Jerome- excellent analysis on pricing.

Another point to be added is commonality.

BMWs Audis, etc are also cars that have been on the market for a while. At this point they are fairly common. Nothing within their parameters really sticks out.

One segment of RX8 buyers are going to buy because of the rotary engine. Just reading this forum, allows one to see the knowledge and support behind the rotary. Yet even beyond that, it will be a new fresh look, at an affordable price that is going to develop their market. Due to the fact that it can't quite compete in power with the 350z, I actually wouldn't be surprised if it will be introduced a few hundred dollars cheaper (at the base price) than the 350z, if Mazda decides to do pre-order sales. That will be a good determining factor behind their long term pricing. Nissan successfully ordered over 5k of the 350z during pre-order sales. This is definitely going to lead to a pricing increase of the Z within the next couple of years. If Mazda gains the same success as the Z, obviously they will increase the price, which will then lead to them having to deal with the issue of value versus its competition.

This turned out to be about 5 cents, but it's still free. Just my thoughts...