2008 Mazda5

[crempel]

Anyone have any details about future Mazda5 models? I am interested in getting one, but would like to know if there are any signicant updates on the horizon, (ie. engine, transmission, colour)

[jandree22]

Maybe a facelift, but almost certainly nothing major. The only thing I could speculate possibly is that Mazda will finally come to their senses and put on a 5AT transmission, but there's no indication of such.

Just go out and buy one tomorrow :)

[Zoom5Zoom]

.... will know soon stay tuned

[a10thunder]

Eventually, the Mazda5 will get a 5-spd auto and auxiliary audio jack input but it might not be '08. It looks like the 5 will be at least a year behind the 3 in feature offerings. I also see stability control in the horizon.

[opus]

I believe they will almost have to add stability and traction control to the menu of features. I also think another interior color has to be on the way, I love my five but keeping that black interior looking clean is a major pain in the rear, at least go for a light grey or a tan offering, something that hides dirt instead of magnifying it.

[MazdaUlimited]

Well, if u look at the japan website, on there website for the 5/premacy, the 2008 MAzda5 for Northamerica will likely get a new engine and new tranny.

For the Tranny will be a 5-speed automatic, and a Non-Turbo MZR Engine. Maybe they can throw in a 4-Wheel-Drive system, which they offer in the top of the line version in Japan/

[raspykart]

just found this tidbit

As it reaffirms its commitment to rotary technology, Mazda will also begin leasing a Premacy (Japan’s version of the Mazda 5) with a hydrogen rotary hybrid in 2008 and launch a full production model using this Mazda-designed system by 2010.

[Benfolio]

There are what Mazda calls "Spec Decks" for most 2008 models, including the 3, but nothing for the 5 yet.

[coolmazda5]

Well, if u look at the japan website, on there website for the 5/premacy, the 2008 MAzda5 for Northamerica will likely get a new engine and new tranny.

For the Tranny will be a 5-speed automatic, and a Non-Turbo MZR Engine. Maybe they can throw in a 4-Wheel-Drive system, which they offer in the top of the line version in Japan/

Here we go. Japan...
http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2007/200701/070130.html
http://www.nihoncar.com/en/news-426-Mazda+enhances+the+Premacy+(Mazda5)+Minivan+range. html

Interestingly enough, the new DISI 2.0L engine seems to get up to 151Hp, only 2 horsies less than the current North America 2.3L model. Oh well, wait until the gas price hits the European prices here, and a 2.0L will be extreme SUV power (drunk)

[en3rgy]

I wish they would offer a 100% electric version. Gas is too expensive and all those stupid dirty greasy parts.

[mountjonas]

i want black tail lights

[zoomzoom mazda5]

I want to see a 2008 Mazdaspeed5!(burnout)

[P5w3kids]

I believe they will almost have to add stability and traction control to the menu of features. I also think another interior color has to be on the way, I love my five but keeping that black interior looking clean is a major pain in the rear, at least go for a light grey or a tan offering, something that hides dirt instead of magnifying it.

You can already get brown leather. But the non-leather parts of the interior remain black.

[dbthompson]

Have the Spec Decks for the 08 5 shown up yet?

[clos561]

hybrids maybe?

[perfecto]

Not happening, "not in Mazda's zoom-zoom ethos" last time I asked. :)

[clos561]

a few years ago i saw a prototype hydrogen rotary turbocharged engine by mazda.....they could get jsut as much maybe more power than current engines because the rotary and turbo...

[GWDavis281]

Check it out.

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123656864

Glenn |B)

[perfecto]

Sorry - I should have quoted what I was replying to... I know all about the Hydrogen thing. :)

[MazdaUlimited]

Hydrogen was just a promo release, of what the Mazda5 would give us in the future. For now just go to the Japanese website and see what they have an hope some of there new improvements will come over. Don't go asking at Mazda dealers for info, i find sales people no nothing about there own vehicles they are selling, but describe things on brochures, that you yourself can read on your own.

So final word is, these are the list of future upgrades the 5 will get.(Speculation wise)

Mazda 5 2008
-New Engine (MZR non-turbo, 151HP)
-5 Speed automatic
-Hopefully 4-Wheel-Drive
-Hopefully stability controll
-Middle sear occupancy (To make it full 7 person seater,get rid of the cup holder)
-Xenon Headlights

[Shawn704]

Mazda 5 2008
-New Engine (MZR non-turbo, 151HP)


I believe the only new engine available is the new 2.0 MZR DISI (non-turbo), it's being offered on the JDM Mazda5 already. With direct injection fuel economy should improve.

Speculation on my part, I think another engine upgrade is due possibly the new 2.5 liters that is going into the 2008/9 Mazda6.

[perfecto]

I really don't see them doing any engine upgrades right now... this is still a very new model.

[jandree22]

My vote would be for the diesel motor. Too bad it will almost certainly never happen on these shores

[opus]

They really need to go with the 2.5 DISI or the Diesel. They also desperately need to get Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control on the American model. I don't see anybody here blinking an eye at them adding $300.00 to the price if these were included. I honestly admit I assumed (yes I know what happens when you assume) that the 5 came with traction control. I mean my 2000 Saturn came with it, I figured an 06 Mazda had it, my mistake. I have always wondered if they offer other interior choices outside of North America? I am really starting to hate the black interior in mine from the cleaning and keeping clean perspectives.

[opus]

By the way Jandree, any time you are feeling like the kid is getting to you, just think about having twins :). When one would wake up, the other one would wait for me to just be getting back to sleep before she would decide it was time to scream. When they were little I swore they conspired through ESP or something to make my life a living you know what. Most of my friends said that the thought of only having to take care of one while I took care of two made them feel just a little bit better about their state of affairs :). Just thought I would try and help.

[antlind]

By the way Jandree, any time you are feeling like the kid is getting to you, just think about having twins :). When one would wake up, the other one would wait for me to just be getting back to sleep before she would decide it was time to scream. When they were little I swore they conspired through ESP or something to make my life a living you know what. Most of my friends said that the thought of only having to take care of one while I took care of two made them feel just a little bit better about their state of affairs :). Just thought I would try and help.

I would say that these are the best years when they're small and manageable. I have three teenagers and believe me, I sometimes wish they were back in diapers.
A great man one told me this story from a parent's perpestive......When our kids are small we can't wait for them to walk and talk......When they become teenagers we just pray for them to sit down and shutup.

[starlightmica]

I have always wondered if they offer other interior choices outside of North America? I am really starting to hate the black interior in mine from the cleaning and keeping clean perspectives.
I'm in agreement about the ESC/TRAC omission, I'm sure it's all about $$$. Would I consider trading in my '07 for a newer 5 with ESC/TRAC and Karakuri seat? Hmmm...

The color combos I know of besides black on black and brown leather on black are beige on black and red leather on black (JDM Premacy). Fake wood trim I've seen in conjunction with the beige interior (Taiwan).
http://www.mazda.com.tw/2005/vehicles/mazda5/images/tb_images_a2.jpg
http://www.mazda.com.tw/2005/vehicles/mazda5/images/tb_in3.jpg

[P_bouchr]

Ewwww to the fake wood. Just feel like the 5 is not that kind of car :). The beige trim is nice though.

@Opus
How old are your twins? Mine are 2 years old (2 boys, owch) and TBH, to date it's not that hard. But we have like a little angel and a little demon lol. The little angel sleeps no matter what, and the demon still wakes up at night. It's like this on everthing. One adapts to everything, since the other needs its routine...

@MazdaUnlimited

Those options are nice, but remember this is almost an entry priced car. I wouldn't mind though paying even 5 more grands for these options.

The traction control would be a must;
An engine upgrade also; the 5 is too fun to drive and could benefit a little more torque. Just add a turbo.
4 wheel drive? For what?
Xenon - I clearly doubt it. Don't you see those on like 40k priced car and up?
Middle seat occupancy. I doubt it. Anyway I don't mind the 6 seaters.

[Captain KRM P5]

4WD would be nice

[opus]

P bouchr , my twins are two 12, soon to be 13 year old young ladies. They see the 5 as the ultimate girls night out vehicle since they can carry four friends but not feel like they are driving an "old" car. They are also the reason my GTO is gone :(.

[zoomzoomV]

Ewwww to the fake wood.

looks like part of a basketball court

[MazdaUlimited]

Ewwww to the fake wood. Just feel like the 5 is not that kind of car :). The beige trim is nice though.

@Opus
How old are your twins? Mine are 2 years old (2 boys, owch) and TBH, to date it's not that hard. But we have like a little angel and a little demon lol. The little angel sleeps no matter what, and the demon still wakes up at night. It's like this on everthing. One adapts to everything, since the other needs its routine...

@MazdaUnlimited

Those options are nice, but remember this is almost an entry priced car. I wouldn't mind though paying even 5 more grands for these options.

The traction control would be a must;
An engine upgrade also; the 5 is too fun to drive and could benefit a little more torque. Just add a turbo.
4 wheel drive? For what?
Xenon - I clearly doubt it. Don't you see those on like 40k priced car and up?
Middle seat occupancy. I doubt it. Anyway I don't mind the 6 seaters.

4wheel drive is a great necessity and great option for people who want it. Xenon are cheap and not as expensive as you think. And when the japanese have it on many of the cars as mostley standard, there is no need to wonder why they can't they do it for a 5. Doesn't have to be a 40k car to have it. Just depends if we get it or not. Not to mention it improves visibility by a whole lot.

[P_bouchr]

@Opus.
Well, luckily I have at least 10 more yeard to get there :)...

@ZoomZoom
Good one :-). Not nice at all. Plastic silver FTW!

@MU
I agree Xenon are cheap enough, but it's not entry level material lol. Though I completely agree with you and I don't know why it isn't .

[coolmazda5]

OK, assuming Mazda has no bucks for a big foreign market model revamp in 2008, Can at least put an armrest to the right front seat? :D

The pic is for Japan base models. They may need to do something to the front cup holder-parking brake console area to make it fit though

[opus]

[QUOTE=coolmazda5]OK, assuming Mazda has no bucks for a big foreign market model revamp in 2008, Can at least put an armrest to the right front seat? :D

If they have that, then the part to replace it might be for sale :). I for one can't understand why it would be on the Japanese model and not on the NA model?

[offset_98]

Someone on here said the new 2.0 MZR engine will have 151 hp...that's wrong, its actually 148.7hp to be freakishly correct ;)

[MazdaUlimited]

Someone on here said the new 2.0 MZR engine will have 151 hp...that's wrong, its actually 148.7hp to be freakishly correct ;)


No your wrong, in japan they have 3 types of MZR engines and your number is still off.

First is there normal (1)MZR 2.0- 145PS@6000RPM, 18.5KG.m@4000 torque(2WD), 139PS@6000RPM 17.9kg-m@4000 torque(4WD)

(2)MZR 2.3- 165PS@6500RPM, 21.4KGM@4000RPM

(3) MZR 2.0 DISI (What i mentioned, and should get for 08)151PS@6200RPM, 19.7KG-m@4000RPM.

DISI- Direct injection spark ignition

Source: [http://www.premacy.mazda.co.jp/] Actual site.


Now that its straighten out, the DISI version should be adequate enough for our economy.

[HotRodSaint]

...red leather on black (JDM Premacy).

You wouldn't happen to have a picture or a link to a picture of the red on black would you?

I looked at the Premacy site and couldn't find it.

[starlightmica]

http://digiads.com.au/car-news/latest-MAZDA-news/2007_Mazda_Premacy_200702/photos_0.html

http://digiads.com.au/car-news/images/article_9157-img_21.jpg

[starlightmica]

[QUOTE=coolmazda5]OK, assuming Mazda has no bucks for a big foreign market model revamp in 2008, Can at least put an armrest to the right front seat? If they have that, then the part to replace it might be for sale :). I for one can't understand why it would be on the Japanese model and not on the NA model?
The JDM Premacy doesn't have a center console whose lid gets in the way of the passenger side arm rest. Suggested alternatives:

1. get an extra-wide black cloth armrest from this company which makes them for Scions, Acuras, etc. http://www.jjproducts.net/index.html

2. get a passenger side 2nd row armrest and bolt it to the seat frame, lots of companies make Scion arm rests that bolt to the frame which could probably be used.

[coolmazda5]

[QUOTE=opus]
The JDM Premacy doesn't have a center console whose lid gets in the way of the passenger side arm rest. Suggested alternatives:

1. get an extra-wide black cloth armrest from this company which makes them for Scions, Acuras, etc. http://www.jjproducts.net/index.html

2. get a passenger side 2nd row armrest and bolt it to the seat frame, lots of companies make Scion arm rests that bolt to the frame which could probably be used.

Got it, thanks. And according to the site you posted it seems that some seats have their frame "ready" to install an armrest, it is not just used in some trims (i.e. CR-V).

[coolmazda5]

http://digiads.com.au/car-news/latest-MAZDA-news/2007_Mazda_Premacy_200702/photos_0.html

http://digiads.com.au/car-news/images/article_9157-img_21.jpg

Yikes, no hard feelings but the contrast seems a little bit exaggerated for a Mazda5, innit? I wouldn't mind it on an M-Series Beemer or an Audi TT though (thinkbeer)

[HotRodSaint]

http://digiads.com.au/car-news/latest-MAZDA-news/2007_Mazda_Premacy_200702/photos_0.html[/IMG]

Thank you.

I like the idea of outside armrests on the second row. I wonder if our second row seats are the same and it's just a matter of finding the bracket under the seat cover?

[HotRodSaint]

Yikes, no hard feelings but the contrast seems a little bit exaggerated for a Mazda5, innit?

I think red leather might look good in a white, silver or even black car. But not this red.

[HotRodSaint]

[QUOTE=starlightmica]
And according to the site you posted it seems that some seats have their frame "ready" to install an armrest, it is not just used in some trims (i.e. CR-V).

Usually the seat frames are configured to accept an armrest, even if the armrest is not installed. So it might be a matter of ordering an armrest from overseas and cutting the foam away to access the bracket.

[zoomzoom mazda5]

I been looking into this for a while, still can't get a arm rest yet!

[jmcglynn]

Here we go. Japan...
http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2007/200701/070130.html
http://www.nihoncar.com/en/news-426-Mazda+enhances+the+Premacy+(Mazda5)+Minivan+range. html

Based on these specs it looks like they're going to drop the 5 speed manual gearbox... a sad day and a real shame... I think there's a lot of us who bought our 5's because it was the only vehicle like it that came with a stick. People-haulers worldwide seem to be dropping manual trans... I would hate to see Mazda loose that part of their zoom-zoom. They would loose me as a customer. No 5 speed has chased me away from the CX series (although nice looking and nice driving). I'm considering a 6 wagon, but if they drop the 5 speed from that then I'm out.

[Benfolio]

Based on these specs it looks like they're going to drop the 5 speed manual gearbox... a sad day and a real shame... I think there's a lot of us who bought our 5's because it was the only vehicle like it that came with a stick. People-haulers worldwide seem to be dropping manual trans... I would hate to see Mazda loose that part of their zoom-zoom. They would loose me as a customer. No 5 speed has chased me away from the CX series (although nice looking and nice driving). I'm considering a 6 wagon, but if they drop the 5 speed from that then I'm out.
Seeing as how Mazda never sold a car without a manual trans available except the MPV until the CX's came along, I wouldn't be suprised to see them drop it from the 5 as it's technically a van like the MPV, or a SUV like the CX's.
Shame.

[jlk_250]

I've heard talk for years that manual transmissions will have to go away in order to meet emissions standards and it seems to be coming true. Too many variables when the driver controls the shifting. In the past the dominance of automatic transmissions was largely a USA thing but automatics seem to be the trend worldwide these days. A manual transmission option was definitely a key factor in us getting our Mazda5.

Jon

[coolmazda5]

Seeing as how Mazda never sold a car without a manual trans available except the MPV until the CX's came along, I wouldn't be suprised to see them drop it from the 5 as it's technically a van like the MPV, or a SUV like the CX's.
Shame.



If no more manual tranny after 2007: Sad, very sad. It was good while it lasted though (notcool)
If Mazda manages to make the business case to keep the manual tranny alive (Latin America, Europe and Asia-Pacific might help sustaining it): get us the 6MT like the Diesel model please :D

[starlightmica]

CX-7 is available with a manual, in the EU market.

JDM Premacy lineup is all-AT. The JDM Verisa is also AT-only.

[MazdaUlimited]

This really isn't a shocker anyway. As time flys by, manual trannies are slowly going away. And the replacement are either new DSG gear boxes, SMG, and those type where you use the flipe of the hand. Many high end sports are going to move to those sooner or later. So when 5's are loosing there 5-speed in 08, to a 5 speed AT, not surprising.

[perfecto]

I would hate to see Mazda loose that part of their zoom-zoom. They would loose me as a customer. No 5 speed has chased me away from the CX series.

Me too, though I can't say they would lose me as a customer... I really want to get a MX-5 as a commuter car. :)

[Zoom5Zoom]

Based on these specs it looks like they're going to drop the 5 speed manual gearbox... a sad day and a real shame... I think there's a lot of us who bought our 5's because it was the only vehicle like it that came with a stick. People-haulers worldwide seem to be dropping manual trans... I would hate to see Mazda loose that part of their zoom-zoom. They would loose me as a customer. No 5 speed has chased me away from the CX series (although nice looking and nice driving). I'm considering a 6 wagon, but if they drop the 5 speed from that then I'm out.
6 Wagon is discontinued for MY2008 FYI

[07MZ5SA]

Here we go. Japan...
http://www.nihoncar.com/en/news-426-Mazda+enhances+the+Premacy+(Mazda5)+Minivan+range. html


I like the steering wheel mounted shift buttons.

http://www.nihoncar.com/en/news_pics/426/gallery/premacy_6.jpg

[miatafied]

I like the steering wheel mounted shift buttons.



I was wondering if they phase out the manual trans - at least they would make the steering wheel shift buttons an option. I know on the new MX-5 AT's have them and I've heard that they're pretty fun.

Secretly I've always been afraid that when I get old, I'll end up having to get rid of my fun car because a bum knee won't allow me to clutch - the appearance of the paddle shifts in the mx-5 puts my fears to rest.

[opus]

It really is sad that the manuals are going. A big reason we bought the 5 , not the only one, but a big one, is because the 5 is available with the stick. The paddles are not nearly as engaging because you don't engage a clutch :(. One of the other reasons I have heard for the dissapearance of sticks is because the automakers have to crash and emissions certify both the stick and the AT version of the car. As if the trans makes that much of a difference in the event of an accident, but that cost could become prohibitive, and may be another reason for the decline of the manual transmission. Oh well, I guess I will just have to try and keep my 5 running for as long as possible :).

[jandree22]

The MTX disappearing would be hard to believe, as this car is really big in Europe, and they're not shiftophobic over there like 90% of fat-ass lazy Americans are. (second)

That being said, being a lazy American myself, albeit not a fat-ass, I've never minded driving an AT. It would be a shame, though it it were true.

[snax]

We simply would not have purchased a 5 without the MT.

[HotRodSaint]

(iagree) The available MT was the only reason the Mazda5 found it's way onto my short list.

[opus]

My mother has one of her former exchange students from Finland over in the states for the next few weeks. He says even in rally racing crazy Finland they are stopping using manual transmissions and are shifting over to automatics. If this is true, and I have no reason to not believe him, then I fell the death of the MT is far closer than I thought it was. A very sad day for my wife and I as we have only driven sticks our entire driving lives :(.

[snax]

My mother has one of her former exchange students from Finland over in the states for the next few weeks. He says even in rally racing crazy Finland they are stopping using manual transmissions and are shifting over to automatics. If this is true, and I have no reason to not believe him, then I fell the death of the MT is far closer than I thought it was. A very sad day for my wife and I as we have only driven sticks our entire driving lives :(.
Not exactly. What is being lost is the distinction between automatics and manuals. In the WRC they have been using sequentially shifted clutchless gearboxes for years. They are not however anything like the torque converted, fuel robbing, hydraulic slush boxes that are typically referred to as 'automatic'.

[doctorz]

I think some simply see that the transition to automatics as progress, just like we don't see unsynchronized, three-on-the-tree any longer. But manuals are cheaper, faster, and more efficient, so I hardly call the death of the manual transmission progress.

Regarding Europe, my understanding is that it is country dependent. GB is trending more towards automatics, while in Italy automatics are still nowhere to be found.

[starlightmica]

It would be sweet if the automatic got replaced by the dual clutch gearbox seen in VWs (DSG) and coming soon to Volvos. Although not as cheap as a traditional manual transmission, they're faster and more fuel efficient.

I don't know if Mazdas will get them anytime soon.

[en3rgy]

Am I the only one that thinks having a 100% electric version of the Mazda5 is a great idea?

If petroleum HAS to be used, why not a diesel plug-in hybrid? That's pretty reasonable.

[MazdaUlimited]

It would be sweet if the automatic got replaced by the dual clutch gearbox seen in VWs (DSG) and coming soon to Volvos. Although not as cheap as a traditional manual transmission, they're faster and more fuel efficient.

I don't know if Mazdas will get them anytime soon.

You have it backwards i believe, Automatics are still used by a wider variety of people and manufactures or all i might say. DSG.Spottronic,SMG3,tiptronic, paddleshifters, etc, are all Manual replacements. Soon withing a couple of years later, Manuals on sports car, will aim more with DSG, and paddle shifters. More convient, better fuel economy, safer, and fast shifts.

[starlightmica]

Clarified: Although not as cheap as a traditional manual transmission, they're [dual clutch] faster and more fuel efficient. Dual clutch and BMW's SMG are manual transmissions with computer controlled clutches = no pedal.

Tiptronic is Porsche's automatic, Sportronic is another name for an automatic.

Paddles can be found on either kind of transmission.

[HotRodSaint]

Am I the only one that thinks having a 100% electric version of the Mazda5 is a great idea?

How far can a 3300lb vehicle travel on an electric charge? Would it even be 3300 lbs after adding batteries?

If your commute is short and you have no cargo, no passengers, don't use the A/C and don't listen to the radio, then an electric vehicle is great.

But in the real world, nobody can travel 25 miles and then wait 4+ hours to travel 25 more miles.

And if every drove an electric vehicle, what fuel would we use to generate the extra power needed to charge them?

It reminds me of the advent of the gasoline engine. Everyone welcomed it as a relief to the street level pollution that the horses were generating. If they only knew. (spin)

[en3rgy]

How far can a 3300lb vehicle travel on an electric charge? Would it even be 3300 lbs after adding batteries?
I'm not an engineer so I can not say for sure. I can tell you that there's a company called Phoenix Motors that makes a suv that seats 5 or 6 adults I believe and can travel 150 miles per charge with a 10 minute recharge to full quick charger accessory. Also you can buy an extra battery module that extends the range to 250 miles. I dont know how much it weighs but I would imagine more than 3300 lbs.


If your commute is short and you have no cargo, no passengers, don't use the A/C and don't listen to the radio, then an electric vehicle is great. LOL. I agree. However, did you know Toyota already made a RAV4 EV? I believe it could go 90 miles with a full load and it has heat and a/c.


But in the real world, nobody can travel 25 miles and then wait 4+ hours to travel 25 more miles. I've read somewhere that the average American driver drives 29 miles per day. If this is the case then it should be easy to drive to work, charge up then drive home.


And if every drove an electric vehicle, what fuel would we use to generate the extra power needed to charge them?Solar, wind, coal, nuclear and so on. It's not as if power will always be sourced by coal or petroleum. If there were more electric cars/trucks on the road today that would help stem better energy source technologies and improvements to those already in place. As long as car companies ignore electric vehicle technology then there's really not as strong of a need to improve elsewhere.


It reminds me of the advent of the gasoline engine. Everyone welcomed it as a relief to the street level pollution that the horses were generating. If they only knew. (spin)Funny thing, there were also electric technologies then as well as steam. The gasoline people saw the money potential in gasoline and that's where we are today (my opinion).

Basically, if there's no demand for clean electric cars then the car companies wont make them. Instead, they'll keep telling us that hydrogen is great when that's just some bait and switch technique by the oil companies. It's really sad.

[Benfolio]

Mazda5 IS getting a refresh for 2008! I'll post specs in a new topic....

[jandree22]

Mazda5 IS getting a refresh for 2008! I'll post specs in a new topic....
Benfolio's new discussion here --> 2008 Specs (http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123673724)

[flomobile]

Geez guys... passenger armrest, rear A/C, aux input. Mazda apparently wants to make me broke by providing everything my complained about in her 5.

I was hoping they'd make an armrest that is integrated into the center console, rather than s small, uncomfortable flip-down job that can't be adjusted. It changes angle with the backrest, meaning that for over-six-footer like me, when I get the seat all the way back and the seatback reclined so that I can fit, it's angled to high to be useful.

I wouldn't complain too much about the stick shift disappearing (we have a stick) if they put a modern automatic in there instead of yesteryear's 4 speed. A 5 speed automatic with a manually shiftable option sounds perfect, actually. You'd get the same range of ratios as the manual, the same selectability, but you wouldn't have to deal with the clutch pedal taking up valuable footspace*. Certainly with all the other improvements, it would be a decent tradeoff.

* This is one of the 5's biggest drawbacks, at least in manual form. There's not enough foot space for my size 12.5's. If I'm wearing boots, it's an absolute no-go.

[P2K]

Here's some pics I dug up. It's already out in Japan.

http://carview-img6.bmcdn.jp/carlife/images/usercar/170129/p1.jpg
http://carview-img6.bmcdn.jp/carlife/images/UserCarNote/252021/p5.jpg
http://carview-img6.bmcdn.jp/carlife/images/UserCarPhoto/436442/p1.jpg
http://carview-img6.bmcdn.jp/carlife/images/UserCarPhoto/436442/p2.jpg

The only changes to the current body style looks to be gunmetal wheels, black headlights and black tail lights. I think chrome and red tail lights are optional. I don't know of anything else, to include specs and interior. I'm not too familiar with the 5, but this is what I have.

http://carview-img6.bmcdn.jp/carlife/images/UserCarNote/246106/p3.jpg
http://carview-img6.bmcdn.jp/carlife/images/UserCarPat/823290/p1.jpg
http://carview-img6.bmcdn.jp/carlife/images/usercar/168830/p1.jpg
http://carview-img6.bmcdn.jp/carlife/images/UserCarPat/832858/p1.jpg


I believe this is the base model

http://carview-img6.bmcdn.jp/carlife/images/usercar/158290/p1.jpg


Just throwing these in for GP

http://carview-img6.bmcdn.jp/carlife/images/UserCarPhoto/493188/p8.jpg
http://carview-img6.bmcdn.jp/carlife/images/UserCarPhoto/493295/p2.jpg
http://carview-img6.bmcdn.jp/carlife/images/UserCarPhoto/486360/p1.jpg
http://carview-img6.bmcdn.jp/carlife/images/UserCarPhoto/442309/p2.jpg
http://carview-img6.bmcdn.jp/carlife/images/UserCarPhoto/442309/p1.jpg
http://carview-img6.bmcdn.jp/carlife/images/UserCarPhoto/442309/p4.jpg
http://carview-img6.bmcdn.jp/carlife/images/UserCarPhoto/442309/p3.jpg


i want black tail lights You got it...LOL