Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'Rotary'.
-
Last year, Mazda brought back the rotary engine for the MX-30 EV crossover. Unlike before, the rotary engine now serves as a range extender in a serial-hybrid configuration. Mazda also showed off the beautiful Mazda Iconic SP Concept, which has a rotary engine working as a generator to charge the batteries. Now, Mazda is leaning into rotary engine technology again with a dedicated team. This "RE Development Group", previously disbanded in 2018, has 36 engineers to develop a next-generation rotary engine for EV use. The last rotary-engine Mazda was in 2012 for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM)-exclusive RX-8 Spirit R, and teased it again in the 2015 Mazda RX-Vision Concept. However, Mazda isn't looking to use the rotary in pure internal combustion vehicles. Instead, they are aiming for "attractive cars that excite customers with our challenger spirit." There is a chance that something similar to the Iconic SP coupe will lead into production. At the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon last month, Mazda President and CEO Katsuhiro Moro is quoted as saying: "I am very happy and deeply moved by all the support and encouragement I have received for the compact sports car concept. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all. With your encouragement, we are launching a rotary engine development group on February 1 to move closer to this dream." A press release in February 2024 makes it clear that the rotary engine in the Iconic SP is only a generator. Unlike past RX models, future Mazda vehicles, such as the Iconic SP, use a two-rotor engine that powers up a battery. Rotary engines can run on gasoline, hydrogen, and renewable fuels. Although Mazda hasn't released the size of the battery pack, it can be charged from a domestic socket. Although producing the Iconic SP would take at least a few years, this would be Mazda's 13th vehicle to have a rotary engine. View full article
- 10 replies
-
Mazda Creates "RE Development Group" to Work on Rotary Engines
Anthony Fongaro posted an article in Mazda
Last year, Mazda brought back the rotary engine for the MX-30 EV crossover. Unlike before, the rotary engine now serves as a range extender in a serial-hybrid configuration. Mazda also showed off the beautiful Mazda Iconic SP Concept, which has a rotary engine working as a generator to charge the batteries. Now, Mazda is leaning into rotary engine technology again with a dedicated team. This "RE Development Group", previously disbanded in 2018, has 36 engineers to develop a next-generation rotary engine for EV use. The last rotary-engine Mazda was in 2012 for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM)-exclusive RX-8 Spirit R, and teased it again in the 2015 Mazda RX-Vision Concept. However, Mazda isn't looking to use the rotary in pure internal combustion vehicles. Instead, they are aiming for "attractive cars that excite customers with our challenger spirit." There is a chance that something similar to the Iconic SP coupe will lead into production. At the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon last month, Mazda President and CEO Katsuhiro Moro is quoted as saying: "I am very happy and deeply moved by all the support and encouragement I have received for the compact sports car concept. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all. With your encouragement, we are launching a rotary engine development group on February 1 to move closer to this dream." A press release in February 2024 makes it clear that the rotary engine in the Iconic SP is only a generator. Unlike past RX models, future Mazda vehicles, such as the Iconic SP, use a two-rotor engine that powers up a battery. Rotary engines can run on gasoline, hydrogen, and renewable fuels. Although Mazda hasn't released the size of the battery pack, it can be charged from a domestic socket. Although producing the Iconic SP would take at least a few years, this would be Mazda's 13th vehicle to have a rotary engine.- 10 comments
-
Mazda's Rotary Engine To Return As Part of Electrification Plans
William Maley posted an article in Mazda
Mazda is the latest automaker to announced plans for electrify its entire lineup and it will involve the return of the rotary engine. By 2030, five percent of Mazda vehicles will be pure electric and range extender models. The rest will have combustion engines with some sort of electrification. "We've seen drastic changes in automotive-related environmental policies all over the world. We at Mazda are keeping an eye on what is going on in the industry as we move forward with our strategy," said Mazda CEO Akira Marumoto. The push begins in 2019 with a mild-hybrid model, followed by a electric vehicle that is being developed in-house according to Automotive News. A plug-in hybrid will debut in 2021. But what about the rotary engine? This will be the range-extender for an electric vehicle that will recharge the battery and provide a longer cruising range. Mazda says the rotary is the perfect engine for this application as it is compact, powerful, and quiet. One interesting tidbit - Mazda says the rotary will be able to burn liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Mazda MAZDA ANNOUNCES ELECTRIFICATION AND CONNECTIVITY STRATEGIES FOR CARS THAT INVIGORATE MIND AND BODY CONTINUES TAKING A HUMAN-CENTERED APPROACH TO THE JOY OF DRIVING; CONTRIBUTING TO THE EARTH, SOCIETY AND PEOPLE October 2, 2018; HIROSHIMA, Japan – Mazda Motor Corporation today announced electrification and connectivity strategies that build on the company’s human-centered development philosophy, aiming to further advance the joy of driving, provide both drivers and passengers with peace of mind through an enhanced sense of connection with the car in everyday driving situations, and offer an emotionally enriching joy of life through car ownership. The strategies are based on Mazda’s long-term vision for technology development, “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030,” which makes it the company’s mission to preserve the beauty of the earth and enrich society and individual lives and seek solutions in the areas of people, society and the earth. The electrification and connectivity technologies outlined below will further enhance the inherent value of the automobile. ELECTRIFICATION TECHNOLOGIES Mazda will strive to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and enhance the joy of driving by deploying compact, lightweight electrification technologies while further refining the internal combustion engine, which is forecast to be equipped in the majority of new cars for many years to come. The company will introduce electric vehicles as the optimal solution in regions that generate a high ratio of electricity from clean energy sources or restrict certain vehicle types to reduce air pollution. With a view to achieving a 90-percent reduction versus 2010 levels in its corporate average “well-to-wheel” carbon dioxide emissions by 2050, Mazda will deploy some form of electrification in all production vehicles by 2030. By 2030, Mazda expects that internal combustion engines combined with some form of electrification will account for 95 percent of the vehicles it produces and battery electric vehicles will account for 5 percent. In-house development of electric vehicles will leverage the advantages of electric drive systems and be guided by Mazda’s unique human-centered development philosophy that focuses on human traits and sensibilities. Mazda will develop two battery electric vehicles, one powered solely by battery and another that pairs a battery with a newly developed range extender powered by Mazda’s small, lightweight and exceptionally quiet rotary engine. The range extender will recharge the battery when necessary to effectively increase the vehicle’s driving range. The concept behind the rotary-powered range extender was to leverage the rotary engine’s small size and high power output to make multiple electrification technology solutions possible via a shared packaging layout. Taking advantage of the rotary engine’s compatibility with gaseous fuels, the rotary-powered range extender is designed to also burn liquefied petroleum gas and provide a source of electricity in emergencies. CONNECTIVITY TECHNOLOGIES In line with its human-centered development philosophy, Mazda will develop connectivity technologies that offer an enriching experience of the joy of life, connecting people by facilitating the sharing of experiences and feelings through cars. By offering this new value together with the joy of driving, Mazda aims to inspire people and enrich society. Contribute to the resolution of social issues, such as the weakening of interpersonal connections that has accompanied changes in society, by connecting people and society through connectivity technologies. Link connectivity with model-based development and reflect the results in future product development, improving quality and customer satisfaction. Leverage the alliance with Toyota Motor Corporation in the development of connectivity technologies. “They say that the automotive industry is undergoing a once-in-a-century transformation. At Mazda, we see this as an opportunity to create a new car culture,” said Akira Marumoto, Mazda’s Representative Director, President and CEO. “New trends and technologies in connectivity, autonomy, sharing and electrification offer new possibilities for creating ever more attractive cars. Using new technologies based on our unique human-centered development philosophy, Mazda will, in the spirit of ‘Never Stop Challenging,’ continue to pursue the joy of driving and work to create an emotional connection with customers that rivals the strongest brands in the world.”-
- electrification
- mazda
-
(and 2 more)
Tagged with:
-
Mazda is the latest automaker to announced plans for electrify its entire lineup and it will involve the return of the rotary engine. By 2030, five percent of Mazda vehicles will be pure electric and range extender models. The rest will have combustion engines with some sort of electrification. "We've seen drastic changes in automotive-related environmental policies all over the world. We at Mazda are keeping an eye on what is going on in the industry as we move forward with our strategy," said Mazda CEO Akira Marumoto. The push begins in 2019 with a mild-hybrid model, followed by a electric vehicle that is being developed in-house according to Automotive News. A plug-in hybrid will debut in 2021. But what about the rotary engine? This will be the range-extender for an electric vehicle that will recharge the battery and provide a longer cruising range. Mazda says the rotary is the perfect engine for this application as it is compact, powerful, and quiet. One interesting tidbit - Mazda says the rotary will be able to burn liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Mazda MAZDA ANNOUNCES ELECTRIFICATION AND CONNECTIVITY STRATEGIES FOR CARS THAT INVIGORATE MIND AND BODY CONTINUES TAKING A HUMAN-CENTERED APPROACH TO THE JOY OF DRIVING; CONTRIBUTING TO THE EARTH, SOCIETY AND PEOPLE October 2, 2018; HIROSHIMA, Japan – Mazda Motor Corporation today announced electrification and connectivity strategies that build on the company’s human-centered development philosophy, aiming to further advance the joy of driving, provide both drivers and passengers with peace of mind through an enhanced sense of connection with the car in everyday driving situations, and offer an emotionally enriching joy of life through car ownership. The strategies are based on Mazda’s long-term vision for technology development, “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030,” which makes it the company’s mission to preserve the beauty of the earth and enrich society and individual lives and seek solutions in the areas of people, society and the earth. The electrification and connectivity technologies outlined below will further enhance the inherent value of the automobile. ELECTRIFICATION TECHNOLOGIES Mazda will strive to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and enhance the joy of driving by deploying compact, lightweight electrification technologies while further refining the internal combustion engine, which is forecast to be equipped in the majority of new cars for many years to come. The company will introduce electric vehicles as the optimal solution in regions that generate a high ratio of electricity from clean energy sources or restrict certain vehicle types to reduce air pollution. With a view to achieving a 90-percent reduction versus 2010 levels in its corporate average “well-to-wheel” carbon dioxide emissions by 2050, Mazda will deploy some form of electrification in all production vehicles by 2030. By 2030, Mazda expects that internal combustion engines combined with some form of electrification will account for 95 percent of the vehicles it produces and battery electric vehicles will account for 5 percent. In-house development of electric vehicles will leverage the advantages of electric drive systems and be guided by Mazda’s unique human-centered development philosophy that focuses on human traits and sensibilities. Mazda will develop two battery electric vehicles, one powered solely by battery and another that pairs a battery with a newly developed range extender powered by Mazda’s small, lightweight and exceptionally quiet rotary engine. The range extender will recharge the battery when necessary to effectively increase the vehicle’s driving range. The concept behind the rotary-powered range extender was to leverage the rotary engine’s small size and high power output to make multiple electrification technology solutions possible via a shared packaging layout. Taking advantage of the rotary engine’s compatibility with gaseous fuels, the rotary-powered range extender is designed to also burn liquefied petroleum gas and provide a source of electricity in emergencies. CONNECTIVITY TECHNOLOGIES In line with its human-centered development philosophy, Mazda will develop connectivity technologies that offer an enriching experience of the joy of life, connecting people by facilitating the sharing of experiences and feelings through cars. By offering this new value together with the joy of driving, Mazda aims to inspire people and enrich society. Contribute to the resolution of social issues, such as the weakening of interpersonal connections that has accompanied changes in society, by connecting people and society through connectivity technologies. Link connectivity with model-based development and reflect the results in future product development, improving quality and customer satisfaction. Leverage the alliance with Toyota Motor Corporation in the development of connectivity technologies. “They say that the automotive industry is undergoing a once-in-a-century transformation. At Mazda, we see this as an opportunity to create a new car culture,” said Akira Marumoto, Mazda’s Representative Director, President and CEO. “New trends and technologies in connectivity, autonomy, sharing and electrification offer new possibilities for creating ever more attractive cars. Using new technologies based on our unique human-centered development philosophy, Mazda will, in the spirit of ‘Never Stop Challenging,’ continue to pursue the joy of driving and work to create an emotional connection with customers that rivals the strongest brands in the world.” View full article
-
- electrification
- mazda
-
(and 2 more)
Tagged with:
-
Patent Application Shows Mazda Still Working On the Rotary Engine
William Maley posted an article in Mazda
Last October, Mazda revealed the RX-Vision concept. This concept featured a brand new rotary engine called SkyActiv-R. At the time, Mazda was keeping quiet on specifics of the engine. But it showed that Mazda was working on a next-gen rotary. Now, we have some clues as to the SkyActiv-R. autoevolution found a patent application filed by Mazda last fall and published last month by the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. The drawings in the application show the engine turned 180 degrees with the exhaust port on top and intake port on the bottom. This repositioning allows for minimal turbo lag thanks to the short distance from the exhaust port to the turbo. It also allows the engine to mounted lower in the vehicle to improve the center of gravity. Now this is only a patent application. It doesn't mean Mazda will put this exact engine into production. But for fans of the rotary engine, it gives them some hope that the engine will soon return. Source: autoevolution, USPTO-
- Mazda
- Patent Application
-
(and 2 more)
Tagged with:
-
Last October, Mazda revealed the RX-Vision concept. This concept featured a brand new rotary engine called SkyActiv-R. At the time, Mazda was keeping quiet on specifics of the engine. But it showed that Mazda was working on a next-gen rotary. Now, we have some clues as to the SkyActiv-R. autoevolution found a patent application filed by Mazda last fall and published last month by the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. The drawings in the application show the engine turned 180 degrees with the exhaust port on top and intake port on the bottom. This repositioning allows for minimal turbo lag thanks to the short distance from the exhaust port to the turbo. It also allows the engine to mounted lower in the vehicle to improve the center of gravity. Now this is only a patent application. It doesn't mean Mazda will put this exact engine into production. But for fans of the rotary engine, it gives them some hope that the engine will soon return. Source: autoevolution, USPTO View full article
-
- Mazda
- Patent Application
-
(and 2 more)
Tagged with:
-
If you thought the rotary engine was dead at Mazda, think again. Today at the Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda introduced the RX-Vision concept, complete with a rotary engine. The RX-Vision's design fits the profile of front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports coupe with a long, low front end with a short rear deck. Elements of the Kodo design are here as well with the distinctive grille and slim lights. Unfortunately to our eyes, it looks like every other coupe that's on sale today. The interior takes a minimalist approach with a deeply dished steering wheel, three-pod instrument cluster, leather pulls for the doors, and a metal gearshift. Now to the most important bit of the RX-Vision, the rotary engine. The concept has Mazda's next-generation rotary engine called SkyActiv-R. Mazda is keeping quiet on details about the engine, including displacement. But they make clear they are working on this engine. Source: Mazda Press Release is on Page 2 Mazda Reveals Mazda RX-VISION Concept Powered by next-generation rotary engine SKYACTIV-R, represents Mazda’s vision of the future HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation unveiled the rotary-powered Mazda RX-VISION sports car concept at the Tokyo Motor Show*1 today. The rotary engine is a symbol of the company’s “never-stop-challenging” spirit. RX-VISION represents a vision of the future that Mazda hopes to one day make into reality; a front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car with exquisite, KODO design-based proportions only Mazda could envision, and powered by the next-generation SKYACTIV-R rotary engine. Rotary engines feature a unique construction, generating power through the rotational motion of a triangular rotor. Overcoming numerous technical difficulties, Mazda succeeded in commercializing the rotary engine, fitting it in the Cosmo Sport (known as Mazda 110S overseas) in 1967. As the only automaker to mass-produce the rotary engine, Mazda continued efforts to improve power output, fuel economy and durability, and in 1991 took overall victory at 24 Hours of Le Mans with a rotary engine-powered race car. Over the years, the rotary engine has come to symbolize Mazda’s creativity and tireless endeavor in the face of difficult challenges. While mass production is currently on hold, Mazda has never stopped research and development efforts towards the rotary engine. The next rotary engine has been named SKYACTIV-R, expressing the company’s determination to take on challenges with convention-defying aspirations and the latest technology, just as it did when developing SKAYCTIV TECHNOLOGY. “I look forward to talking with you more about this vision we have revealed here today at the Mazda stand,” said Mazda’s Representative Director, President and CEO, Masamichi Kogai. “Mazda will continue to take on new challenges in an effort to build a special bond with our customers and become their ‘one and only’ brand.”
- 6 comments
-
- Mazda
- Mazda RX-Vision Concept
-
(and 3 more)
Tagged with:
-
If you thought the rotary engine was dead at Mazda, think again. Today at the Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda introduced the RX-Vision concept, complete with a rotary engine. The RX-Vision's design fits the profile of front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports coupe with a long, low front end with a short rear deck. Elements of the Kodo design are here as well with the distinctive grille and slim lights. Unfortunately to our eyes, it looks like every other coupe that's on sale today. The interior takes a minimalist approach with a deeply dished steering wheel, three-pod instrument cluster, leather pulls for the doors, and a metal gearshift. Now to the most important bit of the RX-Vision, the rotary engine. The concept has Mazda's next-generation rotary engine called SkyActiv-R. Mazda is keeping quiet on details about the engine, including displacement. But they make clear they are working on this engine. Source: Mazda Press Release is on Page 2 Mazda Reveals Mazda RX-VISION Concept Powered by next-generation rotary engine SKYACTIV-R, represents Mazda’s vision of the future HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation unveiled the rotary-powered Mazda RX-VISION sports car concept at the Tokyo Motor Show*1 today. The rotary engine is a symbol of the company’s “never-stop-challenging” spirit. RX-VISION represents a vision of the future that Mazda hopes to one day make into reality; a front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car with exquisite, KODO design-based proportions only Mazda could envision, and powered by the next-generation SKYACTIV-R rotary engine. Rotary engines feature a unique construction, generating power through the rotational motion of a triangular rotor. Overcoming numerous technical difficulties, Mazda succeeded in commercializing the rotary engine, fitting it in the Cosmo Sport (known as Mazda 110S overseas) in 1967. As the only automaker to mass-produce the rotary engine, Mazda continued efforts to improve power output, fuel economy and durability, and in 1991 took overall victory at 24 Hours of Le Mans with a rotary engine-powered race car. Over the years, the rotary engine has come to symbolize Mazda’s creativity and tireless endeavor in the face of difficult challenges. While mass production is currently on hold, Mazda has never stopped research and development efforts towards the rotary engine. The next rotary engine has been named SKYACTIV-R, expressing the company’s determination to take on challenges with convention-defying aspirations and the latest technology, just as it did when developing SKAYCTIV TECHNOLOGY. “I look forward to talking with you more about this vision we have revealed here today at the Mazda stand,” said Mazda’s Representative Director, President and CEO, Masamichi Kogai. “Mazda will continue to take on new challenges in an effort to build a special bond with our customers and become their ‘one and only’ brand.” View full article
- 6 replies
-
- Mazda
- Mazda RX-Vision Concept
-
(and 3 more)
Tagged with:
-
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 26, 2013 Some sad news for those hoping for another Mazda vehicle with the rotary engine. Masa-michi Koga, Mazda's new CEO tells Automotive News that for the rotary engine to become commercially viable, Mazda would need to sell around 100,000 vehicles a year. "No plans now. It has to be a viable commercial proposition. If we are going to adopt it, it has to be a product that can generate at least sales of 100,000 units a year. We have to be able to achieve a profit," said Kogai. Since Mazda pulled the plug on the RX-8 last year, rumors and speculation has been running rampant. Within the past few months, Mazda's former CEO expressed the idea of putting a rotary engine into a hybrid vehicle to generate electricity to charge the battery. There was also the rumor back in August which stated Mazda was hard at work on a new rotary engine that was expected to come out in 2015 or so. Now Koga doesn't fully slam the door shut on the rotary engine. He said that engineers are still researching rotary engines as they are able to run on a variety of fuels. "We are the first and only manufacturer to commercialize the rotary engine. In that respect, we have some responsibility. So please allow us to continue our research," said Kogai. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
-
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 26, 2013 Some sad news for those hoping for another Mazda vehicle with the rotary engine. Masa-michi Koga, Mazda's new CEO tells Automotive News that for the rotary engine to become commercially viable, Mazda would need to sell around 100,000 vehicles a year. "No plans now. It has to be a viable commercial proposition. If we are going to adopt it, it has to be a product that can generate at least sales of 100,000 units a year. We have to be able to achieve a profit," said Kogai. Since Mazda pulled the plug on the RX-8 last year, rumors and speculation has been running rampant. Within the past few months, Mazda's former CEO expressed the idea of putting a rotary engine into a hybrid vehicle to generate electricity to charge the battery. There was also the rumor back in August which stated Mazda was hard at work on a new rotary engine that was expected to come out in 2015 or so. Now Koga doesn't fully slam the door shut on the rotary engine. He said that engineers are still researching rotary engines as they are able to run on a variety of fuels. "We are the first and only manufacturer to commercialize the rotary engine. In that respect, we have some responsibility. So please allow us to continue our research," said Kogai. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
-
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 18, 2013 Its been over a year since we last reported on Mazda's rotary engine plans. At last check, Mazda was hard at work on it. A new report from Autoblog says the next rotary engine, named 16X is coming very soon. An insider told Autoblog that the 16X rotary engine will be coming within the next two years in a new model. The insider also said the 16X would be addressing many of the concerns that have plagued rotary engines before. "The key to both higher torque and better fuel consumption, is creating a longer stroke engine." Okay, this is a rotary engine we are talking about with a triangle rotor and a unique camshaft. How do you determine a long stroke? "By the path of travel within the combustion space dictated by the engineers," said the insider. Source: Autoblog William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
-
- 16x Rotary
- 2016
-
(and 3 more)
Tagged with:
-
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 18, 2013 Its been over a year since we last reported on Mazda's rotary engine plans. At last check, Mazda was hard at work on it. A new report from Autoblog says the next rotary engine, named 16X is coming very soon. An insider told Autoblog that the 16X rotary engine will be coming within the next two years in a new model. The insider also said the 16X would be addressing many of the concerns that have plagued rotary engines before. "The key to both higher torque and better fuel consumption, is creating a longer stroke engine." Okay, this is a rotary engine we are talking about with a triangle rotor and a unique camshaft. How do you determine a long stroke? "By the path of travel within the combustion space dictated by the engineers," said the insider. Source: Autoblog William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
-
- 16x Rotary
- 2016
-
(and 3 more)
Tagged with:
-
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 31, 2012 Some big news coming out of Australia today. Mazda's sports car chief Nobuhiro Yamamoto told The Motor Report that the RX-7 would be making a comeback in 2017, the 50th anniversary of Mazda’s first Wankel-powered vehicle, the Cosmo Sport. Yamamoto currently favors a naturally-aspirated version Mazda’s 16X rotary, which was introduced back in 2007. The engine is expected to produce 300 HP out of a 1.6L displacement. When asked about using turbochargers to extract more performance, Yamamoto said, "At this time it has not been determined. Maybe later in life it will be turbo, but to start with maybe not." Yamamoto cites power delivery of the FD RX-7's (previous generation) sequential twin-turbocharger setup wasn't perfect for a sports car. A single turbo setup would bring lag. As for the what the next RX-7 will ride on, its expected to use a stretched version of the next-generation MX-5 roadster. Combine with a range of weight-saving technologies, including aluminium body panels will help the RX-7 weigh somewhere around 1,250 kg (about 2,756 lbs). Source: The Motor Report William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
-
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 31, 2012 Some big news coming out of Australia today. Mazda's sports car chief Nobuhiro Yamamoto told The Motor Report that the RX-7 would be making a comeback in 2017, the 50th anniversary of Mazda’s first Wankel-powered vehicle, the Cosmo Sport. Yamamoto currently favors a naturally-aspirated version Mazda’s 16X rotary, which was introduced back in 2007. The engine is expected to produce 300 HP out of a 1.6L displacement. When asked about using turbochargers to extract more performance, Yamamoto said, "At this time it has not been determined. Maybe later in life it will be turbo, but to start with maybe not." Yamamoto cites power delivery of the FD RX-7's (previous generation) sequential twin-turbocharger setup wasn't perfect for a sports car. A single turbo setup would bring lag. As for the what the next RX-7 will ride on, its expected to use a stretched version of the next-generation MX-5 roadster. Combine with a range of weight-saving technologies, including aluminium body panels will help the RX-7 weigh somewhere around 1,250 kg (about 2,756 lbs). Source: The Motor Report William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article