Mazda is working on a new rotary engine that could directly drive a car’s wheels, a departure from its current use as a range extender in electric vehicles. This marks a shift from the rotary setup found in the MX-30 R-EV, where the engine only charges the battery and does not contribute to propulsion.
Rotary Engine May Join Hybrid Powertrains
Mazda’s product-planning manager in Europe, Moritz Oswald, revealed that the company wants the rotary to do more than generate electricity. Instead, the engine could work alongside electric motors to help move the car. Oswald described a hybrid system that would start in full electric mode, with the rotary engine kicking in later to add power.
This approach aims to keep the unique sound and feel of the rotary engine while meeting emissions rules. Oswald emphasized that the rotary’s attraction lies in its high-revving character and vibration, which Mazda wants to preserve as part of the driving experience.
New Engineering Supports Cleaner Rotary Operation
Mazda engineers continue refining the rotary design. A recent patent filing describes a system to recirculate exhaust gases specifically for rotary engines. This targets an old problem where the engine uses more fuel to cool itself and limit combustion temperatures, which increases emissions.
This technology could help a rotary engine driving the wheels meet modern environmental standards without losing the qualities enthusiasts love. Oswald also ruled out pairing the rotary with a continuously variable transmission, saying it reduces driving engagement and breaks the connection between driver and car.
Rotary Legacy and Future Prospects
Mazda has a long history with rotary engines, from the 1965 Cosmo to the RX-8 in 2012. It remains the only carmaker still exploring the design seriously. The current MX-30 R-EV uses the rotary solely as a range extender, turning a generator to feed its battery but not powering the wheels directly.
While Mazda has not announced which model might get the new rotary-hybrid setup or when it will arrive, internal enthusiasm suggests it could eventually return in a sportier form. For now, Mazda is focusing on hybrid powertrains and technical improvements rather than launching a new rotary sports car.
Source: motor1.com