Mazda sticks with rotary power

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Eunos_Cosmo
They are working on it.
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It really is amazing that they can make a tiny rotary, lay it sideways and stuff it under the cargo floor between the rear wheels and call it a day. I love this. I can't wait for Mazda to surprise the world with a production version. What would they call it, RX-h? Like the Mazda 6 RX-h. Hmm.
 
mustafur
I drove both, its not.
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One would know by looking under the carpet, behind the dashboard, etc. But I assume you did that...

mustafur
The Petrol is way quieter. Car company's from what i know don't add extra insulation to models just because they are diesel.
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Maybe, maybe not. I have seen differences in insulation for hybrid cars vs their non-hybrid counterparts, so there's no reason to believe they wouldn't do the same for diesel.
 
So, on again? Maybe?

In an effort to clear up where the Rotary Engine currently stands at Mazda,RotaryNews.Com sat down today for an exclusive interview with Mazda CEO, Masamichi Kogai-San. Kogai-San has been misquoted in articles that have appeared over the last few days, so we wanted to clear waters.

The chat was short and concise and focused exclusively on the Rotary Engine. The following is the key messaging quotes Kogai-San wanted to convey on the future of RE at Mazda:

"I can tell you that Mazda IS proceeding with the research and development of the Rotary Engine, and the team doing the work does exist"

"as part of our responsibility (as the only manufacturer who has successfully commercialized the RE) , I do not think Mazda is allowed to discontinue the development of the Rotary Engine. But at the present time Mazda has no specific program or project (assigned) for the Rotary Engine, but Mazda will continue to explore all potential uses for the Rotary Engine."

Essentially no specific RE project has been green-lighted at Mazda, but we left the interview very optimistic at the future of RE at the company, and we were pleasantly surprised with the passion Kogai-San demonstrated for the little engine that could. So now you know!
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"as part of our responsibility (as the only manufacturer who has successfully commercialized the RE) , I do not think Mazda is allowed to discontinue the development of the Rotary Engine.
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I really like this. A GM exec would never say something like this. Duty and Honor. Rare things in the business world.
 
I wish it wasn't a plug in though, because the RE won't be used to push it forward, just to charge battery's.

I know the system it self runs far too inefficiently to be used in a major way but what I would do is run a single rotor hybrid with the electric motor pushing around 75% of the total power and have the Rotor kick in when in performance mode for that extra kick kind of like the 918 with it's V8, at least this way when you put it into a sport mode you will hear that Rotor scream.

A system like this would make total sense in say a next generation RX model.
 
mustafur
I wish it wasn't a plug in though, because the RE won't be used to push it forward, just to charge battery's.

I know the system it self runs far too inefficiently to be used in a major way but what I would do is run a single rotor hybrid with the electric motor pushing around 75% of the total power and have the Rotor kick in when in performance mode for that extra kick kind of like the 918 with it's V8, at least this way when you put it into a sport mode you will hear that Rotor scream.

A system like this would make total sense in say a next generation RX model.
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I'm all for anything that helps sustain RE development.

I just thought of something. A next-gen Mazda 2 with a Rotary-Electric hybrid (parallel) drivetrain. If they can keep the batteries light it would be an absolute riot of a car. It would solve a lot of the problems of the rotary; low torque, low efficiency at low RPM. Electric motors and rotaries are both nearly perfectly smooth and combining the high-initial torque of the electric with the high-rpm performance (you could run relatively high overlap without worrying about drive-ability, maybe a moderate peripheral port engine) of the RE would make a phenomenally responsive powertrain for a lightweight performance car. Also too, both components are small and similarly shaped so packaging would be very simple and elegant. The 2 could have as little as 150hp (total) with a very small (something like a 1 liter) twin rotor peripheral port combined with a small but effective electric motor. I can't think of a better combination for a daily driver. Electric only for low speed operation and RE engagement when it's time for fun. Mini 918/i8.

Now if only Mazda would develop a turbo-compounded RE....
 
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Moar news about the RX-7!

http://fullthrottle.newdaily.info/new-rx-7-to-get-335kw-turbo-rotary-due-2017-finally/

Previous reports recently mentioned Mazda was developing a new turbo-less 225kW rotary powertrain for its next-generation RX-7 due in 2017. New information from a source close to Mazda tells us that the company is now focusing its R&D efforts on a radical twin-scroll turbocharged rotary powerplant rumoured to develop upwards of 335kW.

Rotary diehards would, of course, remember that Mazda’s first-ever rotary-powered production car, the Cosmo Sport, was launched in 1967, making 2017 the 50th anniversary of that event. Right in the middle of its 25th anniversary for its Guinness Book of Records-featured MX-5, Mazda knows how to celebrate and wants to keep the party going.

Earlier this year, the prototype for this new RX-7 was said to employ a naturally-aspirated rotary engine based on the 16X configuration. Using “laser ignition” that test mule was said to produce around 225kW. In less than six months, Mazda has decided to add a twin-scroll turbo setup, expanding power to some 335kW.

We’d also heard that, in the absence of a suitable rear-wheel drive platform, Mazda was using a reinforced version of the next MX-5’s platform which could accommodate the suggested 225kW. But now, with over 335kW on the table, Mazda has ditched the MX-5 underpinnings and reverted to a significantly rebuilt RX-8 platform for its test mule.

It is common knowledge in motoring circles that the RX-8’s platform was already of superior build quality and rigidity and could take more power. An example was the RX-8 SP developed in Australia and raced in Targa Tasmania, which used a turbocharger to generate 205kW/305Nm.

The coupe you see in this pic is an artist’s impression of the RX-7’s design direction, based on information sourced from our insider. Using a stylised version of the company’s ‘Kodo’ design language and the signature grille, the new rotary sports car is destined to take on lines and proportions reminiscent of modern-day sports cars like Ferraris.

So what will the new high-performance model be called? For well over a year now, we have heard the name ‘RX-9′ bandied about when speaking of a next-generation RX-7. Our source now tells us that Mazda has actually registered both RX-7 and RX-9 names with Japan’s trademark office, leaving their options open as to a successor’s name. Given the coupe’s high-performance sports car focus, unlike the hard-to-define RX-8, Mazda may well stick with the RX-7 name, which first surfaced back in 1978.

But while the RX-8’s platform is slightly larger all round when compared to that of the MX-5, our source explains that Mazda engineers are aiming to retain rigidity while decreasing the coupe’s length to that approaching an MX-5.

With the issues of the out-of-production RX-8’s rotary engine – poor mileage, excessive oil consumption and weak mid-range torque – Mazda originally planned to address all of those shortcomings using the company’s much lauded SKYACTIV technologies with a fully redesigned fuel-efficient, more powerful, non-turbo rotary.

But then the marketing people interjected, explaining that a 225kW non-turbo rotary would not excite the marketplace and would fall short of its rivals’ performance.

So, aiming to seriously challenge the Porsche 911 Carrera (not the Cayman!), Mazda changed direction and bolted on two turbochargers lifting power by 75 per cent.

Given that Mazda plans to celebrate the rotary-powered Cosmo Sport’s birthday of May 1967 with the launch of a new RX-7, it stands to reason that we will see the all-new model in May 2017.
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I don't trust full throttle.

Also, how can they possibly make an N/A Rotory in this day in age?

Both Engines would require some Crazy Wizardry to get half decent fuel economy, I figured they would go down the Hybrid route if they are going to go ahead with it.
 
An RX_, should build up like the original. Low hp like the MX-5 and rise throughout its lifespan. Keep the GSL-type range and SE, 2+2 and turbo variants. Besides the RX-8 owners that hate the times when their engines are flooded, they love their rotary.
 
05XR8
An RX_, should build up like the original. Low hp like the MX-5 and rise throughout its lifespan. Keep the GSL-type range and SE, 2+2 and turbo variants. Besides the RX-8 owners that hate the times when their engines are flooded, they love their rotary.
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The only thing wrong with the '8 was that it was about 150kg~300lbs too heavy. It would be been an absolute cracker at 1100kg.
 
Yep. Shame it had to be canned. I see plenty on the road. I see a few 1990's Cosmos in my neighborhood/suburb as well. Many women I haved talked to, at one stage, owned a Mazda coupe. From MX-6 to Cosmo to RX-7 to RX-8. Most were older women than me because those cars were like $45k AUD brand new. Most said the reason for selling was the thought of lack of parts from the dealer. They weren't thinking about aftermarket or parts from Japan. Just unavailability from the dealer. And these same women feel they never should have given those cars to their children, had they known the cars would have lasted longer than they did. A good 2+2 from Mazda would be welcomed.
 
May have to change the thread to Mazda RX-9?

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AUPSux9.jpg
 
How long have we been hearing about the RX-9? More than a decade, surely, after the RX-8 didn't live up to the FD's standards.

As with most Mazda things these days, it's a lot of, "I'll believe it when I see it." It isn't that I don't inherently trust Mazda to make a great car, but more that, with so many potential financial pitfalls in the way, and with so many misguided choices being made as of late, the RX-9 just doesn't seem like a thing they'd do.
 
Mazda are selling well. The 3 is their bread and butter. The CX-5 still sells well after 3 years. We'll see how the CX-3 does in the Northern Hemisphere. Plus, with the Mustang going global, maybe coupes are back on the menu and we'll see this car in a few years.
 
Seriously.... What misguided choices? Their current lineup has gotten nothing but accolades from reviewers and it sounds like the new mx-5 is another home run. I have a lot of faith in their ability to get the next RX car right based on the current generation of cars they offer.
 

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