Mazda showed a new rotary engine (7 photos)

As part of a joint initiative between three Japanese companies to produce more environmentally friendly engines, Mazda demonstrated a new rotary engine. The two-section Wankel engine is intended for use as part of a hybrid power plant, but it has already been stated that some new sports model may eventually be equipped with it.





Mazda is still not going to give the rotary motor a direct connection to the wheels; the engine will only be used as a power generator for electric motors. However, the new generation power unit should become significantly more efficient. Mazda claims that the rotor design will increase power, reduce harmful emissions and, due to its compactness, lower the center of gravity of future hybrids.

The latter can be a significant advantage if the new installation is used on sports cars. The company has officially confirmed that it is considering the prospect of releasing a new model with a sporty character, possibly following in the footsteps of the sensational Iconic SP concept. However, it has not yet been clarified whether we are talking about the renewal of the RX line, or whether, for example, the new generation of the MX family will receive a power plant with a Wankel engine. The company added that both the concept and the installation itself can be scaled to fit cars of different classes.

The power unit is presented as part of a joint campaign between Mazda, Subaru and Toyota. Companies recently made a declarative statement about plans to create more environmentally friendly power plants, including internal combustion engines capable of running on alternative fuels: hydrogen or synthetic. Japanese automakers do not plan to directly borrow technology. Mazda has already focused on Wankel engines, Toyota is about to release a small inline-four, and Subaru is preparing new boxer engines.

Rotary piston engines are not installed in the modern automotive industry, although previously only a few manufacturers produced models with them. The Volzhsky Automobile Plant, the German NSU, the French Citroen and Mazda experimented and produced cars in small batches. The Japanese have made the most cars with such engines and have been announcing the resumption of work on cars with RPD for several years now.