if production has started for the japanese market than why, according to the press release, will they not start hitting japanese showrooms until april? are they just going to stockpile them some where at the factory for a month and a half?

 

Maybe the first month and a half supply is all pre-sold.

 

I'd figure something like this: Feb 17th production line startup
IF everything goes perfectly on the assembly line (remember, this isn't the 100,000th Accord or Protege assembled we're talking about - this is an all-new car, a totally new assembly line with totally new engines, trannys, doors, hoods, etc., etc., etc.) then the first completed cars likely roll off the end of the assembly line as a complete car around 3/3. Then it has to go through some testing (engine, driving the first few cars at a minimum). Should be completed somewhere around 3/5. Then they do have to stock pile a trainload or truck load on a parking lot for transport. Let's say they want to accumulate 200 for the first batch to dealers. Now it's 3/19 (using 100/week production). Then they have to be loaded, transported, unloaded. It's now probably 3/24. Saying that they'll be in the showrooms in April sounds accurate if maybe a little conservative. I'm guessing of course on timing, production rates, time to test, etc., but better to say April and be a week early than March and be a week late. Which I think is why they keep saying June or July here in the USA.

 

Let's hope we get some pics from the Asia Forum.

Oilman

 

It's a good question...I preordered in November and I've been quoted mid-April for delivery. I'll be sure to post when I get delivery! Although I'd better put my flameproof suit on if you guys still have two months to wait!

 

you'd better post one helluva write-up, with pics and pics and pics... lucky bastard.

 

Since you're in Japan it's likely it will happen but for the rest of the world... it's going to be June-July.

We expect that write up though

 

Yes, the first one to take delivery will be admired and loathed at the same time. How about taking delivery pics?

 

hey, this will REALLY suck, I have mine on order, arriving (estimating) sometime in July... But I will be out to sea (I'm in the US Navy, on a Submarine) until the end of July beginning of August... so while I'm underwater, my RX-8 will be sitting in a storage lot in Seattle, with 2 miles on it.... sitting... waiting... patiently... for my glorious return... talk about one HELL of a homecoming, huh???

 

You should make that a drool proof suit if you plan on hanging around here. :D

 

Boomer or attack? If it's SSN maybe you can talk the skipper into doing some escort duty to ensure the RX-8 fleet arrives safely.

And remember that surface ship is absolutely, definitely not a target. So don't even joke about it.

 

I want video with sound! From inside and outside the car (perhaps multiple camera angles). Don't forget racetrack footage with commentary . Just joking - tell us whatever you can when you receive the car and don't hold backon any weaknesses you see. What spec is your car (GT+NAV hopefully)?

 

They are in production now at the factory.

Pre-sold and pre-realease models are far is i'm aware

For Japan and the pacific regions :D

 

Forgot to mention.

Ordered a yellow 6-Speed Pre-Release one.

Should be here 10 May :D

Will send pics when it gets here.

 

Once I've got my drool & flameproof suit from Amazon, and the car, then the first "customer review" will be of a fully-loaded 6 speed Titanium Grey high-power model. We don't have the whole GT package thing here but I took all the factory options so it'll have red/black leather, sat nav, sunroof, bose premium, airbags.

I'll try some video but think I might need a fisheye lens on my digital video camera to get anything on the frame when inside!

I'm looking forward to moonlighting as a car reviewer, rather than a Java programmer, but the first reviews will be when I get it delivered. I'll have to run it in before I can give you the full details and not sure how long that'll take.

 

thats freking great man. Im going to pre-order soon, the dealer told me to come back in march, so thats what im gunna do. what do you guys think my chances are of getting one first-batch?
________
European recipes

 

zero.zip.nadda.

 

Ony if a first-batcher cancels and you have an identical order to it and you somehow inherit it. In other words zero, zip nadda.

 

My dealer still had two first batch vehicles available when I talked to him a week ago -- I am sure it is possible.

 

Maybe I misunderstood my Irvine Mazda dealer but I thought he said they had an allocation of 6 customer orders and then they were going to get an additional 6 cars built to factory preferences. If that's the case with other dealers then you maybe able to pick up one of the extras if it's not already spoken for.

 

It's still possible to get in on the first batch cars. Dealers were allowed to order their full allocation, even if they didn't have customers on all of them. We ordered 7 first batch cars, even though we only had customers on 2 of them at the time. You just need to find a dealer in your area with some unspoken for allotments.

 

As of last week, I think Fitzgerald (fitzmall.com) here, where I am getting the first RX-8, still has one or more of their first two allocations unsold. As far as I know, they are dedicated to not asking over sticker. One could probaby get a change on at least a unit in the 2nd batch. I also believe the ones they've ordered that are unsold are GT versions, think it was a yellow and a red, maybe more if others aren't sold. I believe their preorder allocation is 9, 3 each month, so maybe 4 are still unsold.