Mazda Kills RX-9 And Relegates Rotary Power To Hybrids
Life is just not fair sometimes. Mazda’s stunning RX Vision concept had hinted – strongly – that a future rotary-powered RX coupé was in the pipeline, but sadly the idea has been canned for good.
In an interview with Automotive News, Mazda CEO Masamichi Kogai squashed the idea of any sort of RX-sized coupé. A simple and possibly slightly impatient “no” greeted Automotive News’ reporter when he asked the question.
Although Kogai-san hasn’t ruled out the idea of rotary making a comeback, he does have bad news for sports car enthusiasts. He said: “I think that as a sports car option, the MX-5 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter conventional engine, with its power and acceleration, might be a more exhilarating experience.
We can point him to at least two online communities that might disagree, but hey. Rotary is in the R&D chain as we sit here right now, but is set to be limited to range-extender technology, where a small, high-revving rotor might be a perfect electricity-generating companion for batteries and electric motors.
“If we were to restart production of the rotary engine again, we need to make sure it wouldn’t be just short-lived,” Kogai said. “We need it to meet future emissions regulations. We are still conducting our r&d activity to overcome any issues we have with emissions and fuel efficiency.
Sad times indeed. But let’s remember that this cloud has a silver lining. At least the inevitable future LS swap argument won’t ever happen…
Comments
[DELETED]
https://youtu.be/WChTqYlDjtI
worst 2016 death
It actually does make a lot of sense to use a rotary engine as a generator. It’s compact and lightweight, revs pretty high, so can produce a substantial amount of electricity with minimal space/weight penalty. Moreover, its smooth and vibration-free operation means it wouldn’t be all that annoying for the occupants of the vehicle. However, I’m still sad about this news
I wanted a Wankel not a w*er!
2016 strikes again
At least they tried.
your coolness has decreased
http://technitrader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/TechniTrader-Short-Sell-Red-Down-Arrow.png
Am I the only one who reads the interview properly? They ask for a sportscar with rotary range extender and not for a conventional rotary powered car. I don’t want to be to positive, but that’s not a no to a rx-7 successor.
2016 this time you have went too far. It might take me a week it might even take three but know this I will find you and I will end you. You will not get away with this.