Mazda Advances Rotary-Electric Sports Car Concept, Nearing Production Realization

Jun 03, 2024 03:21 AM EDT

RED MAZDA SPORTS CAR — (Photo : AI IMAGE/DABBIE DAVIS)

Mazda is sustaining the legacy of rotary-powered sports cars, tantalizing fans with potential new engines in the pipeline for production. The proposed rotary engine is envisioned to operate as a generator, charging the battery rather than directly driving the wheels, offering an innovative approach to power delivery.

Mazda, Rotary Electric Sports Car

Recently, Mazda, Toyota, and Subaru revealed plans to enhance internal combustion engines with electrification for reduced emissions. Despite Mazda not getting the center stage, it showcased two rotary concept engines, hinting at future production intentions amidst the spotlight on Toyota.

As per TopGear, Mazda has officially announced its contemplation of utilizing a rotary-electric powertrain in a sports car. Following the collaborative declaration by Mazda, Toyota, and Subaru to enhance combustion engines for electrification and increased standalone power, Mazda introduced an intriguing concept engine based on the rotary-electric range-extender found in the MX-30 crossover.

This innovative engine concept employs two longitudinally mounted rotary engines to produce increased power for the battery and electric motor. Mazda's Chief Technology Officer stated that the concept unit features two rotary engines mounted longitudinally to generate power, allowing for a larger power supply and achieving low center-of-gravity proportions.

More About Mazda's Latest Concept

CarExpert.com.au provided additional insights into this advancement. Mazda's initial rotary hybrid concept engine is an evolution of the technology utilized in the Mazda MX-30 SUV internationally, where the R-EV version incorporates a single-rotor engine to assist in recharging the onboard battery pack.

This updated configuration is touted to be more compact and offer enhanced packaging versatility compared to the MX-30 R-EV system, facilitating a design that evokes strong emotional appeal.

In delineating its dual-rotor concept, Mazda explains that the two rotary engines positioned longitudinally generate power, enabling a larger battery power supply and functioning as a range-extender rather than directly propelling the wheels.

Moreover, the report revealed the two-rotor engine is currently under evaluation for potential deployment in sports cars, with strong indications pointing towards its inclusion in a future production model inspired by the RX-7 themed Iconic SP concept showcased at the previous year's Tokyo motor show.

During its debut in October 2023, the concept was described by Mazda as featuring a two-rotor EV system designed to recharge the onboard battery that drives its electric motors in case of battery depletion.

RX is Coming

Meanwhile, according to Motor1.com, a fresh RX model is now a confirmed possibility. This revelation arrives following insights that Mazda once contemplated reviving the RX-7 in the mid-2000s but shelved the idea due to financial constraints during the crisis period.

The proposed reboot would have entailed a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car positioned above the MX-5 Miata (NC). Nevertheless, indications suggest the return of the RX could be a reality in the future. After years of speculation, rumors, and the unveiling of an attractive concept, it is now explicitly mentioned that this new two-rotor engine could find its way into an exciting vehicle.

Mazda's most recent rotary sports car offering was back in 2012 with the JDM-spec RX-8 Spirit R marking the conclusion of that era. In October 2023, the company's Chief Designer, Masashi Nakayama, revealed that the intentionally oversized design of the Iconic SP concept was aimed at making a significant impact at its debut during the Japan Mobility Show.

He further noted the flexibility to downsize the vehicle to Miata proportions while accommodating a two-rotor engine, an electric motor, and a battery pack.