Photo: Mazda
Ever since Mazda killed off the RX-8 back in 2012 due to emissions regulations, rumors about the Japanese carmaker bringing back its Wankel offensive have been flying around, but with nothing to actually quench our thirst for rotary power.
It seems we are now one step closer to the return of Mazda’s Wankel propulsion, with company president Masamichi Kogai using the Frankfurt Motor Show to confirm the company still has a dedicated engineering team for the task.
Kogai explained to autocar that the engineers are working “very enthusiastically” to align the rotary engine technology to the standards set by the new-generation reciprocation engines.
Give the current pressure to cut emissions, which has gone as far as pushing Ferrari and Porsche to go down the turbo pathway, Mazda doesn’t afford to bring the Wankel engine back onto the market unless it can deliver excellent efficiency stats.
The greatest challenge lies in designing a Wankel engine that displays the proper characteristics in terms of low-revs torque, cold-start behaviour and CO2 emissions.
To be more precise, 2018 will mark the 40th anniversary of the original RX-7. This means we should see a proposal by then, at least in concept form.
Mazda has explored multiple possibilities for Wankel engines, as such a development would also serve as an excellent marketing tool that would set the company apart. From a range extended included in a hybrid powertrain to a turbocharged RX-8, the Japanese carmaker is fighting for rotary power life. Let's just hope the clientele doesn't just inlude teenagers writing on forums.
Kogai explained to autocar that the engineers are working “very enthusiastically” to align the rotary engine technology to the standards set by the new-generation reciprocation engines.
Give the current pressure to cut emissions, which has gone as far as pushing Ferrari and Porsche to go down the turbo pathway, Mazda doesn’t afford to bring the Wankel engine back onto the market unless it can deliver excellent efficiency stats.
The greatest challenge lies in designing a Wankel engine that displays the proper characteristics in terms of low-revs torque, cold-start behaviour and CO2 emissions.
OK, got it, but what about the car around the engine?
As for a potential vehicle built around such an engine, Mazda’s president hasn’t mentioned anything in particular. Nevertheless, we need look no further than the company history to notice a potential timeframe.To be more precise, 2018 will mark the 40th anniversary of the original RX-7. This means we should see a proposal by then, at least in concept form.
Mazda has explored multiple possibilities for Wankel engines, as such a development would also serve as an excellent marketing tool that would set the company apart. From a range extended included in a hybrid powertrain to a turbocharged RX-8, the Japanese carmaker is fighting for rotary power life. Let's just hope the clientele doesn't just inlude teenagers writing on forums.
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