I have no clue why i took this pic at the 06 NY autoshow but here's the new 6 port engine on the AT 8.

 

Just wanted to chime in. I live in Manhattan, and while I dont generally take the car out in the daytime, anytime in the big apple is more traffic than in most areas of the country.

Also my garage is 2 levels below ground with some extremely tight turns, and tight parking.

My point is - If I can deal with a 6 speed (my girlfriend can as well), than anyone can.

I used to have a AT Probe GT- and every time I am in free moving traffic I am glad I got the MT. That being said- I'd love to try the new AT - I just wasn't happy with the '04 AT test drive I did before choosing the 6 speed.

 

Seems that no one has answered the question.... is the 6 gear AT better than the 4 was. I just looked online and a few dealers around here supposedly have some in stock. Guess if no one else posts, I'll go test drive one to see if I should keep my 04 AT and trade it for an 06.

 

Sorry, i don't have mine yet. You'll probably already know your answer before I finally get it!

 

I checked the Mazda site and there are several in the Tucson and Phoenix area. I guess they will be delivered eastward over the next few weeks.

Doug

 

I saw several in the Phoenix area also. But I went to one dealer and their entry in that Mazda on-line database isn't due till this Wednesday. So it would seem that Mazda is listing cars in inventory when they are actually in port.

Wasn't a wasted trip tho - Showcase Mazda in Phoenix had a Copper Red Shinka.
I really liked the interior but it is a shame you can't get one with Nav.
They have a White Shinka automatic due Wednesday.

Respectfully,
Kay R. Fisher

 

They are actually listed in inventory starting on their "realeased from port" day. Then, dependign on where you live from the port, it takes several days to ship out and unload them at the dealership.

 

Thanks for the info.
Then mine was released from port this morning :-)

Respectfully,
Kay R. Fisher

 

Some of the dealerships in the DC area have them now, but I haven't driven one yet. The AT cars that my dealership has are sport models. I will probably try to test drive one next weekend, just for the hell of it.

 

It arrived yesterday.
Going to pick it up this morning.

Below is a picture with my wife Patricia.

Respectfully,
Kay R. Fisher[/QUOTE]

 

I test drove one yesterday when I went to pick mine up from service. I have to say the 6-speed transmission with the bigger engine make it much more responsive that my 04. It's really what the 04 should have been when released. Spoke to sales about possibly trading mine in and leasing an 06-AT. Unfortunatelly, the residual rates for the RX-8 AT are SO BAD (a horrible 56% for a 2-year lease) that the payments would have been $600/month. Guess I am just keeping my 04 until I decide to get something that will hold its value a bit better.