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Mazda Bids Farewell to RX-8 with Japan-Only Spirit R Special Edition

We already knew that Mazda has decided to kill-off the RX-8 four-door coupe sooner rather than later. More strict fuel economy and CO2 emission regulations saw to that, forcing the Hiroshima-based carmaker to pull it from overseas markets and keep it alive in Japan only.

Today, Mazda announced that it is launching a final special edition of its rotary-engined sports car, which will only be available in the domestic market with sales set to start on November 24. Production will be limited to 1,000 units.

Posted in: Japan,Mazda,Mazda RX-8,New Cars

It's the End of the Road for Mazda’s RX-8

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Tis the end for Mazda's rotary-powered RX-8 sports car that has fallen victim to low sales and more importantly, stricter emissions standards. According to a report from Automotive News, production of the RX-8 stopped in early July while the remaining inventory will be sold by the end of this year.

The demise of the RX-8 was something we expected since Mazda stopped offering the car in Europe last year, after failing to meet the more strict EU emission standards. Last year, the Hiroshima-based company managed to deliver just 1,134 units, a 49% decrease compared to 2009, while sales in the first half of 2011 decreased by a further 21%.

Posted in: Mazda,Mazda RX-7,Mazda RX-8,Reports

Mazda’s Rotary Engine: Reports of its Demise Greatly Exaggerated?

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Much has been said and written about Mazda’s rotary engine. The Hiroshima-based company is the last mass manufacturer who insists on using and developing Felix Wankel’s internal combustion engine that has done away with pistons for close to five decades.

However, Mazda will discontinue the sole model that is powered by a Wankel engine, the RX-8, at the end of 2011.

According to a report from Ward’s, the Japanese firm's executive officer for product planning and powertrain development, Kiyoshi Fujiwara, said that “there is a huge discussion” within the Japanese company about whether to continue its development or not.