Mazda RX-8 - Successor

Successor

The next generation rotary engine, dubbed "16X," is currently under development. Rumours suggest that the RX-8 may be replaced by a new smaller, lighter, simpler sports car set to compete with the likes of the Toyota 86. Mazda’s new 16X rotary engine is rumored to be at the heart of the RX-8 successor. Rumors suggest the RX-8 successor will include the introduction of direct injection technology, as well as aluminium side housings with 1600 cc capacity instead of 1308 cc of the 13B (RX-7 and RX-8) engine. Rumors also suggest that the new engine dimensions of the 16X will have increased stroke and reduced rotor width for improved thermal efficiency and more torque. Japanese reports and Autocar both claim that the next generation RX-8 will have around 290 horsepower. They also claim the car should weigh in at around 2,800 lb (1,300 kg), making it a true light-weight sports car.

Rumors suggest that development work on the next generation rotary engine have been given a lower priority and will proceed at a slower pace, due to limited engineering resources and tightening emission regulations, making development of a high performance rotary engine a lower priority compared to the next generation MX-5. However, in a press release on February 2012 Mazda stressed that development of rotary engines will continue, but stopped short of revealing any further commitments. Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda's Representative Director, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO "...Although RX-8 production is ending, the rotary engine will always represent the spirit of Mazda and Mazda remains committed to its ongoing development."

The sales of the RX-8 ended in 2010 in Europe after failing emission standards.

The production of the RX-8 ended in April 2012 in Japan. Mazda had produced 192,094 RX-8s since 2003.

The production of the last rotary engine ended in June 21st, 2012 followed by the end of RX-8 assembly on June 22nd, 2012 at Mazda's Ujina, Hiroshima plant.