canzoomer ECU piggyback? It improves mileage and horsepower... but CZ said that it wouldn't do much good (at least Stage 1) for a JDM car... So I wonder what they (Mazda) would do to the car to get the extra hp back but not the gas mileage... As CZ got the power by changing the A/F which also yields better gas mileage...

R-2Genesis

270 hp would be cool

R-2Genesis

maybe the 05 will have a turbo or supercharger option for extra $$$

Japan8

I think everyone needs to give up hope on a factory turbo or supercharger for the RX-8. From what I've read in MagX, MotorTrend, Mazda's website and brochures... it ain't gonnna happen. Plain and simple. More power? Likely... but N/A.

Want a turbo? Wait until 2006 for the new RX-7...that's your best bet... although there is talk of a N/A engine for that as well... seems kinda undecided.

Japan8

For 2005... MagX reported that we WILL get a seq. 6-speed manual... ala SMG. The auto will come in 5 speed. This mag's reports have proven to be pretty accurate in the time that I've been here... so I'd say to trust the info.

SpYnalChRd81

I always thought they would come out with a MAZDASPEED RX-8 for 2005
With a ready-made body kit and stuff

Vaillant

I'm assuming that means it will be a US 2006 model year, right? So, probably summer of 2005 over here.

Japan8

Yeah... I'd probably take it to be something like that.

As far as the Mazdaspeed RX-8.... I have no idea what Mazda is thinking, but there are several special models of all the cars that is only released here. The Bathurst RX-7 is one... made until early 2003 I believe. A guy at work too a last shipped RX-7 to replace his old one in like July or August I think...