Mazda's Next Rotary Engine To Be EV Range Extender

Mazda is indeed working on a new rotary engine, but you might not like the sound of its intended use...

16 Oct 2017

We know now that Mazda has whipped up a successor for the RX-Vision concept, and we’re pretty sure it’ll be rotary powered. But how about in the real world of production cars? Well, the rotary news there is less rosy.

It’s looking like the rotary engine Mazda has been working on is actually a range extender for the electric vehicle the Japanese firm intends to release by 2019. According to Automotive News, Mazda powertrain boss Mitsuo Hitomi said: “I think that’s probably what it [Mazda’s next rotary engine] will be.” The rationale is that rotary engines can be very small yet powerful, and generate low vibrations, Hitomi explained.

But, it’s not all bad news. Another part of the argument for using a rotary engine in this capacity is it keeps the technology alive for now, and Hitomi confirmed that Mazda is indeed working on a larger unit that could be fitted to a sports car in the future.

Nothing will happen until a business case for a sports car larger than the MX-5 is made though, so the last use of the rotary engine in the automotive industry might not be the braap-fest we all long for…

Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.

Comments

Brace yourselves for the least reliable engine ever made

As long as I still hear that noise.

These sorts of concepts come off the same to me as fly-by-wire throttles and brakes and the lot.

i was a wankel believer back in the day over 40 years ago, I know that dates me but now that we ,I know better due to environmental problems we have to go beyond fossil fuel for transportation solutions , now that we have lighter batteries and cheaper solar panels we should do all we can to lessen our impact on the environment and cutting down on ICE in vehicles is a first step.