This is the new rotary engine that Mazda will develop as an alternative to electric ones.
By Laura King
The Japanese company has established a department that will begin operations in February and will be completely dedicated to the development of new rotary engines as an alternative to electric motors.
Mazda has taken a different approach and has chosen to voluntarily postpone the development of electric vehicles.
The rotary engine, also known as the Wankel engine, is a type of internal combustion engine characterized by using rotors instead of conventional pistons and cylinders to convert thermal energy into mechanical energy.
Although several manufacturers have used this type of engine, Mazda has been the one that has dedicated the most efforts to the development of this technology, being a fundamental part of its history. With the growing adoption of electric vehicles and the need to reduce emissions, the company is looking for a new way to exploit this technology.
In contrast to conventional piston engines, Mazda’s rotary engine features a unique structure that allows it to generate considerable power in relation to its size and weight. This motor uses a figure-eight-shaped housing, housing three triangular rotors that move around a central axis.
Rotary engines have been used in high-performance sports cars such as the Mazda RX-8.
A few days ago, during the Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro announced the creation of a new department dedicated to the development of rotary engines that will begin operations in February.
Throughout its history, the Japanese manufacturer has incorporated rotary engines in several of its sportiest models, such as the RX-7 and RX-8. However, this time is different.
The brand, based in Hiroshima, hopes that this new department will contribute to reducing the carbon emissions of its future models. The CEO stated that this new department “will make progress on the challenges of the carbon neutrality era.”
Moro assured that Mazda intends to push the limits of engineering through the use of a “wide range of technical resources.” Like Toyota, which has made significant investments in hydrogen-powered combustion engines, Mazda is exploring green alternatives to electric vehicles.
The Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv REV resurrected Mazda’s rotary engine as a range extender. Is an alternative to electric motors possible using combustion engines?
Moro acknowledged that overcoming the technical challenges will not exactly be easy, but stressed that “finding alternative solutions to the climate crisis has always been a difficult task.” Mazda’s old rotary engine returned to production in June 2023, after a short 11-year hiatus.
It was not installed in an exciting sports car or in a compact, but high-performance vehicle. Its place was under the hood of the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV.
Since 1967, when production began, Mazda has manufactured two million rotary engines. For the manufacturer, the launch of this new division is, once again, a historic milestone, at a time when all brands are focusing their efforts on the development of their electric vehicles.
Like Toyota, Mazda has felt on its back the criticism that accuses it of being behind in the launch of 100% electric models. But, like his compatriots, Moro assures that this strategy is totally intentional.
He describes his company as an “intentional follower” in the electric vehicle sector. He said to avoid the mobility crisis, the company is seeking alternative ways as the masses seem not interested in electric vehicles.
The new division is likely to develop hydrogen-powered engines or an extended range system similar to that of the MX-30 e-Skyactiv REV. Specific details about its purposes have not yet been revealed.
The company is exploring options that combine the heritage of the rotary engine with more modern technologies. Looking to the past to address future challenges is the strategy Mazda is considering.
In this sense, electrified vehicles with a rotary engine could represent an innovative and efficient solution for the changing needs of the industry.
