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The suicide doored, high-revving rotary sportscar has already vanished from showrooms in Europe and America - the largest markets other than Japan.
However, a special edition named the RX-8 SPIRIT R will go on sale from the end of November in Japan.
It is based on the RX-8 Type RS and Type E, naming it after the final limited edition Mazda RX-7.
Mazda’s Public Relations Manager Steve Maciver says Mazda is seriously exploring the option of the special edition for Australia next year.
However, it’s not the end of the story for the rotary production.
“The next RX generation is still on the agenda,” Maciver says. “Engineers in Japan are working very hard to develop the next generation rotary engine.”
“The engineers in Japan are passionate about keeping the rotary spirit alive,” Maciver says. “They’re calling it an end for the RX-8 production but they’re looking towards the future.”
Ford has reduced its shares in Mazda, but Maciver says both parties will continue to work together and benefit from the rotary’s evolution.
However, it may be a long time before fans get to see another rotary powered vehicle at Le Mans 24 Hour after Mazda’s 1991 win. Regulations prohibit the rotary from competing anymore.
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