The Wankel rotary engines produced by Mazda over the years have been smooth, high-revving powerplants that post impressive horsepower figures relative to their diminutive displacements. Fuel efficiency has never been a rotary strong point, though, with the RENESIS-engined RX-8 returning significantly worse mileage than, say, a V8-equipped Ford Mustang.
However, Mazda Motor CEO Takashi Yamanouchi has stated in an interview with Japan’s Nikkei Sangyo business daily that a rotary motor could be used as an onboard generator for an upcoming electric vehicle similar in concept to the Chevrolet Volt.
“The rotary engine is a symbol for those of us at Mazda,†Yamanouchi said. “I am hoping to revive it together with our new eco technology.â€
The news makes a modicum of sense in light of a recent tweet from a Mazda PR rep, which stated that the company is developing a new rotary engine that utilizes SKYACTIV fuel-saving technology. Still, huge gains would presumably need to be made before the rotary would be a better choice than a small conventional piston engine as a fuel-sipping, battery-recharging device.
Little else is known about the EV itself, save that it will be distinct from an upcoming Mazda hybrid that will use technology licensed from Toyota.
References
1.’Two roads to…’ view
