Tis a shame, I had one at one point. Loads of high rev fun... Source - Mazda to stop making rotary-engine vehicles - Yahoo! Finance
This is really too bad. While I understand that the RX-8 is the only current Mazda to have a rotary engine, the rotary engine is just about the first thing I think about when I think of Mazda.
Now see, the rotary engine is what held me back from considering an RX 8, which is a pretty sweet car otherwise... A little update and a properly arranged set of pistons driving one, and you might find me down at the Mazda dealer.
Sad, to bad if you have never experienced the rush of a turbo rotary or a street ported, tweaked normally aspirated one. They scream.
I know they go good but they just don't make a pleasing noise... One of the things I like most about my R53 is the sweet noise it makes for such a small little motor. The sound a car makes is just as important as what it looks like, how much power it has, how well it handles.... One of the most beloved things about a Ferrari is the sound they make!! Just not there with a Rotary...like someone farting through a coffee can.. sorry just my 2 cents.
I've always like cars that were a little out of the mainstream, like my RX-7 (and my MINI!). That car reminded me of that guy from Animal House. You could wring the poop out of that little rotary all day long, and when you got done, all it said was "Thank you sir, may I have another"? I agree it didn't sound like most other cars (and who doesn't love the sound of a well built American V-8 or a Ferrari V-12), but it was one of the most fun cars I have owned.
I had an early RX-7 with headers, very interesting exhaust note. I guess it was an acquired taste. It sure was a screamer...... I always thought it was interesting how they had to inject oil into the intake to keep the apex seals lubricated.
I disagree with them "sounding bad". [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXvjzk3qaP8&feature=related]Mazda 787B onboard lap with Johnny Herbert at Le Mans 2011 - YouTube[/ame]
I worked for a guy who had a RX-8 a few years ago. It was definately a fun little car to ride in... wish I had gotten a drive.
At the Grand Am races its funny how everyone whences when they come buy,, they look great, fast as heck but sound like someone dragging their finger nails on a chalk board..... of course those are purpose built race cars. Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of respect for what they are capable of!
NEWS>> MAZDA RX8 SPIRIT R - Speedhunters 10/06/2011.... Mazda Japan has just announced that it will launch the Spirit R version of the RX-8 on November 21st in Japan. Like for the RX-7 back in 2002, the Spirit R marks the final limited edition version of the rotary four-door. The car, based on the Type RS 6-speed manual (or Type E automatic) comes with bronze 19-inch wheels, leather trimmed red and black interior, a pair of Recaro seats, red brake calipers and other smaller visual details. Mazda continues to state that development of the rotary engine will not cease, so we can only hope to see more of these Wankel powered sports cars in years to come.
I enjoyed my little red '79 RX-7. Never had major issues except cheap plasitic bushings in the front end, and slave cylinder that lost its seal every 15K miles.
Mazda Wankel development.... Mazda PR Tweets that the Company is Working on New Rotary Engine-Powered Model(s) - Carscoop
But, thanks to Mazda's seeming flip-flop on the subject, you have to wonder exactly what this means. Here's Motor Authority's take: Given the amount of rotary love left in the world I expect the speculation to go on for a long time...maybe years.
Thought it was written awhile back that they were on the verge of bit of a break through.....guess time will tell. Either way though, that's a fine looking automobile pictured above!!
I agree that Mazda above looks really nice. It kind of reminds me of a Fisker for some reason though :lol:
Throw a 4 rotor Wankel in that baby, put a Super car price tag on it. Those folks don't care about fuel mileage anyway. Instant Mazda "Halo" car.....