For the 2005 model year, Mazda added a Shinka edition to the RX-8 lineup. It was equipped with leather seats, a power sunroof, multi-adjustable power seats, heated front seats, traction control,  stability control, and a CD changer, among other features.
Like the base RX-8 model, it was powered by a 1.3-liter Renesis rotary engine that produced 238 horsepower when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, and 197 horsepower when equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission.
Standard features for the base RX-8 included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, dual front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with a tilt steering column, steering-wheel-mounted controls, a tire pressure monitor, and an AM/FM stereo system with a CD player.
The RX-8's performance and acceleration, responsive handling, styling, interior, and roominess (for a sports coupe) were among the positive points cited by drivers. On the downside, drivers noted that gas mileage could have been better.