http://www.autoweek.com/article/2011...IEWS/111229954



It's too bad this is the end of the line for the RX-8. I'll miss it.

This Mazda RX-8 hit the mark in regards to fun, comfort and function. It's too bad this may be the last one I drive.

That engine, gearbox, steering, handling reflexes and brakes are all things I'm going to miss. If you haven't experienced this car, I highly recommend you go to your local Mazda dealer for a test drive. I'm sure there are some new ones still on dealer lots looking for a good home.

if you put a premium on how a car drives and the sensation you get when you're behind the wheel, you'll fall in love with the RX-8.

 

Dope!!!!

 

I'm keeping the rx8 for a long time.

 

Again and again, ppl always say Mazda will end Rotary Engine, year after year, well, they are ending production for the current SE3P cuz it's not selling well + this shitty economy. understandable.

Next year will be a shitty year (economy wise) to release anything new so I would say give it 2013 we will see something.

 

I think the RX-8 will be another one of those cars that gets much more appreciation and attention after it's gone...certainly not to the extent of the RX-7 but I think it may be missed more than people realize.

 

The thing is...just because they keep working on the rotary doesn't mean anything. We may still never see another rotary powered car. Tons of R & D is done on things that never make it to market.

 

As much as I want to see another rotary 20 MPG is just not acceptable...it might be in the US, but Mazda does not make cars just for the US.
20 MPG is certainly not acceptable in Europe.

This is and was one of the main reasons the 8's sales died, just like V8 sales did.
You cant have fuel (gas) almost double in price and expect no sales impact.

Then the old emissions for Europe was an issue...it can no longer be sold new in Europe.

Just remember 'IF" we see any new Rotary it would have to conform to standards for another 10 years...2013-2023.

With Mazda's Skyactiv banger fuel sippers soon to become mainstream for Mazda a guzzler just does not work.

Go and talk to a few Mazda Dealers and ask their opinion, I have, and none want a Rotary, sadly they are too hard to shift (sell).

Sorry, but the numbers just don't add up anymore.

 

we just need the fuel price of Venezuela like .35c per gallon... No Im not playing...

 

So hopefully we can still 'hope' for the return of the rx7 or another rotary car housing a 16X rotary engine that's supposed to be bigger and more powerful right?

 

highly doubt it.

 

I think we'll see rotary with skyactiv soon.

 

^ We hope so.

 

I love my RX-8. That was a great article.

 

Agree 100% with you

 

The rotary could work as a hybrid. Once in wheel motors become available I could see a rotary acting as a power booster when you need the power.

 

Good read! Im not really a fan of that LM20 graphics thing going on though.

 

I have always loved the rotary. When gas was around a dollar a gallon and I didn't drive much my RX-7 was my daily driver. With high gas prices that will never fall anywhere close to what I personally consider acceptable ($1.60/gallon) combined with the cost of being an adult, I'll probably never have one as a daily driver ever again. That doesn't mean I won't still own a rotary. I have one right now. It's a black 1990 naturally aspirated 2nd gen RX-7. It's the play car. It's slower than the RX-8 and less refined but it sure is fun to drive.

 

I'm always curious on why people call it "goodbye" "end of the line" "dies quietly" etc...


Are they going to delete the forum and destroy every existing RX-8 as the last one rolls off the line?





I'll still have mine. I won't be saying "goodbye" at all. Still "helloooo!" every morning.

 

I plan to keep my RX-8 as long as I can. It's not driven in winter, so I'm hoping the car will last as long as I will (and I'm hoping I have at least another 40 years in me).

 

I dont care what u all naysayers say. Im keeping mine. And as soon as they start taking pre orders for the next one i will have my check ready

 

That's a great article, but it might be a good thing. Most cars get their appreciation they deserve when the manufacturer stops making them. Rx8 is the sexiest sports car alive in my opinion exterior and interior.

 

I am 62 yrs old and I have owned a lot of cars. Corvettes, modified BMW's, big block classic's, Lotus, MGA Mak II, etc etc. I have kept the RX8 for 8 years now( and continuing) and thats over twice as long as I have ever kept one.
enough said.
We have a very special production car.
Just LOOK at it. The suspension pieces, engine placement, carbon fiber driveshaft ( in 2004!!)
Electric power steering ( again in 2004) that is one of the best in the world, the braking system, the design functionality, the quality, the ease to work on, etc etc.
Its a damn good car for the enthuiest.