Mazda may soon have something up its sleeve when it comes to the haloed Wankel rotary engine because recent patent applications reveal something is brewing.
These patents, filed in Japan and published earlier this week show the filing date to be nearly two years old. So are we going to see the RX Vision Concept or something like it in reality?
The Wankel Rotary Engine
In essence, these patents, and similar patents filed in Europe talk about a 48V hybrid drivetrain with three rotors, letting fans speculate that this may be the last hurrah of the Wankel rotary engine before the Euro 7 emission rules take hold and kill any chances.
As it is, the Wankel rotary engine presents many problems when it comes to complying with emission rules, the reason why the RX-8 has no successor, even a decade after it ended.
A three-rotor engine is also a surprise because it’s hardly the most successful of all Wankel engines. It went in the Eunos Cosmo, though production remained limited to about 4,000. And then also went on to power the initial LeMans entries although the winner, the 787B had a quad-rotor mill.
What various fans have made out of the patents is that Mazda may be planning a rear-wheel-drive 48V hybrid sports car, with a Wankel rotary engine. Whether the patent makes reality, is a question for another day.
Mazda Promises Surefire Rotary Use
Despite a now-it-is-now-it-isn’t take on the MX-30 EV “range extender”, Mazda has finally given the nod ahead for the same. So basically Mazda’s most famous, much-vaunted rotary engine will be back for the MX-30 EV, but not as a mill. It will be a range-extender for the mile-challenged MX-30 EV SUV, 2022 onwards.
For those who question this move with a raised eyebrow or two, remember, Mazda loves the road less traveled. Why ever would it launch rotary-powered trucks (remember the REPU) and sports cars if it ever doubted its non-piston engine?
So whether the rotary engine finally brings back the RX series to life with a brand-new RX-9 or any other rear-wheel-drive sports or not, Mazda has confirmed it will be back for the MX-30 EV and help in extending the less than stellar range. That said; with the price of the MX-30 and the stingy largess of the Wankel range extended, we’re still not sure if that’s enough to make the MX-30 EV a success.
But Mazda and Wankel fans remain hooked and waiting to see if patent turns into reality or at least concept.
Source: ipforce.jp, MotorTrend