Mazda stops RX-8 production

[webby]

Automotive News is reporting that Mazda has stopped production of its RX-8 sports car due to lackluster sales and ever tighter global emissions standards. Mazda managed to move a mere 1,134 of the models last year, and 2011 hasn't treated the rotary any better. Sales are down 21 percent through July. The Japanese automaker was forced to remove the model from European showrooms last year after it failed to meet emissions standards, and the company says that it simply can't justify continuing to manufacture the vehicle without sales in the old country.

According to the report, production wrapped up in Hiroshima, Japan in July, and global sales will finish up this year. Currently, Automotive News says that U.S. dealers have 300 RX-8 units in stock. While this may be the end for the rotary sports car in the near-term, Mazda has made it clear that the manufacturer isn't giving up on its rotary heritage any time soon.

 

[death_roll]

Maybe I can pick up a nice low mile R3 in a year or two, slow and stinky but one of the best handling cars around.

 

[KennyGS]

I remember building a model of the Wankel rotary engine when I was a kid. A very unique design.

 

[death_roll]

It's very cool how they work, and they're turbine smooth. Winding them up to make power is what really makes them a driver's car, but the oil consumption can be a pain after a while.

 

[dentrecords]

That's too bad. I liked the car, truthfully. Too expensive and terrible gas mileage for not that much power pushed it out of my list of cars I'd buy though. Here's hoping to a better next iteration.