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SkyActiv Technology: The Last Nail in Mazda’s RX Series’ Coffin

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Mazda 2009 Mazda's RX Series Blue

If you haven’t heard the news already, brace yourself:

There will be no revival of Mazda’s RX Series.

If you’re still in denial and need a reality check, Mazda’s CEO, Masamichi Kogai, confirmed that he and the brand as a whole have no intent of bringing the sports car back to life.

With the company going through a rough patch, thus cutting back on certain projects, the automaker will focus on its successful mainstream models that feature profitable SkyActiv technology.

That’s right—SkyActiv technology was the final nail in the coffin that buried the RX Series.


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Kogai solidly confirmed that SkyActiv techology would usher in the brand’s future through the current seven-vehicle lineup.

“It’s difficult for us at present to further expand our lineup. The company is still in the process of improving its financial structure. We want to focus our limited resources on the Skyactiv products that we have today,” reasoned Kogai.

On one hand, playing it safe makes sense from a financial perspective. Mazda has been trekking across some shaky industry changes and needs to focus on its firm entries. Why not favor innovating efficient powertrains and lightweight bodies instead of flashy vanity projects?

However, the excuse feels undeniably like chasing what’s popular instead of sticking to the company’s roots. The rotary engine was what made Mazda such an acclaimed brand, but its death with the RX-8 in 2012 was interpreted as a lack of consumer interest.

Eco-addicted, lightweight half-breeds (*cough* the new Miata *cough*) beat out hard-core rotary engine sports cars. Not surprising, really. Our adults selves have conceded that’s how the future will be…

Dicaprio Shrug

…but our inner child is still throwing a tantrum.

Angry Kid


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