Mazda has stated in the past that it’s serious about reviving the rotary engine which once defined its core identity before it took an absence after ending production in the RX-8 sports car. The MX-30 e-REV launched in Europe provided a glimpse into the engine’s new role as a range-extender instead of being the pure source of performance despite the quirky CUV being limited to Europe only.
However, the U.S. is getting in on the act too, with company CEO Masahiro Miro sharing new details about plans to revive the engine and how it will help launch a new age at Mazda once it has a chance to become re-entrenched into Mazda’s vehicle lineup.
A bright future
The new details emerged during an interview Miro did with Automotive News where the CEO shed new light on the engine’s future. Miro admitted that it was a “significant challenge” to develop a rotary that can meet tightening emissions standards in the United States. While a one-rotor setup is used in Europe, the CEO revealed that it’s not powerful enough for the U.S. and that our market will get a two-rotor setup though it remains to be seen if it will be on a sports car or something more functional like an SUV for its debut.
“We have tested with the single rotor. The next phase will be moving to two. The rotors spin separately in different chambers with one shaft. We need to generate more electricity. Two rotors will generate more power, which is more suitable to US market characteristics.”
It’s important to note that based on what the CEO said, the two-rotor engine will not be mechanically connected to the wheels and could instead act as a high-efficiency generator to help charge the battery pack. This would allow the rotary to enter a flex role and be able to provide range extension on longer journeys.
More to come
In addition to clarifying the rotary engine situation, the CEO also chose to use the opportunity to talk about the recently announced SkyActiv-Z engine saying that it will be the “ultimate ICE engine” for the company while also subtly hinting that it will not embrace turbocharging like other engines in its weight class. It will replace both the G and X versions of SkyActiv but it remains t be seen if it can avoid the lukewarm demand that plagued both of its predecessors.
“Normally aspirated engines would have to decrease output by 30 percent to comply with such stringent standards. But this engine [Skyactiv-Z] defies that usual theory and keeps output while delivering outstanding environmental capability.”
Buyers interested in experiencing the engine themselves will have to wait a bit for the chance to do so with the company not releasing the engine in production vehicles until 2027.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.