Mazda Announces Pricing for 2004 RX-8 Sports Car

Mazda Unveils Long-Awaited 2004 Production Model at North American International Auto Show

DETROIT, Jan. 7—Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced its RX-8 sports car, equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission, would 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 manual or automatic transmission and every available option, including leather seats, Bose(R) audio, 18-inch tires, moonroof and fog lamps will run approximately $30,000.

Mazda will begin pre-selling the RX-8 online Jan. 8, and consumers can log onto http://www.MazdaRX-8.com to place an order. The pre-sell process will allow prospective customers to configure their RX-8 of choice. This information is then transferred to a local dealer, where the transaction is finished.

The RX-8 continues Mazda's design and engineering tradition, merging unique and dramatic styling with unparalleled performance. The 250-horsepower (estimated) RX-8 comfortably accommodates four adults, while delivering the kind of sports-car driving dynamics sure to capture the imagination of driving enthusiasts worldwide. The vehicle is the latest in a long and historic line of rotary-powered automobiles, the first of which Mazda debuted more than 30 years ago.

"The Mazda RX-8 delivers innovative solutions to traditional automotive restrictions such as packaging, design, and drivetrains," said Charlie Hughes, president and CEO of MNAO. "More importantly though, we questioned why sports cars can't be affordable, and RX-8 is the answer."

Like every Mazda model, the RX-8 will come with a four-year roadside assistance program. With a call to a toll-free number, RX-8 owners can access roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year throughout the United States and Canada. For all 2004 Mazda vehicles, the company will provide a free loaner car in the event a warrantable condition requires the use of alternative transportation.

The 2004 RX-8 will be covered by a comprehensive four-year/50,000-mile warranty that covers every part on the vehicle except those subject to normal wear. In addition, the RX-8 is covered by a five-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion warranty.

Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer service, and parts support of Mazda vehicles in the United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than 700 dealerships nationwide.