Mazda unveiled its Taiki concept last week at the Tokyo Motor Show and despite the car’s dramatic styling, the biggest hint toward future Mazda products could lie under its hood. Between the front fenders of the Taiki resides Mazda’s all-new 16X Renesis rotary engine.
Internally knows as the 13B-MSP, the new engine has received a boost in displacement — with a capacity now up to 800 cc per rotor, for a total of 1.6L. The 16X Renesis also features direct-injection to increase horsepower while reducing emissions. Mazda engineers also addressed oil consumption, something rotary engines are known for.
It remains unclear if Mazda will use the engine in the current RX-8 or wait until the next-generation car bows in 2011.
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10/29, 9:32 AM
posted by:
MY Si
Yipes!!!!
10/29, 10:07 AM
posted by:
Veda
Apex seal and oil drinking fixed, I may consider getting one…
10/29, 11:33 AM
posted by:
Syrax
this taiki looks great (i mean, the front). it looks like an evolution of the RX7.
10/29, 11:56 AM
posted by:
kansei
^^ love how you have to specify what part of the design you like.
It’s a very polarizing design, and at the same time somewhat bipolar itself!
Reduced emissions and still a rotary? Sign me up! I doubt we’ll see this before the 2011 model (it’s really not getting updated until then? yikes, 7 year design.. at least it looks great (in my opinion) — unless they just stick it in for the final year, as a final sendoff.
Veda, when is the last you heard of someone with an RX-8 having Apex seal issues?
10/29, 11:57 AM
posted by:
HoosierHero
Ya, ummm, I love Mazda and all, but the rotaries have to go. I’m just not a fan…
10/29, 12:05 PM
posted by:
Fletch
Needs to offer a Mazdaspeed version RX8 with turbo.
10/29, 12:44 PM
posted by:
CA36GTP
Rotaries are cool and all, but there is no practical advantage to them.
10/29, 1:23 PM
posted by:
BAMF
Okay, they addressed oil consumption…. What did they say?
10/29, 5:30 PM
posted by:
kansei
BAMF –they probably said that it isn’t really a problem, as it is by design (there’s a metering pump for it!).It would be a really nice revolution for the rotary if it was just no longer necessary, but until then.. after all it is still an experimental engine (hence the X in RX).
10/29, 8:11 PM
posted by:
autonut
Mazda proved that not all Japanese manufacturers are bright. While Honda developed diesel engine that will clear all 50 states emission standard, produces huge torque and enough horsepower to cruise and accelerate nicely and has NVH of an Otto motor, Mazda is working hard on engine that will burn less oil. I guess every shed should have least sharp implements.
10/27, 1:45 PM
posted by:
dino
ppl who say that rotarys have no practical advantage towards regular piston engines should refrain from talking/writing at once. Oh and they should get their facts straight. Rotary is far superior to the piston engines. Learn about the technical side before just comparing horsepower, who cares for horsepower if you have a reliability of a bobby-car?!