Breaking: Mazda RX-8 will be dropped from the U.S. lineup after 2011 model year

The Mazda RX-8 will be dropped from the US lineup, and this could occur as early as after the 2011 model year, according to a Motor Trend report. A source from Mazda’s North American ranks revealed that the decision was arrived at after studying the sales figures.

Mazda updated the car in 2009 but this didn’t do much for sales as only 428 cars have been sold in 2010 so far. Mazda’s European segment dropped the model because the Renesis rotary won’t be able to meet upcoming EuroV emission standards. As a result, global sales volumes are expected to decrease. However, this report doesn’t mean that Mazda won’t be doing any more rotary-powered sports cars.
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Airliner - 5/6/2010 10:29:12 AM

+3 Boost

Sometimes a company has to do what a company has to do... But I sure the Heck as hell that this move is being made to make room for the return of the RX-7!!

r15mohd - 5/6/2010 10:50:20 AM

+2 Boost

the 2010 refresher was a GREAT look, but the power wasnt their to back it up underneath.

the RX goes bye bye, once again...hoepfully they come back even stronger the next time. lord knows the world of rotary is scary/fun place!!!

freeagent - 5/6/2010 11:18:31 AM

+1 Boost

The RX8 was a compromised answer to a question few were asking. Lets hope a new RX7 will return to its roots and produce a Boxster/Cayman challenging sports car

LexSucks - 5/6/2010 11:20:13 AM

-2 Boost

You can only sugar coat 159lbft of torque, and 19 mpg highway for so long. RX8 was never a contender.

0to60 - 5/6/2010 12:01:06 PM

-2 Boost

I didnt know they still made it...

reaganeatbrains - 5/6/2010 9:00:32 PM

+1 Boost

i first sampled the power of a rotary engined vehicle on a vacation to hawaii. i had never heard of mazda. i got stuck with one as a rental, and must say it blew my mind.

we kept the japanese from retooling an army after the war. who knew they'd toil in the auto industry instead and make little pocket rockets.

iamdabest1 - 5/7/2010 8:06:33 AM

+1 Boost

i always liked the rx-8, handling was awesome, and design looked modern without being overdone.
straight line acceleration was total crap.... they gotta make this a 0-60 car in no more than 4.9 seconds.