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AUTOEXE Nappa Leather Gearknob (Red Stitch) for Mazda RX8 (Series 1 & 2, 2003-2012)

Swap worn OEM plastic for nappa leather and red contrast stitching, giving every manual shift a sharper, more refined feel.

RX8 gearknob red stitching installed with black leather boot beside handbrake

Reviews from around the web

Independent reviews of this product gathered from other stores and owner communities.

The AutoExe stuff is very nice--the leather is soft and rich, though the stitching isn't perfectly uniform. The AutoExe red stitching is a little brighter than the boot stitching and OEM stitching, but the difference isn't as big as it seems in the pictures.

Overall, I'm very happy with this interior refresh. It feels like a new car.

$180

This RX8 gearknob red stitching upgrade replaces the standard shift knob with a nappa leather-wrapped stick from AUTOEXE. It suits manual Series 1 and Series 2 cabins. The result is a tactile improvement at the control you touch on every gear change. The red contrast thread ties directly into red-stitched interior trim elsewhere in the cabin.

RX8 Gearknob Red Stitching Key Features

  • Nappa leather wrap transforms the feel of every manual shift. It replaces the OEM plastic with a supple, premium-grade surface.
  • The slim stick profile keeps a narrow hand grip, so the console area stays clean and uncluttered.
  • The thread colour coordinates naturally with red-trimmed seats, steering wheels or door-card accents already in the cabin. That makes the red stitching a cohesive design choice rather than an isolated detail.
  • Fitment covers both generations of manual RX8, so Series 1 and Series 2 owners are equally well served.
  • Finally, AUTOEXE’s finish quality is consistent with the brand’s broader Japanese interior accessories range. The leather and stitch work is durable and well-presented over daily use.

For RX8 enthusiasts focused on cabin quality, a leather gearknob with red stitching is one of the most immediate upgrades available. You feel the difference on the very first gear change. The slim profile and premium wrap make short-shift movements more satisfying. The red thread pulls the shift area into a cohesive look with compatible trim pieces.

To build out a coordinated interior, the AUTOEXE Nappa Leather Gearknob (Round Shape, Red Stitch) offers an alternative knob profile in the same finish, worth considering if you prefer a rounder grip. The GENUINE MAZDA OEM Leather Gear Shifter Boot Surround frames the base of any RX8 gearknob red stitching fitment neatly, completing the shifter area with factory-correct leather below.

For gearbox longevity alongside the visual refresh, the R-MAGIC Super Magnetic Gearbox Drain Plug protects the drivetrain the knob sits directly above. Learn more about the full AUTOEXE interior accessory range at the AutoExe official website.

Reviews from around the web

Independent reviews of this product gathered from other stores and owner communities.

The AutoExe stuff is very nice--the leather is soft and rich, though the stitching isn't perfectly uniform. The AutoExe red stitching is a little brighter than the boot stitching and OEM stitching, but the difference isn't as big as it seems in the pictures.

Overall, I'm very happy with this interior refresh. It feels like a new car.

Additional information

RX8 Model

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SKU AE-GKN-S1S2-RS Categories , Types , , Brand:

Related RX8 Upgrades

This nappa leather gearknob is one of the best Mazda RX-8 upgrades you can make to your Series 1 (2003-2008) or Series 2 (2009-2012). Gearknob and shift knob upgrades are among the top Aftermarket mods you can buy from AUTOEXE for owners who want better performance and reliability from their RX8. If you are looking for rx8 shift knob for sale in Brisbane (QLD), Sydney (NSW), Melbourne (VIC), Canberra (ACT), Adelaide (SA), Darwin (NT) or Perth (WA), you’ll find high-quality Japanese Gearbox upgrades at RX8 Upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this AUTOEXE gearknob fit both Series 1 and Series 2 RX8 models?

Yes, the AUTOEXE Nappa Leather Gearknob with red stitching is compatible with manual RX8 cabins across both generations, covering Series 1 (2003-2008) and Series 2 (2009-2012) models.

Is this gearknob only for manual transmission RX8s?

Yes, this AUTOEXE gearknob is designed for manual transmission RX8 models. It is not intended for automatic variants.

What does nappa leather feel like compared to the standard RX8 gearknob?

Nappa leather offers a softer, finer-grained texture than typical standard finishes, giving the shift knob a noticeably more premium tactile quality every time you change gear. The slim stick profile also provides a narrower hand grip than a bulkier aftermarket knob.

Will the red stitching match other red-stitched interior trim in my RX8?

The red contrast stitching is designed to coordinate with compatible red-stitched cabin trim pieces. For a cohesive console update, it pairs naturally with the Genuine Mazda OEM Sliding Centre Panel in leather with red stitch, available separately.

How does this AUTOEXE gearknob compare to the Genuine Mazda OEM red-stitch gearknob?

Both use red stitching and suit RX8 manual cabins. The AUTOEXE version uses nappa leather and features a slim stick shape, while the Genuine Mazda OEM 6-Speed Rotary Leather Gearknob with red stitch is factory-specification. Owners wanting OEM-correct fitment may prefer the Genuine Mazda option; those seeking an aftermarket touch with nappa leather and a slimmer grip profile will find the AUTOEXE unit suits that preference.

Is installation straightforward, or does it require professional fitting?

Gearknob replacement on an RX8 is generally a straightforward process involving removal of the original knob and fitting the new one to the gear lever. No specialised tools are typically required, though confirming the thread specification before installation is always worthwhile.

Who makes the AUTOEXE gearknob and where is it manufactured?

AUTOEXE is a Japanese performance and styling brand with strong ties to the Mazda rotary community, known for producing parts developed specifically around Mazda platforms. Further detail on their manufacturing and product range is available at the AutoExe official website.