Production of Mazda RX-8 was supposed to come to an end after the 1,000 Spirit R models were sold. But apparently Mazda still has some more parts they need to get rid of, so they are going to make another 1,000 units and then kill it. This time they seem serious though, as the final thousand are only for the Japanese market.

Features of the special edition RX-8 include exclusive paint jobs – aluminum metallic, sparkling black mica or crystal white pearl mica – 19-inch Bronze wheels, Recaro seats, Bilstein shocks and an aero kit. The cars get the same Wankel rotary 1.6 liter engine and can be had with either manual or automatic gearbox, and limited slip differential.

The RX-8 was one of Mazda’s finest creations ever. The practical spots car was the first in the coupe class to offer two little suicide rear doors for ease of access. It was also pretty amazing to drive. All Mazdas have a certain charm and driving characteristic that make them fun, the RX-8 also had a great engine to boost that. That Wankel is smooth as silk, but turns to such a screamer once you go past 9,000 rpm.

It’s a shame the RX-8 is about to be consigned to the history books. Mazda says they are working on a replacement, but it’s going to take a while.

via Autoweek