The CX-8 is specific to the Asian market. It was designed to meet the vehicle restrictions in Japan, where roads and vehicles are narrower than in other markets. The CX-9 was never released in Japan because it's too wide. It looks like a cross between the CX-9, CX-5 and CX-3.
EDIT: I don't think that it will come to NA. The narrower design will not fare well as it's competitors here will offer more interior space and cargo capacity.
BTW, there is a CX-8 specific subforum, it's been around for a while. This thread should probably be moved there.