Mazda RX-8

The Mazda RX-8 is a sports car that was manufactured by Mazda between 2003-2012. It first appeared in 2001 at the North American International Auto Show. It is the successor to the RX-7 and, like its predecessors in the RX range, it is powered by a Wankel engine. The RX-8 began North American sales in the 2004 model year.

Mazda announced on August 23, 2011, that the RX-8 was to be discontinued citing the 2011 model as the last line of production. The RX-8 was removed from the European market in 2010 after the car failed to meet emissions standards.

Without the volume sales from Europe coupled with rising Yen prices, Mazda could not justify the continued sale of the RX-8 in other markets.

Background

Mazda introduced rotary engine vehicles in the US in 1971, beginning with the R100 and going on to introduce the RX-2, RX-3, RX-4, RX-5, and finally three generations of the RX-7 sports car. However, the lack of conveniences and user-friendliness, coupled with the high price tag and declining interest in sports cars and coupés at this time led Mazda to withdraw the RX-7 from most major markets except Japan. After 1995, Mazda suffered from a relatively undistinguished product line in the US save the MX-5 Miata.