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Mazda RX-8 Sales to End in U.S. (North America)

According to a well placed source at Mazda's North American Operations, the world’s one and only rotary-powered production car will cease North American sales, most likely after the 2011 model year. As we noted last month, Mazda has already officially announced that European sales of the Mazda RX-8 will not continue after 2011, due to more stringent EuroV emissions standards.

Although the Wankel-engined, 2+2 sports car was recently refreshed (2009) and currently meets all U.S. emissions standards (which are in some ways more strict that EuroV), Mazda sold only 128 RX-8s in April of 2010* for a total of 428 year to date*. The company builds the cars in Hiroshima, Japan, so it may make financial sense to cut back production and shipping costs on such a low volume sports car, in favor of its better selling, piston-powered vehicles.

Does this mean Mazda is giving up on rotaries? No. Remember that North American sales of the RX-7 ceased in 2002, a full two years before the RX-8 made its debut. Mazda’s market-by-market wind down of RX-8 sales may indicate a shift of resources towards the long rumored return of the RX-7. Our Japan correspondent has reported that an RX-7 is in development, it will be rotary powered and should arrive sometime in calendar year 2013.

We can only hope...

ProbeGT wrote:Dommage, tout était la pour en faire un best seller. Le look était écoeurant, la practicalité avec les portes suicide, l'intérieur est très beau, la voiture est légère et agile. Le seul problème (comme toutes les RX) c'est sous le capot.

ProbeGT wrote:Dommage, tout était la pour en faire un best seller. Le look était écoeurant, la practicalité avec les portes suicide, l'intérieur est très beau, la voiture est légère et agile. Le seul problème (comme toutes les RX) c'est sous le capot.

Next Generation Renesis (Rotary Engine 16X) In developing the next-generation Renesis, Mazda made a thoroughgoing revision of engine dimensions including the trochoid rotor housing, adopting a longer stroke and larger displacement of 1600cc (800cc x 2) aimed to raise thermal efficiency and boost torque at all engine speeds. By employing the Hydrogen RE design policy of a direct injection system and aluminum side housing, as well as various other measures, we are further promoting the rotary engine’s merits of light weight and compact size.

Imprez wrote:Pas la même clientèle. Petit Coupé RWD vs berline ou hatch FWD ou AWD 4 places...

Disons que sur circuit les Miata et RX-8 sont quand même avantagées.

rs92stockie wrote:Pauvre mon chum de gars qui s'est acheté ça l'été passé... il est pogné avec...!

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.