Bunique

What's warranty? I think it's that thing I voided at about 35k mi.

altiain

iTrader: (3)

Some dude at Pep Boys told you that he heard from some dealer that there will be a supercharged '8 for '09, and you think that's a legit source?

chancejat

iTrader: (2)

i didnt say it was legit...........i clearly typed "hearsay".......just so i wouldnt have any "a holes" on this site on my back.......but i guess some of you just love being "a holes"........thats cool though good for you.... ....and thank you to all others who are not "a holes"

Longbow8

Keeping an eye on this one. Just trying to decide to change up to an '09, as my delivery isn't scheduled until September. I am concerned, because I think the 8 looks very nice now, facelifts aren't always an improvement.

Also, there is the aftermarket to consider. This car is definitely low volume and aftermarket manufacturers may not spend the money to develop pieces to fit the 09.

At any rate, I will keep tabs on this, hopefully they release pics/change details not too long into the new year. Getting a US spec model here to Germany is about a 16 week lead time, and I want to get off the plane and get into my 8.

LionZoo

I doubt too any of the changes will make 04-08 performance parts non-interchangeable with 09 parts. I think all suspension and bolt on engine parts will be interchangeable. The thing I can see perhaps changing is the ECU, which might require Racing Beat to develop a new flash for the later versions. Just my opinion though...

altiain

iTrader: (3)

I just asked a question princess, don't get your undies in a bunch.

ASH8

Just a quick one, and sorry it is in a wrong thread, but, Goauto.com.au are saying that there will be No Mazda 6 MPS or Mazdaspeed 6 in the new Mazda 6 range next year and NO plans in the near future.

delhi

^ Why not? I'm sure they will come out with one at the end of the model year for the mazda6. mark my words....

ASH8

Poor sales..basically..

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...2573A000816E98

sosonic

If the 2009 specs for the RX-8 are true, than it just proves that Mazda has some really dumb executives.

Never have I seen a sports car in more need of a HP upgrade than the RX-8. All the bullsh*t accessories are just dancing around the real problem.

Unleash a 300HP RX-8 with present looks and features or just minor changes, and it would still be hit.

Mazda executives = insane.

77mjd

^^^There HAS to be some legitimate reason they haven't done anything yet. Either they can't do it with this engine reliably, or emissions, or something like that. Those executives must live on another planet if they don't know the rotory people want more power. I know they know everyone wants more power. There just has to be a reason why nothing has been done and I really wish I knew what it was.

ASH8

^^^ You have hit the nail on the head...so to speak.
I am sure the Mazda Exec's are aware of the desire for more power, but they just do not have at the moment a Rotary Engine that can deliver without sacrificing gas consumption and more importantly to regulatory bodies thought the world
--- emission compliance.

sosonic

^^^ I disagree.

We all know 300HP+ can be done. It damn sure can be done via FI, SC or turbo. It can be done NA via 3 rotors or bigger engine.

If its an emission issue, than get smart people to figure it out. That is what R&D are for. There is always a way, you just need to figure it out.

More likely, some bean counters and some executes in Mazda, don't like the rotary. They rather play with pistons. They can't outright kill the rotary engine since its too popular, including some diehard rotary heads in Mazda. However they can stifle its development, so hopefully the rest of the company gives up on it. Then they can push turbo 4 bangers, with copied designs or off the shelf technology. If their attempts fail, oh well, they still made some money selling RX-8s.

Conundrum

iTrader: (1)

Hey two rotors,

Any way you can get the whole Prelim '09 Spec up?

I would like to see what colour/trim line up they have and difference between GS/GT. Such as the page that generally list out product change on exterior/interior...etc.

After reading it a few times, it seems like Sport model is a combination of Shinka + Appearance Package(possible refreshed design) + Spoiler + 19" and Recaro Seat. I do not think the radio is any different than GS/GT, so bluetooth might be an add-on module.

The bumper/grill/headlight/tailight on GS/GT might not be any different than '04-'08 as they were not mentioned at all in that letter because I do remember reading some thing similar for '07 Mazda 3 back in '06 and they generally put something along the line of "refresh front and rear design".

Even the '08 Mazda 3 mid year product enhancement mentioned "Color keyed grill bar enhances the signature 5-point grill. Fog lights for an enhanced Mazda sporty appearance." So if minor useless things like these got mentioned in the doc even for mid year change, I would think they would point out if the exterior or interior is getting refreshed for '09 RX-8 and not just upgrade on the interior equipment and mention of Sport Model.

I don't know, but just some thought, I do hope that they can keep the current design rather than refresh it for uglier version, as I remembered that people prefered the '04-'06 Mazda3 than '07 Mazda3 design, and '03-'05 mazda 6 than '07+ mazda6, because of the grill/bumper/rim design... not a very good sign...

Spin9k

Mazda executives = insane (not).... they're just looking to be the next Toyota, not the next BMW. Just think about all the great sports cars Toyota sells.

m477

The thing you've got to keep in mind is that Mazda is a very small company without the resources of say, Toyota or Honda. There is only so much they can devote to the rotary, in terms of both R&D and production. So, given the choice between improving the 13B or developing the 16X, they have gone with the 16X.

Of course I want the 8 to have more power/torque/fuel economy, but I would make the same choice if I were in charge of Mazda.

Rotary Xperiment

Hi all,

I can confirm what ASH8 and swiftboy have been saying. I live in Bangkok and here we order the Japanese spec RX8 directly through an importer. I just placed my order last week and just yesterday my dealer rang up and told me that the order has been cancelled due to production line stop.

He has confirmed that production will resume again in Feb 08. At present there is no information about any potential exterior/interior changes, all I was told is that there is a small price hike (around 150,000 Yen) and some interior enhancements, particularly with the Navigation system.

Hopefully they will be releasing some more information soon, I have already placed my order for the new production cycle, although I'm still very keen to know the full extent of changes....

ASH8

Interesting, last month the MD of Mazda Australia told me in an email that the production of the RX-8 will not resume until April 08, with stocks available (Australia) in May 08...possibly earlier?
Can you confirm this, because AFAIK RX-8's made in April 08 will be permitted to be sold in the US as the MY 2009 RX-8, and cars made before then will have to be called MY 2008.
The only MY 2008 RX-8 spec cars will be the Anniversary Model 'FE01' RX-8's, the MY 2009 should be known as the FE02 RX-8.

Rotary Xperiment

Ash8,

I dont know, all I can tell you is that Japan spec Rx-8's (meant for sale in Japan) can no longer be ordered from Mazda until Feb 08. They have promised delivery of my car by March or at the latest April 08. So I can more or less confirm a Feb 08 restart in production for domestic sales----which also goes along the same lines as what 2rotors was saying regarding sales in Canada.

I cant comment too much on US or Australia sales, but who knows? Maybe the version slated for sale in the US and Australia are due for later production (April 08) allowing time for the 40th Ann models to be sold. Because after all, as you know, in Japan the 40th Ann model has already been introduced in August and I dont think there are any more left!! And secondly, production cycles for the domestic market is always going to be different than for international markets.

Either way, I'll keep you posted if I get any more info. I think we're both in the same boat----waiting and waiting to buy the Rx-8 and then unexpectedly, a production stop plus or minus a facelift. I've already ordered mine, but would really like to know exactly what the changes are going to be.

77mjd

What ever happened to the direct injection 13B? If we're not going to get more HP, at least give us the direct injection engine so we get a little better MPG...or are they completely done with the 13B and are focusing all efforts to the 16x?

ASH8

Thanks R X!

Direct Injection is no done deal, getting it "to work" in a rotary is still creating many headaches at Mazda.
Sure they have had DI displays and in concept cars (Taiki, Senku) but has anyone seen vision or witnessed these DI cars actually working on a road/track?
You can not compare a DI Banger engine to rotary.

brillo

I have several SAE papers from 12-15 years ago with DI rotary engines running around in test cars as well as a test bench. The issue for Mazda is going to be getting the most power/economy out of the system and getting it emissions compliant. DI has some emissions issues that have to be addressed that involve NOx.

swiftboy

Hi Rotary Experiment!

Yes, u are right. the same goes for the situation here in s'pore.

i was told 1st quarter of 2008, they will have news of the facelifted RX8.

Like u, we get our cars from Japan except that it is not the JDM (japnese Domestic Model Spec) model.

The export cars are much better equipped with a different mult-linked suspension setup.

We don't have Navigation here though - juz a 6 CD in dash changer and the integrated head unit.

Hope to hear from you over there at Bangkok also.

sosonic

Well it's like this, if Mazda don't get their head out of their ***, they are in danger of losing customers.

When 2009 comes around I will be looking and doing a what's cool, "what cost what", and what performance can I get analysis. Mazda's only saving grace to me comes not from their lazy *** Mazdaspeed that treats the RX-8 like an unwanted red-headed step-child, but people like Pettit , Esmeril, etc.... with their supercharger and turbo upgrade kits.

For the money, the RX-8 is a cool looking car though slightly under performing car, but how long is the cool factor going to hold up? How many more years is it going to maintain its cool look vs price edge?

It don't look good for Mazda when Hyundai, of all people (oh gaud, a Hyundai), will have a 300HP RWD coupe coming in 2009. I'm sure you will be able to get the HP up even more, pretty soon afterwards.

http://jalopnik.com/cars/la-auto-sho...upe-322863.php

sosonic

To me the best looking front was the original Mazdaspeed front (OK, I'm bias as I have this one). Mazda would be doing itself a favor, by switching over to that one for its "facelift".