Mazda’s Rotary Engine: A Look at its Past and Future

For car enthusiasts, the rotary engine is a symbol of Mazda’s engineering prowess. The company’s RX-7 and RX-8 sports cars, powered by the unique Wankel engine, have a cult following among petrolheads. However, the last rotary-powered Mazda rolled off the production line in 2012, leaving fans wondering if the technology has a future in the company’s lineup. In this article, we’ll take a look at Mazda’s rotary engine history and explore its potential for the future.

The Rise and Fall of the Rotary Engine

Mazda’s fascination with the rotary engine began in the 1960s when the company licensed the technology from German engineer Felix Wankel. The Wankel engine is a type of internal combustion engine that uses a rotor instead of pistons to convert fuel into power. The result is a compact, lightweight engine that can rev higher and produce more power than traditional engines of similar size.

Mazda’s first rotary-powered car was the Cosmo Sport, launched in 1967. The car was a hit in Japan and helped establish Mazda as an innovative automaker. Over the next few decades, Mazda continued to refine the rotary engine, introducing new models such as the RX-3, RX-4, and RX-7. The latter became an icon of the sports car world, winning numerous races and accolades.

However, the rotary engine also had its drawbacks. It was notoriously thirsty, consuming more fuel than comparable engines. It was also prone to reliability issues, with apex seals being a common failure point. As emissions regulations tightened in the 1990s, Mazda struggled to make the rotary engine comply with stricter standards. The company eventually discontinued the RX-7 in 2002 and the RX-8 in 2012, citing poor sales and high development costs.

The Rotary Engine Returns

Despite the challenges, Mazda never gave up on the rotary engine. In 2019, the company unveiled the MX-30, a compact crossover SUV that features a rotary engine as a range extender. The engine, called the Skyactiv-R, is a 1.5-liter unit that generates electricity to power the car’s electric motor. This setup gives the MX-30 a total range of around 200 miles, with 124 miles coming from the battery and 76 miles from the rotary engine.

The MX-30’s rotary engine is a departure from Mazda’s previous use of the technology. Instead of being the primary power source, it serves as a backup generator, similar to the Chevrolet Volt. However, Mazda has hinted that the Skyactiv-R could be used in other applications, including as a standalone engine in a sports car.

The Future of Mazda’s Rotary Engine

So, what does the future hold for Mazda’s rotary engine? While the company hasn’t announced any plans for a new sports car, there are rumors that one is in development. Mazda executives have also stated that they are working on improving the rotary engine’s fuel efficiency and emissions performance, which could make it more viable for use in production cars.

One potential application for the rotary engine is in hybrid or electric vehicles. The engine’s compact size and high power density make it an ideal range extender for electric cars, as demonstrated by the MX-30. Mazda could also use the engine in a hybrid setup, similar to Toyota’s Prius, where it would work in conjunction with an electric motor to improve fuel economy.

Another possibility is that Mazda could develop a new sports car that uses the rotary engine as its primary power source. The company has hinted at this in the past, and there are rumors that a new RX-9 is in the works. If true, the car would likely be a halo model for the brand, showcasing Mazda’s engineering prowess and commitment to innovation.

Conclusion

Mazda’s rotary engine has a storied history, from its early successes with the Cosmo Sport and RX-7 to its eventual decline in popularity. However, the technology has never been completely abandoned by the company, as demonstrated by the MX-30’s range extender. While the future of the rotary engine is uncertain, there are signs that it could make a comeback in some form, whether as a hybrid powertrain or as the heart of a new sports car. For now, Mazda fans can only wait and hope that the company’s engineers are hard at work on the next chapter of the rotary engine’s story.