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Here's some interesting news at Mazda. They're working on what could be the next-generation rotary coupe....though, judging by the radiators, whatever they have under the hood of this test-mule seems to run pretty hot.
DEC 07, 2017 at 3:48PM
BY: CHRIS BRUCE, EditorSeveral radiators and scoops are necessary to keep this machine running cool.
Mazda maintains a small group of engineers specifically for rotary engine development. A new batch of spy photos reveal a hacked up RX-8 near the Nürburgring, and it's likely a test mule for this team's latest powertrain work. If the company can make a business case for the vehicle, this new Wankel might actually be available to the public in a few years. More Mazda Rotary Engine News:
This test mule reveals little about the powertrain, though. Cooling appears to be a major concern. Big radiators sit behind the intakes in the front fascia. Scoops in the center likely direct cool air to other parts of the engine bay, too. Whatever powers this RX-8 apparently runs quite hot.
Mazda's team have been working on a new rotary under the development name Skyactiv-R. A patent suggests that it might have a layout that flips the old Renesis engine by 180 degrees, which would move the exhaust ports to the top. This would allow shorter piping to a top-mount turbocharger, which should decrease lag. An electrically powered compressor is also a possibility. In total, the new Wankel could have an output around 400 horsepower (298 kilowatts).
Before getting to excited about an RX-9, understand that it wouldn't hit the road for several years – if at all. A recent report indicates that there's no room in Mazda's budget for a rotary-power sports coupe until 2020 at the soonest.
10 photos
The Japanese automaker isn't ready to give up on the design yet. In 2016, the company excited enthusiasts by revealing the RX-Vision concept (above) that imagined a modern rotary-powered coupe that looked like a natural successor to the RX-7.
For its compact physical size, the Wankel engine makes fantastic power. Plus, they love to rev. These are great attributes for powering a lightweight sports car, but the layout comes with challenges, too. Mazda's engineers continue to struggle with how to make the rotary comply with modern fuel economy and emissions regulations, though.
Yeah yeah yeah. They've been talking the return of the rotary for seven years now. 2012 was the last RX-8. I'll believe it when I see it, till then it's just fluff for enthusiasts to feel all warm and cuddly.
And yes the Mazda RX-Vision Concept Coupe was very striking (red coupe pictured above). I'm particularly fond of the simple driver focused interior
Yeah yeah yeah. They've been talking the return of the rotary for seven years now. 2012 was the last RX-8. I'll believe it when I see it, till then it's just fluff for enthusiasts to feel all warm and cuddly.
Well, after endless concepts and proposals for years, look how long it took Acura to finally get around to a new NSX. But it happened. As the article states, right now, it's probably a matter of finding the money for it. Mazda is not a huge corporation like Toyota, GM, or VW with a practically unlimited budget.
Well, after endless concepts and proposals for years, look how long it took Acura to finally get around to a new NSX. But it happened. As the article states, right now, it's probably a matter of finding the money for it. Mazda is not a huge corporation like Toyota, GM, or VW with a practically unlimited budget.
Doesn't matter. They've been testing, re-testing, shelving, testing for years. Mazda still hasn't figured out what they want to do with it. Rotary + turbo/hybrid/SkyActiv/Sparkless ignition etc.. when they have something tangible, then and only then will I believe in the return of the Rotary. Till then, it's a V8 Acura
Doesn't matter. They've been testing, re-testing, shelving, testing for years. Mazda still hasn't figured out what they want to do with it. Rotary + turbo/hybrid/SkyActiv/Sparkless ignition etc.. when they have something tangible, then and only then will I believe in the return of the Rotary. Till then, it's a V8 Acura
There has been talk that the rotary could be used as the ideal range extender in the plug-in hybrid because it is small and light.
There has been talk that the rotary could be used as the ideal range extender in the plug-in hybrid because it is small and light.
bleh. Call me when it's confirmed.
Well they do have an alliance with Toyota on electric vehicles.. I could believe that it, but again there's nothing remotely official in regards to the next RX-(?). So as you say, it's just talk.
There has been talk that the rotary could be used as the ideal range extender in the plug-in hybrid because it is small and light.
One of the Achilles Heels of rotary engines (besides high fuel consumption and low torque from non-turbo versions) is that they also tend to use oil. That's because oil has to be injected into the combustion chamber to keep the apex-tip seals on the rotors lubricated (the equivalent of piston rings). Unlike a piston engine, where the rings and valve-seals/stems keep the oil out of the combustion chamber, that doesn't happen in a rotary. That's why owners typically carry at least an extra quart with them in the trunk....to add it on the road if it becomes necessary.
It would be interesting to see if Mazda can do something with it, but the days of the rotary being some sort of new blingy tech are done. The new rotary tech is called the electric motor. You can put it in front of the car or you can stick it right at the wheels. It has a lot of low end torque and you don't add oil to it.
One of the Achilles Heels of rotary engines (besides high fuel consumption and low torque from non-turbo versions) is that they also tend to use oil. That's because oil has to be injected into the combustion chamber to keep the apex-tip seals on the rotors lubricated (the equivalent of piston rings). Unlike a piston engine, where the rings and valve-seals/stems keep the oil out of the combustion chamber, that doesn't happen in a rotary. That's why owners typically carry at least an extra quart with them in the trunk....to add it on the road if it becomes necessary.
Using oil like that is a huge liability for the average uninformed consumer used to piston engines. One of the chief reasons the rotary engine blew up in the old RX-8 was lack of oil. Owners never thought to check the level, figuring it was a newer car with low miles, it wouldn't use oil.
IMO you really have to be an enthusiast and willing to turn your own wrenches to own a rotary. I knew somebody who had bought a FC RX-7(1980's model) with a blown motor, we talked about his build, which was just basically a refresh of the stock engine with a few tweaks, how it blew up in 5,000 miles/maybe 2 years(of admittedly hard use), but then he was like well now its time to build it better, stronger, faster. Yeah you kind of have to be a sadist to own a rotary.
It would be interesting to see if Mazda can do something with it, but the days of the rotary being some sort of new blingy tech are done. The new rotary tech is called the electric motor. You can put it in front of the car or you can stick it right at the wheels. It has a lot of low end torque and you don't add oil to it.
Rotary is great for hybrid combo to act as generator or in parallel drive mode because it's so compact and so light in the first place. I would love Mazda to showcase that ability for rotary.
12-07-17, 05:09 PM
Mazda running test-bed for rotary coupe.
More Mazda Rotary Engine News:
