oz350

Looks as though the RX is priced in line with the Z, and in some variants cheaper. I wonder if this will be the same in OZ. Secondly, I wonder how easy and cheap it will be to get the RX from 186 kw to well over 200 with a bit of tweaking of the turbos etc. Interesting.



The Daily Auto Insider
Mazda Prices 2004 RX-8
January 8, 2003
Page 1 of 1

Mazda says that its RX-8 sports car, equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission, will be priced from $25,180 when it goes on sale in June. Base MSRP of the 2004 RX-8 with six-speed manual transmission is $26,680. A fully loaded RX-8 with either transmission and every available option, including leather seats, Bose audio, 18-inch tires, moonroof and fog lamps will run approximately $30,000, the company said in a press release.

The RX-8 continues a long line of rotary-powered automobiles, the first of which Mazda debuted more than 30 years ago. This version uses a 250-horsepower rotary and, unlike previous two-seaters, accommodates four adults.


350 Z US pricing. MSRP

Base 2-door hatchback, manual $26,269
Enthusiast 2-door hatchback, manual $28,249
Enthusiast 2-door hatchback, automatic $29,219
Touring 2-door hatchback, manual $33,179
Touring 2-door hatchback, automatic $31,589
Performance 2-door hatchback, manual $30,429
Track 2-door hatchback, manual $34,079

apsilon

I actually considered the RX-8 for a while but I don't want a 4 seater. It's an interesting design. I think it'll appeal to a much small market segment than the Z though and if that's the case I'm not sure what the effect on the resale value will be.

BTW the RX-8 rotary isn't turbocharged IIRC.

malcolm

I also thought about the RX8 but there were a number of negatives for me.

The shape doesn't quite push the same buttons as the Z. The moment I saw a Z I liked (loved) it. It brought out similar thoughts to when I first saw an Audi TT. That still is one beautiful car, but it just falls short in the performance stakes.

The rotary engine will definately be more expensive to repair. At the best of times Mazda spare parts prices are outrageous. Also the rotary engine has never quite become "accepted" or mainstream.

Pricing will apparently be around $70,000 in Australia. Certainly more than the Z.

Performance is not quite up to Z standards.

The potential for performance upgrades and aftermarket add-ons will be limited.

Nissan reliability for me, is second to none. I have now owned 4 nissans in the last 10 years and still have an 8 year old Maxima in addition to my S15. I have never one single problem with any of my cars, apart from routine tyres, break pads etc. and I do over 25k's per year. Our experience at work with Mazda vans has been abysmal, but maybe that is an unfair comparison.

I would have preferred the Mazda's 4 seats, and I'm sure that is something Mazda will really push in their marketing efforts as they will be competing very directly with the Z.

oz350

Specs
Standard Equipment Includes
* ABS with EBD (??)
* Front, side and curtain airbags
* Dynamic Stability Control (fun restrictor )
* LSD
* 6 disc in-dash cd stacker
* A/C and Climate Control
* Cruise Control
* Power Windows, Mirrors and Seats
* Ventilated Discs front & rear
* ActiveMatic paddles on steering wheel for A4
* 18" Alloys (225/45 R18)
* Remote Active and Passive Safety system (???)


Official Aust` Pricing:

Base model
154kw@7,200rpm,

M6 - $56,170
A4 - $57,000


Top Spec Model
184kw@8,500rpm,
* Red/Black Leather
* HID Xenon headlights
* Bose sound system
* Fog lamps
*Aluminium pedals

M6 - $62,610
A4 - $63,280