Mazda has revealed that its rotary engine will debut sooner than expected, but the comeback may not excite enthusiasts in the same vein as those in the RX-7 and RX-8. Instead, the new-generation Wankel, dubbed SkyActiv-R, will be predominantly used as a range extender for Mazda’s upcoming electric vehicles.
According to Automotive News, Mazda’s global powertrain boss, Mitsuo Hitomi said a rotary engine makes for an ideal range extender because it’s compact, powerful and doesn’t produce a lot of vibration. A range extender is a necessity in North America because people there typically drive for a much longer distance.
The announcement falls in line with the company’s latest commitment to electrification, a move which will spawn variations of mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric Mazda vehicles. To that end, all Mazda cars will be electrified by 2035, but expect an EV to debut sometime in 2019 along with the range extender tech.
“All of our other internal combustion engines will have to have some form of electrification at some point – mild hybrid or 48-volt electrics. So yes, that type of technology could be in rotary engines in the future. However, I believe I would like to introduce the new rotary engine without electrification because I think that is what the rotary engine fans will want,” said a Mazda official.
Hitomi also went on to say that a second, larger and more powerful rotary engine is currently being developed for a high-performance sports car that will slot above the MX-5. The challenge now isn’t about meeting emissions standard, but to make a solid business case for the car and whether or not the company can sell enough cars.
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In short, Mitsuo Hitomi said a rotary engine is a necessity bcos it’s compact, powerful & doesn’t produce a lot of vibration. Hence, makes for an ideal range extender for the America market because they like to drive longer distance.
But Mr Hitomi, the Americans don’t travel long distance with a low seating car for 2 wor! As I remember, most Americans like Big automobile. They prefer comfortable seats & large luggage compartment.
Wrong marketing Stragedy. It may turn out to be a Tragedy. Maybe U should listen to a song by Bee Gees name TRAGEDY.
Article Paragraph 1 ” for Mazda’s upcoming electric vehicles”. This could include non sports cars such as CX series SUV or Biante MPV series or the 3 & 6 series sedans or perhaps new upcoming vehicles not within this range. This makes business sense and meets the requirements you mentioned in Paragraph 2 of your reply.
Article Last paragraph is where they’re studying if a larger more powerful Wankel engine will be business viable in a larger sports car. This addresses Paragraph 3 of your reply.
Where does it say anything about seating for 2 wor?
Do you even read? Rotary range extender is for all their electric vehicles while a big rotary engine is solely for their sports car.
12yrsold = 12 yrs old..
Learn to read properly first lah before comment
He he he. I’m happy bcos I got 4 reply instead of just “dislike” & that means U ALL have read the article.
This has proven that bashers who use provocative words do get a reply.
The Best reply is from “Not Toyota Fan” as he gave a concise points & answers but he did not take the opportunity to bash me which is very rare here.
Square geek. Just because read the word rotary engine only think rotary engine can be fitted to 2 seater car! That’s why countries that were behind us in the past such as south korea and vietnam have overtooked us far far. The whole has moved on but malaysians have skills that of what the education system of the british pre 1957!
If its compact and suitability for a range extender, Mazda would have developed Micro Turbine technology. Its an even smaller, more efficient way to drive a generator.
Surprisingly Honda has been keeping quiet. They already have turbine technology ages ago. They just have to make it smaller for automotive use as a generator. But then again, they also have fuel cell tech.
Now who wouldn’t want a jet engine in their car.
Jet fuel aka kerosene can’t passed the euro6 emission test. Another factor is fuel efficiency.
Yup agreed. Gas turbines has horrible mileage for the quality of fuel used (jet fuel). Case in point the range of M1 Abrams is pitiful compared to diesel fueled Leopard2.
Dump all the fossil fuel engine..
in the future, electric car will be main chose..
less maintainance, less moving part, good for environment..
What is the definition for “Good for the environment” ? If it’s solely based on zero fossil fuel emissions, then you need stop looking at the small picture.
Big question should be “how much total pollution”?
Add up the pollution from start to finish, include factors such as:
generation of electricity to charge (mostly from coal, maybe some from gas, very little from hydroelectric), the highly toxic rare metals elements in batteries (from mining to shipping to Japan for manufacture to refining to lastly disposal after end of life).
Some studies show that total pollution for electric cars can be as high as 4 times as a internal combustion engine car. But of course the green lobby will deny this and espouse the destruction nature of green house effects.
The Big Picture is that all that has achieved is (carbon) pollution shifting. In the end, total pollution is at best is the same but at worst, the electric car gives more pollution.
On the contrary, the same transformation already taking place at high speed in the utility industry . The whole world is moving toward RE (renuwable energy) like biogas, wind and solar to name a few.
So, clean and green power stations will be powering green and clean car – to some extend now but will be dominant in the near future. There is no two-ways about this.