Mazda EVs might hold the secret for RX-8 successor
Mazda's range-extended EVs could yet provide the catalyst for a future rotary-engined sports car
Who'd have thought it? A successor to the Mazda RX-8 is now looking more likely than ever thanks to advancements made in - get this - range-extended electric vehicles. Turns out the development of small capacity Wankel engines that will be used to charge the batteries of Mazda's upcoming electric cars could quite easily lead to the creation of a full-sized sports car powertrain - so long as we buy lots of them.
Mazda vice president of communications in Europe and full-time car enthusiast, Wojciech Halarewicz, told PH that a new rotary-engined sports car was a "dream" of his that was suddenly getting closer, perhaps unintentionally, as investment in Wankel technology was being ramped up ahead of the launch of Mazda's first EV in 2020.
"We know that electric cars will be important in 2020 to 2025, but also that EVs are not the answer for everything," he said. "Combustion engines will still play a part, and if you asked me if I want a rotary sports car at the top of the range, I'd say yes I'd love to have one. Many of my colleagues would too. So it's a matter of keeping the sales growth going to make sure we can do one in the future."
Mazda previewed its dream of a rotary-engined halo car with the RX-Vision concept back in 2015. But the fallout from the Volkswagen Dieselgate scandal meant the project was shelved as the manufacturer's focus turned to developing electric car technology in the face of increasingly stringent emission limits.
Scant consolation for the rotary engine fans who've been without a Wankel-powered Mazda since the RX-8 went off sale in 2012. That model used a 1.3-litre motor which produced up to 228hp and span to a memorable 9,000rpm in standard trim - although the unit also became notorious for its fuel consumption and a comparatively short life span.
Mazda's been hard at work ironing out those issues, however, and it firmly believes the benefits of the Wankel design - including its very high horsepower-per-litre figure - are ideal for electric vehicle range extenders. Ironic then that it might be the tech developed for the sake of batteries and electric motors that eventually secures the future of an RX-8 successor.
And even if that sports car itself were to require some form of electrification to enable it to meet future emissions standards, it would surely be a price worth paying for the long heralded return of the rotary engine. All we need to do now is encourage everyone else to go and buy one of Mazda's future EV models. Simples!
I am a HUGE advocate of the rotary engine, and if anyone has yet to drive one hard then I'd recommend it strongly. They have their flaws, for sure, but from a driving experience point of view it just cannot be matched.
A rotary engine that'll hit emissions restrictions is a big ask, let alone one that could do so as a sole power source
As a final note, the RX8 was sold until 2011 here in the UK, but ran through to 2013 in Japan. Don't know where 2012 came from? lol
I'm not that clued up on different ICE techs but the RE needs to run at constant RPM, so doesn't need to compromise anything like a normal power ICE does through a rev range - wonder how that would affect a bespoke design of an ICE engine for range extending?
Biggest problem to overcome is emissions followed by reliability.
Plus I'm secretly hoping it never comes to light so that my R3 becomes a future classic as the last mass produced rotary powered car
For me an EV with a small, lightweight REX like a rotary makes perfect sense.
I think this is great news, rotary engines would make great range extenders because they are so smooth and quiet, and a new rotary engined sports car would be fantastic.
The only worry is that the lifespan of a PHEV might be quite short if battery technology improves quickly. There's little need for a PHEV if an EV can do 300 miles and very high wattage charging is readily available. At the moment PHEV's seem like a good bridge technology for more affordable cars (battery's are expensive) and long-distance drivers (not enough battery range or high wattage chargers). The example is the Outlander PHEV which does everything a Model X can do at less than half the price, at the expense of still burning fossil fuels on longer journeys.
Anyway, good luck Mazda and let's see the MX-5 PHEV with a real-world 30 mile EV range and a small rotary range extender taking total range to 300 miles. Also 200bhp at the rear wheels and only a modest price increase after incentives. I'd be sorely tempted - I think wind in the hair motoring suits EVs.
Where the wankel engine failed electric assistance could make it great:
- fuel consumption for short journeys - electric only
- lack of torque - electric motor would fill the low rpm torque curve
- getting lower road tax - electric assist
- lightweight and compact engine - complements the heavy and cumbersome batteries required in electric cars
Furthermore, my RX8 remains one of the best all round usable sports car I have driven or owned (if 4 seats in a coupe is desired) and certainly the best value and with many unique selling points.
Ultimately the engine is one of the cars quirky curiosities / attractions and the cars greatest weakness.
Still, it's hardly exciting.
I loved my MX5 because of the noise of the engine and exhaust when the top was down. It's yet another reason I don't see the point of buying a convertible diesel... The aural feedback is just as important in a drop-top as the wind in your hair.
To each their own, obviously.
Still, it's hardly exciting.
Reliability is a concern, though.
I loved my MX5 because of the noise of the engine and exhaust when the top was down. It's yet another reason I don't see the point of buying a convertible diesel... The aural feedback is just as important in a drop-top as the wind in your hair.
To each their own, obviously.
My ultimate convertible would be a Cobra with the noises of a large V8, but for general use we will have to stop burning fossil fuels.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/anything-goes/w...
It's less exciting when the rotary is just to power a generator and not the wheels but it's incredibly unlikely we'll ever see that again because of emissions and questions over reliability.
One thing's for sure; it can't possibly drive down the prices on RX-8s any more!
Still, it's hardly exciting.
I am a HUGE advocate of the rotary engine, and if anyone has yet to drive one hard then I'd recommend it strongly. They have their flaws, for sure, but from a driving experience point of view it just cannot be matched.
A rotary engine that'll hit emissions restrictions is a big ask, let alone one that could do so as a sole power source
As a final note, the RX8 was sold until 2011 here in the UK, but ran through to 2013 in Japan. Don't know where 2012 came from? lol
I read it that Mazda have been experimenting on using a small rotary to provide the range extension to an ecobox, as an unexpected turn of events, they may have managed to find a way to make the rotary engine itself viable for use as a main power source.
Having one a range extender would be a bit of an insult to the RX badge IMO. The car isn't rotary powered, it's rotary charged. You won't get the sound, the rev range or the rebuilds.
Hopefully I've read it right and Mazda just stumbled on a way to make a full size rotary engine for 2018 and beyond and have it in a sports car, potentially suplimented by electricity, not dominated by it.
I read it that Mazda have been experimenting on using a small rotary to provide the range extension to an ecobox, as an unexpected turn of events, they may have managed to find a way to make the rotary engine itself viable for use as a main power source.
Having one a range extender would be a bit of an insult to the RX badge IMO. The car isn't rotary powered, it's rotary charged. You won't get the sound, the rev range or the rebuilds.
Hopefully I've read it right and Mazda just stumbled on a way to make a full size rotary engine for 2018 and beyond and have it in a sports car, potentially suplimented by electricity, not dominated by it.
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