Mazda he believes in the potential of the rotary engine in the future. Following the reintroduction of this technology in the Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV, some 11 years after the Mazda RX-8 left the scene in 2012, the car manufacturer intends to use it on its small sports cars, perhaps even about the future MX-5 electrified.
In fact, we recall that at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, Mazda presented the Iconic SP, a concept equipped with an electric powertrain characterized by the presence of rotary engine with range extension functions. Although the Japanese automaker did not want to reveal details, it did make it clear that this technical solution could find its way into one of them. future electrified MX-5.
However, someone noticed that the presented concept higher measures to the roadster, and this could be a clue that the car could in fact be some sort of new sports car from the RX series. The car manufacturer then intervened in this issue, saying that too much attention should not be paid to the dimensions of the concept.
Masashi Nakayama, Mazda’s chief designer, noted that the Iconic SP concept was intentionally larger for its debut at the show. Although the MX-5 has a hardtop like the RX series sports cars, the MX-5 has a retractable hardtop. In addition, he added that the concept car can be easily “shown down” to the size of the MX-5.
In short, the powertrain developed for the concept it will easily find a place inside the future version of the roadster. However, that doesn’t mean Mazda doesn’t have plans to build other electrified sports cars on the platform. To find out what the manufacturer is up to, we just have to wait for more information to arrive.
Let’s just remember that the concept’s powertrain is capable of… total power 370 hp. At the same time, the car weighs 1450 kg. To offer the driving pleasure that characterizes all MX-5s today, Mazda will certainly have to work on reducing weight. However, the automaker plans to place the engine in the center of the car to ensure ideal weight distribution, as close to 50:50 as possible.
The first Mazda car to be equipped with a rotary engine was Mazda Cosmo Sport (Mazda 110S)introduced back in 1967. Starting with this model, the car manufacturer continued to develop this technology, improving power, fuel consumption and durability, maintaining its role as the only brand producing production rotary engines for many years.
The last model to feature this solution was the Mazda RX-8. Now the rotary engine returns as a range extender in the Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV. Considering the crossover design and concept, it seems that the future of the rotary engine may lie in extending the range by providing electricity to the electric motor, allowing the brand to use low-capacity batteries while maintaining good autonomy. .
Source: HD Motori
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.