If you're from the UK, this is your last chance to buy a new Mazda RX-8 as less than 100 examples of the four-seater sports car remain in stock after production in Hiroshima of the right hand drive models for Britain ended. As is the case with Honda's Civic Type R hot hatch, the RX-8's rotary engine fell victim to Europe's looming Euro 5 emissions standard. According to Mazda, UK customers purchased 14% of 186,632 total global RX-8 sales since 2003 launch.
The remaining Mazda RX-8s are the R3 models with the 231HP engine and the ability to reach 62mph in just 6.4 seconds. On the road pricing is set at £25,540 with Mazda dealers currently offering buyers a finance package with 5.9% APR for up to 36 months until 30 September 2010.
"Over the next couple of months drivers will be presented with a rare opportunity to acquire one of the very last RX-8s available in the UK," said Mark Cameron, Sales Director, Mazda UK. "Its immense driver appeal, the world's only rotary-powered production car is still a head-turner, with tremendous road presence and styling that still looks fresh. A few lucky customers are going to play a part in the grand finale of this motoring legend."
While it's almost certain that Mazda will present a new sports car in the very near future, it's unclear if the Japanese automaker is considering a direct successor to the four-seater RX-8 or, as the rumors suggest (and we hope for), a more sportier two-door model reviving the RX-7. In any case, Mazda will continue to use a rotary engine on the sports car, albeit a more fuel efficient and greener one.
