Mazda axes the rotary RX-8 due to low sales and emissions

Mazda axes the rotary RX-8 due to low sales and emissions

AUGUST 24, 2011 AT 3:56 PM BY DANNY TAN FILED UNDER CARS, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, MAZDA

Mazda, the Zoom-Zoom brand famous for its rotary engined sports cars, has decided stop making the RX-8, the only rotary powered model in its current range.

Factors linked to the death of the RX-8 are falling sales and stringent global emissions standards, which are only going to get tougher. Production has already stopped in early July, and global sales will end later this year.

This comes after the Hiroshima based carmaker pulled out the RX-8 from Europe last year, as the high-revving 1.3-litre, twin-rotor rotary engined car failed to meet EU emissions standards. Without European volume, Mazda couldn’t justify selling the four-seat RX-8, a Mazda source was quoted as saying.

Sales has been diving – Mazda sold just 1,134 RX-8s last year, 49% less than in 2009. July 2011 year-to-date fugures dived a further 21%. The Japanese Yen’s rise vs the USD doesn’t help matters.

However, the RX-8′s demise may not be the death of the rotary engine. Sources say that Mazda engineers are still working on the next generation 1.6-litre rotary engine, code-named 16X. It will have lower emissions, better fuel economy, more power, and for the first time – direct-injection.

“The rotary is alive and well within Mazda. We are studying what’s the best way to come back to the market with the rotary,” said Jim O’Sullivan, CEO of Mazda North America.

However, with Mazda’s full focus now on its SkyActiv range of efficient tech, it remains to be seen when, if at all, rotary will be back. Farewell for now, and have a smooth spinning journey!