If you are a petrol head than you would know how precious the Rotary engine is despite the ridiculous maintenance cost. The last time anyone enjoyed the rotary was on a Mazda RX-8.
Well, good news is that the legendary rotary engine is making a comeback, and this time, it’s not just playing backup as a glorified battery charger. At the Tokyo Auto Salon, Mazda’s President, Masahiro Moro, dropped a bombshell that had enthusiasts buzzing:
“On February 1, we will launch the Rotary Engine Development Group.”
That’s corporate-speak for ‘Yes, we’re building a new rotary sports car.’ And let’s be real, we all saw this coming.
Mazda has been teasing us for years, from the jaw-dropping RX-Vision concept in 2016 to the rotary-hybrid Iconic SP unveiled in 2023. Now, they’re finally taking action, and it looks like we’re in for something special.
Not Just a Generator Anymore
Sure, Mazda dipped its toes back into rotary waters with the MX-30 R-EV, but let’s be honest—it wasn’t quite the rebirth we were hoping for. That car used a single-rotor engine purely as a range-extender to charge the batteries, which left hardcore rotary fans a little… underwhelmed.
This new project, however, is the real deal. According to Moro, the overwhelming positive response to the Iconic SP at the Japan Mobility Show last year was the final push Mazda needed to take the plunge.
“I am deeply moved by all the support and encouragement I have received for the compact [Iconic SP] sports car concept. With your encouragement, we are launching a rotary engine development group on February 1 to move closer to this dream,” Moro explained.
More Rotors, More Power, More Fun
If the rumours hold up, Mazda’s upcoming sports car will take inspiration from the Iconic SP’s hybrid setup but crank things up to 11.
Unlike the MX-30’s single-rotor system, this new beast is expected to pack two 830cc rotors, which means a massive leap in power—somewhere in the ballpark of 350 horsepower. Oh, and before you ask—yes, power is expected to go to the rear wheels, just like a proper sports car.
This hybrid setup won’t just be about brute force, though. Mazda is also laser-focused on making the rotary more efficient and eco-friendly. Moro hinted at big innovations on that front:
“In order to breakthrough the challenges of the carbon neutral era, rotary engine engineers who have acquired a broad technical perspective that transcends the boundaries of cutting-edge internal combustion engine technology will reunite.”
That sounds an awful lot like they’re working on reducing emissions, improving fuel economy, and possibly making the rotary run on a variety of alternative fuels.
Plus, thanks to its hybrid nature, the car should be able to cruise on electric power alone when needed—perfect for meeting stricter emissions regulations while still letting that rotary scream when the time is right.
When Can We Expect It?
If all goes according to plan, Mazda’s next-gen rotary sports car should hit the roads by late 2026 or early 2027, with a price tag hovering around RM235,000. Expect a proper name instead of ‘Iconic SP,’ but whatever they call it, this machine is shaping up to be the rotary rebirth we’ve all been waiting for.
So, what do you think? Is Mazda finally delivering the rotary-powered dream machine we’ve been begging for? Let us know! One thing’s for sure—the legend lives on.
Source: Forbes
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