Mazda Tortures Enthusiasts with New Hybrid Sports Car Plans

Mazda is known for its internal combustion engines, but the automaker is still open to mastering hybrid technology. The automaker recently filed patents left and right for a new performance hybrid sports car, which looks like it will be extraordinary. 

From the Mazda Miata to a larger GT, this potential enthusiast’s dream car is shaping up to be incredible. The latest round of patent documents revealed a fantastic setup with a longitudinal combustion engine, triple electric motor configuration, and automatic transmission. The front axle boasts two motors that power the front wheels via half-shafts, while the third motor powers the transmission and drives the rear wheels and engine. Furthermore, rumors have circulated that this third motor could double as a starter. With all these incredible details, it’s no wonder Mazda’s new hybrid sports car has everyone talking.

According to reports, Mazda’s hybrid systems can deliver up to 80 electric horsepower, with the ability to adjust that number for short bursts. Recently released patent documents reveal the vehicle’s design, including the placement of two underfloor battery packs. Additionally, the documents mention that the lithium-ion battery may have a voltage of around 300, which is ideal for a hybrid vehicle. This figure is similar to the 350-volt pack found in the old Chevy Volt, demonstrating that Mazda’s hybrid system is on par with some of the best in the industry.

The discussion on the design intricacies of the twin front power units is nothing short of fascinating. These units are all set to receive the latest and greatest silicon carbide inverters, one of the critical technologies Tesla utilizes to extract the absolute maximum range from its cars. Even more impressive is that these units will be mounted onto the motor, and the thermal management will be accomplished via a common cooling loop. Mazda erected this design to keep the vehicle’s weight down, making it even more efficient.

The automatic transmission detail mentioned earlier is genuinely intriguing. It’s uncommon to see such specificity in patent language, but this document leaves no room for alternatives. Unlike older patents that mention automated or manual transaxles, this one discusses only one option. Mazda’s patents may refer to two specific vehicles: a smaller roadster akin to the Miata and a larger GT car with an automatic transmission powered by a new six-cylinder engine.

Mazda’s patents on this topic reveal a fascinating exhaust system routed down the car’s center tunnel beneath the driveshaft. The exhaust location is perfect because of where the batteries are located. According to other documents, routing it down the rocker panel was possible, but the central configuration emerged as the winner. Further, numerous documents mention an angled center tunnel not present in earlier patents connected to a smaller, more Miata-like vehicle.

While there’s no mention of a rotary engine, the Japanese automaker has been filing patents for its latest layout, and we’re excited. Mazda left no stone unturned, detailing everything from the hybrid system to the exhaust and body structure in dozens of documents. On top of that, the CX-90 maker patented construction methods for what can only be described as a sports car. We can’t say if Mazda plans to put these patents into production, but it’s a lot of smoke not to have a fire. However, let’s remember the Japanese automaker is gearing up for a next-generation Miata while taking electrification seriously. It would be odd if all of this buzz weren’t a sign of exciting things to come in the future of the automaker’s lineup.

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