Mazda resumes production of rotary engine after 11-year hiatus

After an 11-year hiatus, Mazda Motor Corporation is once again embarking on the mass production of rotary engines. The return of this iconic powertrain comes with the introduction of the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV plug-in hybrid SUV, although it’s not what you think.

Image: Mazda

Although the MX-30 itself is not a newcomer, having been available globally since 2020, the plug-in hybrid variant recently made its grand debut. Mazda proudly claims that the MX-30 R-EV can cover up to 85 km of electric power alone, with the rotary engine stepping in to recharge the battery and provide additional power to the electric motor. All the reborn rotary does in the latest Mazda model is act as a generator.

This innovative plug-in hybrid configuration combines a 17,8 kWh battery with a 50-litre fuel tank, offering a remarkable overall range exceeding 600 km. The electric motor generates an impressive 122 kW and 260 N.m.

Image: Mazda

When it comes to the rotary engine itself, Mazda has ensured it meets the demands of our modern era. Notably, it is more than 15 kg lighter than the twin-rotor Renesis unit found in the revered RX-8.

The new rotary engine showcases advancements such as direct injection and an exhaust gas recirculation system, reflecting Mazda’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of engineering excellence. With a rich heritage of producing nearly two million rotary-powered vehicles over the years, the MX-30 will proudly contribute to this illustrious legacy.

Rotary engine

Image: Mazda

Mazda’s decision to revive the iconic engine is met with great excitement, as this unique powertrain has long captivated automotive enthusiasts with its distinctive characteristics and exhilarating performance.

Related: Mazda brings its rotary engine back to life as a generator in the MX-30

The MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV plug-in hybrid SUV, with its reintroduction of the rotary engine, exemplifies Mazda’s progressive approach to sustainable mobility but will it be worth rebooting production for the unique powertrain configuration?

Browse over 26 000 new and used cars here with CARmag

The post Mazda resumes production of rotary engine after 11-year hiatus appeared first on CAR Magazine.


The Car Guide

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Topical tips on buying used – Chapter 1

Image
Buying a used car can be harrowing, whether privately or from a dealer. Here are some tips, as well as some things to watch out for. Beware of low mileages, especially on smaller or cheaper cars. It is always possible that the odometer has been turned back. Some things to bear in mind are:- diesels are often bought because they the driver needs to undertake long trips without consuming vast amounts of fuel. This could be a sales rep, or someone travelling large distances to work, lots of lengthy trip for family holidays, etc. So, usually higher mileages than normal. An expensive or luxury car may not see much time on the road, but very seldom a “workhorse”. This makes the executive cars likely to have a lot more life left than the overworked and abused hatchback. These also spend most of their life in a home garage or undercover parking lot at work. Related: Someone paid more for a mint BMW 325iS Evo 2 than a used M4 A vehicle without any service history is a serious disadvantage...
Read more

Top 10 Best-Selling Automotive Brands Locally – April 2024

Image
Following eight consecutive months of sales decline, the milestone of celebrating a century of vehicle production locally saw a welcomed increase in the motor industry for April 2024. Have a look at the data below, which sees Toyota drop in sales but retain the top spot, with Suzuki moving into second and Nissan dropping to the bottom of the list without the NP200 rolling off of the production line. Image: Toyota Looking for your next new or used Porsche? Find it here with CARmag! South Africa is marking 2024 as a significant year for its automotive industry, celebrating 100 years of car manufacturing. Mikel Mabasa, CEO of naamsa , the country’s automotive business council, commented, “As the sun rises on a century of automotive innovation, South Africa proudly commemorates a century of automobile manufacturing excellence. This milestone reflects a journey of resilience, ingenuity, and passion that has shaped the nation’s automotive legacy.” Details on how the industry will commem...
Read more

Could this teased Lancia sports car be a reborn Stratos?

Image
Lancia recently teased a coupe-looking model, waiting to be unveiled in their Multiverse. Could this then, signify the return of a historic moniker like the Stratos to the struggling automaker? Image: Lancia #MakeLanciaGreatAgain – a social media phrase that has been making the rounds for the better part of a decade. World Rally Championship titles, Formula 1 single-seat winners and some other gems in between. The Italian automaker litters dates in history and motorsport, with some truly revolutionary ideas and models that aided their bid to become one of the most successful motorsport manufacturers of all time. But that is all in the past. Lancia now contends sole markets with a platform-shared model but there have been ambitious plans under Stellantis ownership to kick-start the automaker and make them great again… words that delight so many enthusiasts and aficionados. Related: Automobili Amos debut Martini Racing Livery Lancia Delta and Safarista What better way to do this th...
Read more