Detroit Auto Show: Mazda Announces Pricing for 2004 RX-8 Sports Car

    DETROIT, Jan. 7, 2003; Mazda North American Operations (MNAO)
today announced 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(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.