Declining sales and new emission standards forced Mazda to finally pull the plug on the RX-8, the last of its rotary engine sports cars.
The production of this car has been canceled back in July, and the remaining cars will be sold before the year end, and then the RX-8 will be gone forever. Currently there is no plan to make another rotary-engined car because, to put its simply, it’s not worth the hassle.
As a true successor to the amazing RX-7, the RX-8 featured a 1.3 liter rotary engine with an output of 232 hp, which is amazing for such an small size. At $28,000, the R-8 was one of the most affordable, and one of the most desirable, sportscar. Other great feature of it was the unique rear doors, which gave it the looks of a cool coupe, but practicality of a four-door car.
There was a lot to like about the RX-8, but as mentioned that rotary engine was its Achilles’ heel. It failed to meet environmental standards and therefore had to pull out of the European market. From there the car stated going down hill.
Mazda dealers in America have 300 units left in stock. You might be able to negotiate a good deal!