A Look Back at the Rotary Engines Relaunch

It is exciting news that Mazda is finally developing a mass production model with a rotary engine after years of anticipation. This is a significant milestone as the last rotary engine model, RX-8, was discontinued over a decade ago in June 2012.

It’s a bit of a disappointment for car enthusiasts, as Mazda did not unveil a new RX-9 as many had hoped for. Instead, the rotary engine will be featured in the MX-30 e-SKYACTIV R-EV, which is a plug-in hybrid crossover. The model comes equipped with a 17.8 kWh battery pack that powers a 168 hp (125 kW / 170 PS) electric motor, providing it with a range of 53 miles (85 km) in the United Kingdom. Mazda claims that this range is sufficient for most daily driving needs.

In case you need to travel longer distances, the MX-30 e-SKYACTIV R-EV has another trick up its sleeve. With a 0.8-liter (830cc) rotary engine serving as a generator, the crossover can cover over 373 miles (600 km) before requiring a recharge or refill. This is a significant improvement over the fully electric MX-30, which has a WLTP combined range of only 124 miles (200 km).

Mazda has made some significant changes to the engine to make it more suitable for modern times. According to the automaker, the rotary engine has been adapted to meet the current needs and is more than 33 lbs (15 kg) lighter than the twin-rotor Renesis unit used in the RX-8. Additionally, the engine boasts advanced features such as direct injection and an exhaust gas recirculation system.

Mazda has a rich history of producing rotary-powered vehicles, with nearly two million units built over the years. The upcoming launch of the MX-30 in Europe later this year will add to that impressive number.

Photo Source: Mazda Newsroom