MX-5 Miata RF

Make
Mazda
Segment
Coupe

Mazda is sending the RX-8 into retirement with one last special edition. The Japanese automaker announced in August that they were discontinuing the nifty little sports car citing low sales numbers. The previous year alone saw only 1,134 units leave dealerships, compared to 23,690 in 2004, the year after its launch. The RX-8 was known for its 1.3-liter twin-rotor engine that could put out 232hp.

The rear-wheel-drive sports car had a light weight but was infamous for its low torque numbers and high fuel consumption. The special edition RX-8 Spirit R will be produced in a limited run with only 1,000 units expected to be produced. It is based on the RX-8 Type RS for its six-speed manual transmission and the Type E for its six-speed automatic gearbox. This new model will feature interior upgrades as well, including colored lightweight alloy wheels and exclusive seat designs on the Recaro bucket seats. Special badging will also help differentiate your special edition from the run-of-the-mill Mazdas.

"Although RX-8 production is ending, the rotary engine will always represent the spirit of Mazda and Mazda remains committed to its ongoing development," said Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi. We are hoping that means that the Japanese car co. will eventually bring back a rotary-powered sports car to their lineup. Mazda will begin sales of its special edition RX-8 Spirit R in November and it will be sold exclusively in Japan.