cptmorgan2000

Does any1 know if mazda is making significant changes for next yrs model (2005)..!!!!! Any pictures would help !!!!

mamccubbin

The chances of any significant changes are very very slim. It just costs to much money to research and design a car and then only sell that version for one year. You probably won't see any real changes for a few years.

Gord96BRG

It's possible that they might introduce their new transmissions for the 2005 model year - a 5 speed auto (instead of the current 4 speed auto) that can handle the higher redline and power of the High-Power engine, as well as a 6 speed SMG. If not, those two transmissions should definitely be in the 2006 RX-8.

I could also see the automatic climate control system being offered in North America for 2005, since they offer it in other markets now but held it back from the US and Canada.

Regards,
Gordon

rx-7~rx-8

2006, there should be a convertible. some mazda guy from mazda said there planning to make different coupe, and convertible... possibly 2006-2007.

Mr Rabbit

Any chance of a turbo and/or supercharger?

mikeb

by 2005 I doubt you will see a turbo

Last_D8

I'd be very surprised to ever see an RX-8 convertible. The rear doors contain the integral B-pillar that locks into the roof and platform structures and if that were not there the structural integrity of the car would be compromised. IMHO the 8 was never and never will be considered for a ragtop version.

Magnesium

I was at the dealership yesterday and was talking to one of the managers while I was waiting for my car to be serviced.
He said that on the weekly national or regional conference call a Mazdaspeed guy got online and told them to expect a turbo for a Mazdaspeed version in late 2004/early 2005.

8_wannabe

agree with the turbo, but no way ragtop. It would take away from trunk space, rear seat room, and rear frame stiffening. All three have little room to give. Plus, you use the rear doors which is a big styling cue of the car.

Spinny 3ngls

I also agree with the rag top. the only way they coulr safely pull it of is to copy the porche targa top. and then it wouldnt be a true convertible.

rabinabo

Yeah, with a ragtop you would lose the virtual B-pillar because there would be nothing solid up top to connect with.

Bankotsu

I would love to see a 5 speed auto for next years model(which is the model I will probably get).

Speed-ER doc

Seems like they could make a convertible if they only made it a 2 door, could still be 2+2, using the same platform. I agree no way with the current door situation. Sure would be beautiful and fun.

It was very hard to give up the fresh air of my Miata, and that was almost enough to make me choose the Cobra convertible.

I don't miss it as much as I thought though, the 8 is a blast!

carnut

If there's a turbo, I hope it can be retrofitted to the existing model.

S3/P3/E2

Yeah, I should think that if they're going to offer the turbo as any sort of Mazdaspeed package that it'd be just a bolt on / reflash for a current model.

XUrotaryrocket

So, for all the geniuses talking about a ragtop.........

Tell me, why would Mazda make a convertible 8 when the new Miata will be built on the same platform (the sports car platform) ?!?!?!?!?!?!


ruh roh Shaggy....... I see a conflict here.......

Speed-ER doc

Because, Einstein, we want one.

I want a rotary ragtop with more HP than a Miata that can seat 4.

And some Scooby snacks would go good with that.

If its not going to happen, then so be it.

But it would be nice.

Red Devil

I just want to see white offered in the U.S. market.

Elara

Mazda's actually said they are considering a convertible and a 2d cpe version of the 8. I don't really care either way, but since they are considering it, there must be a demand and a way to make it.

BOOSTD 7

You guys need to read your RX-8 Yamaguchi book again. It says that 90+% of the structural integrity comes from under the doorline, and that the frame is well suited to being a convertible. I still think there will be vert in 2006 ... at which time I'll be trading in my M3 convertible. But it will probably be a 2 door.

BOOSTD 7

Uhh, simple ... because it has a back seat. And it's in no way similar to the Miata platform. I bought my M3 because I wanted a fun to drive convertible that has a usable back seat for my daughter.

klegg

I hear they will add AWD, take away all the lines and curves, redesign the body to look like a bug eyed cardboard box, spy on owners at racetracks to avoid warrenty claims and start a lot of s^&^ on other car sites......also they are changing the name from ""rx8" to "WRX"

Speed-ER doc

That looks like bait to me for a certain dancing banana (or whatever that thing is.....

93rdcurrent

Uh yeah... I was at the dealer on Saturday and was told that they are going to be releasing a 2 seater convertible not the Miata. They are also going to change some of the cars shape. Maybe this is really going to be a convertible RX-7? They have talked about bringing it back to the US and that would be just the way to do it.

Bankotsu

Forget the 5 sp auto. Now that I thought about it, I want a 6 sp SMG for the '05 models.