We already knew that Mazda has decided to kill-off the RX-8 four-door coupe sooner rather than later. More strict fuel economy and CO2 emission regulations saw to that, forcing the Hiroshima-based carmaker to pull it from overseas markets and keep it alive in Japan only.
Today, Mazda announced that it is launching a final special edition of its rotary-engined sports car, which will only be available in the domestic market with sales set to start on November 24. Production will be limited to 1,000 units.
The RX-8 Spirit R is named after the final edition of its predecessor, the RX-7, and will be sold in two versions: one with a six-speed manual-transmission based on the Type RS and the other with a six-speed automatic based on the Type E model.
After its launch, the Spirit R and the automatic-only Type G will be the sole models in the RX-8 line-up until June 12, when production of the series reaches its end.
Mazda’s President and CEO, Takashi Tamanouchi, said: “Mazda’s iconic rotary engine recorded its famous victory in the Le Mans 24-Hour endurance rave 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, which 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,” Tamanouchi added.
So, Wankel fans, you might mourn for the demise of the thrilling RX-8, but you can also smile because there you have it from the most official source possible, Mazda’s CEO himself: the rotary engine will continue to be with us in the future.
Main specs of the Mazda RX-8 SPIRIT R
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
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