Yes, we need pictures!

 

Check the first page. Those are the only two climate control systems I have seen in an RX-8. They are similar (i.e. probably minor cosmetic changes) to the manual and auto versions in the 6.

 

I saw that in the book today too. I agree we're getting manual control, although it makes no sense... unless they need some add-ons for the 2005 model.

 

A friend of mine had a 2002 Mercedes SLK32 AMG - a $57,000 car. Not only did it not have auto climate control, it didn't even come with a single CD player!

So it really isn't that big a deal that the RX-8 doesn't have auto climate control in the States.

 

i think the big deal lies in the fact that other countries will get the auto climate control standard while the US does not, even with the top-of-the-line GT model...it's not even an option...not that it's that important to me either and i doubt i'd spend more than $100 for it, but still...the more 'freebies' they give us the better, i mean you can't honestly say you'd rather not have it...if every country was getting leather seats but yours, i'm sure you'd have something to say about it...in the end it's just the feeling of getting short shafted

 

Its all about profit margin. Figure the difference between the automatic and the manual is a circuit board, wiring and a temp sensor. Thats probably 100 - 120 dollars to add for the factory. The 6-CD changer is the same way I would guess 250-300 to add at the factory. These are just guess at what it costs Mazda JP which then marks it up for their profit and then Mazda NA marks up before the dealers get their hands on it. It may not seem that much but over thousands of cars it makes a big difference in the bottom line.

In Japan Mazda has to compete on its home turf so they have to produce in direct competition with the other Japanese automakers. Mazda has to maintain its market standing and brand identity.

In the US they have to compete with all the automakers in the US plus imports which includes their parent company Ford. In this case they are forigien car and are treated as such. You have to make good money but not take away from Ford customers.

In Europe I would guess Mazda is trying get a better foot hold then they have. Again they are trying to build brand identity and move their cars into the mainstream.

Since all of this is just opinion it may be totally wrong. It could be as simple as Mazda NA doesn't think a rotary will sell in the US so they are hedging their bet by getting more profit per car just in case the RX-8 falls flat on its face. Maybe if the US had posted stellar numbers of preorders they would be more willing to sacrifice profit. Like I said this is just opinion and somebody may have a different one.