Mazda RX-8 production ending in 2012; SPIRIT R will be final special edition.

[takjak2]

Released on Friday:

Mazda RX-8 SPIRIT R Coming to Japan in November 2011
- Mazda RX-8 production to end summer 2012; rotary engine development will continue -

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has announced the Mazda RX-8 SPIRIT R, a special edition version of its four-door, four-seat rotary engine sports car. The RX-8 SPIRIT R will go on sale from November 24, 2011 at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan. Mazda RX-8 production will end in June 2012 and SPIRIT R will be the final special edition model. Mazda expects to sell 1,000 units.


Mazda RX-8 SPIRIT R (with six-speed manual transmission)

The RX-8 SPIRIT R is based on the RX-8 Type RS (with six-speed manual transmission) and Type E (with six-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission). It is named after the final limited edition Mazda RX-7, and this pedigree is reflected in stylish features that include exclusive seat design and colored alloy wheels. Additionally, Mazda's curtain and front side SRS airbag system, which is available as a factory-installed option on the base models, will be offered as standard equipment. Following the launch, the Mazda RX-8 lineup will consist of the SPIRIT R and the Type G (with six-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission) model grades only.


Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda's Representative Director, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, said, "Mazda's iconic rotary engine recorded its famous victory in the Le Mans 24-Hour endurance race 20 years ago. Throughout 2011, we have been celebrating the 20th anniversary of that victory by demonstrating the winning 787B racecar at Le Mans' Circuit de La Sarthe and various other events around the world. At each one, the screaming rotary engine and the sight of the 787B have enthralled everyone from young children to race fans who witnessed its victory in 1991. These events have been a powerful reminder of the widespread passion for the rotary engine. Although RX-8 production is ending, the rotary engine will always represent the spirit of Mazda and Mazda remains committed to its ongoing development."


Main features of the limited Mazda RX-8 SPIRIT R series

Base models
RX-8 Type RS (with six-speed manual transmission) and RX-8 Type E (with six-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission)
Special equipment
For both manual and automatic transmission models

* Exclusive SPIRIT R badge
* Front headlights, front fog lights and rear combination lights (with black bezels)
* Front and rear brake calipers (red)
* Transmission tunnel trim (piano-black)
* Curtain and front side SRS airbag system

Exclusive to the manual transmission model

* Specially-made SPIRIT R bucket seats from RECARO
* 225/40R19 89W tires and 19-inch alloy wheels (bronze)

Exclusive to the automatic transmission model

* Leather seats (black with red stitching)
* Leather-wrapped steering wheel (black with red stitching)
* Parking brake lever (with red stitching)
* Center console box front seat armrest and rear console box lid covered with synthetic leather (with red stitching)
* Sports suspension, larger brakes
* 225/45R18 91W tires and 18-inch alloy wheels (gun metallic)

Exterior body colors

* Aluminum Metallic
* Sparkling Black Mica
* Crystal White Pearl Mica

Despite what a lot of media is clamoring about, this will not be the end of the rotary. Just the RX-8. "Mazda RX-8 production to end summer 2012; rotary engine development will continue"

Source: MAZDA:Mazda RX-8 SPIRIT R Coming to Japan in November 2011 | News Releases

[HKYStormFront]

maybe this will make room for the RX7 to make a comeback in a few years

[The Dimer]

I drove a buddy's RX-8 a few years ago. From what I remember I liked it (I drove a base model 3000gt back then, all 161hp of it). I still think if the RX line had stayed factory boosted it would have made for a great car.

[mjd77]

Mazda needs to take their time and get the next rotary car right. They need to come out with a car that has a little more staying power. The current RX-8 was pretty much dead after the first 3 years.

[GZ3]

well, it was a decent track car...slow as balls but could take a corner decently...

will NOT be missed...

hopefully the rx-7 will make a come back

[Armonster]

meh

[Rooster89]

I remember reading the RX-9 will be a rotary hybrid with electric motors. could me media clamoring tho, will try to find.

[gomer_110]

Kinda wondering what all the Grand-Am teams running RX-8's are gonna be switching to after the RX-8 is totally done. Gotta say that the sound of those race motors was something amazing.

[Lug]

2013 Mazda RX-9 Coupe - Top Speed

Read bottom part

[Zaggeron]

I've always like the looks of the RX-8. Probably would have picked up one up as a DD (not as Z replacement) if the power and fuel mileage were a little better.

[Cmike2780]

The 8, being my previous car, was actually pretty fun to drive. The steering feel was perfect on that car and the balance was spot on. Very easy to drive on the twisties. The lack of torque, power, oil consumption & abysmal gas milage eventually got to me though. If there was ever a sports car that needed some forced induction, it was the RX-8. Oil consumption and crappy gas milage can be easily forgiven if the car had some grunt to go along with its sporty image. Mazda needs to revive a true RX-7 successor.

[cossie1600]

I had 2. It was a good car, but the fuel mileage for its power absolutely killed me. Plus the premium fuel requirement sucks too

[mjd77]

Originally Posted by Cmike2780

The 8, being my previous car, was actually pretty fun to drive. The steering feel was perfect on that car and the balance was spot on. Very easy to drive on the twisties. The lack of torque, power, oil consumption & abysmal gas milage eventually got to me though. If there was ever a sports car that needed some forced induction, it was the RX-8. Oil consumption and crappy gas milage can be easily forgiven if the car had some grunt to go along with its sporty image. Mazda needs to revive a true RX-7 successor.

My thoughts exactly, except I still have my 8. The low torque and mpg have gotten to me and honestly the only thing keeping me from a z is that I'm trying to hold out for some concrete info on the next rotary car...namely when it will make an appearance. I don't want to lay out Z money and then only have it a couple of years. Now if the new rotary is still 5 years away, then I'm game for a z.