We always knew it would eventually make a serious return, following its brief revival a couple of years ago in the Japan-only Mazda Demio2 as seen in the video below…
However, before you run over to your nearest showroom to place a future booking for the new Mazda rotary – the USA might get the first rotary-equipped Mazda as early as 2019 – hang on a second and read on, after this video which serves as a refresher for how a rotary-engine works:
Now, unlike the previous iterations of rotary-powered Mazda’s like the RX-3, RX-7 and RX-8 Efini, the new one could be utilised this time around as a ‘range-extender’ (RE) for a future Mazda electric-car.
Where normally an electric-motor assists a hybrid, this time it’s likely reversed. Mitsuo Hitomi, Mazda Global Powertrain Head, said the technology will likely be used as a RE engine to generate electricity for the battery-powered car.
“A rotary engine is ideal as a range extender because it is compact and powerful, while generating low-vibration, and it also gives Mazda a way to keep the technology alive.” Hitomi said.
Meanwhile, Hitomi confirmed that Mazda’s engineers are developing a bigger rotary engine that might someday power a sports car, like this one…maybe. Mazda’s last rotary engine ended production in 2012.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VIWR0kJOvo&t=2s
Source: Automotive News
Featured Image: Car & Driver
