Mazda is bringing back the rotary engine, but it will likely be used as a range extender.
When Mazda introduced the RX Vision Concept at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, enthusiasts got excited about the possibility of not only a new sports car for the Japanese automaker’s range, but a rotary-powered one. But before the RX Vision Concept was unveiled, Mazda was quietly testing a Demio (Mazda2) EV in 2013 featuring a rotary engine serving as a range extender. For obvious reasons, that wasn’t very exciting, but that is likely how we will see the rotary engine being used in a new application.
Speaking at a technology preview at Mazda’s proving ground in Japan, the automaker’s global powertrain lead Mitsuo Hitomi suggested a new rotary engine will serve as a range-extender engine for an electric car.”I think that’s probably what it will be,” he said. He added by saying a rotary engine works well as a range extender because it’s compact and powerful, while generating low vibration.
SEE ALSO: Mazda Confirms New Rotary Concept Car for Tokyo Motor Show
Mazda is aiming to bring the electric vehicle to market in 2019, along with a hybrid vehicle. Like the BMW i3, the electric vehicle will be offered in two versions, one pure electric and one with the range-extender engine. It will ride on a new vehicle architecture that has been designed with a floor pan to accommodate batteries for an EV or hybrid drivetrain.
The good news? Well, Hitomi didn’t completely kill off the idea of a larger rotary engine that could be used to power a sports car. The problem however, is that Mazda is still debating whether it can make a business case for another sports car in its range with the MX-5 Miata currently existing.
We will likely find out more about Mazda’s future plans at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, where it will debut a new rotary concept car.
[Source: Automotive News]
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