Mazda Will Continue to Develop Rotary Engines
The RX-8 was the last Mazda to use the rotary engine setup, and after production was ended, it was assumed by many that the rotary technology would die with the car. Especially with SkyActiv taking over as Mazda’s new engineering setup, the gas-thirsty rotary engines seemed destined for discontinuation.
To keep up with SkyActiv, the rotary engine must become more fuel efficient, a feat which Mazda claims they have figured out how to achieve.
“While the majority of the company’s engineering resources are focused on the development of our revolutionary Sky Activ technology, work does continue on the next-generation rotary,” said Mazda.
Rotary engines are easily adaptable to run on fuel sources other than gasoline, and the company has said that this is an option as well.
“Additionally, work continues on the use of fuels other than gasoline, taking advantage of the rotary’s unique ability to operate on multiple fuels without extensive reengineering,” said Mazda.
A rotary engine range extender would also serve well in a hybrid setup, as small displacement numbers can be made into big power rather easily in a rotary engine.
[Source: AutoCar]
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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My son just spent $8000 on an RX-8, 3 months later the Apex seals are gone and now looking at over $6000 to repair!!! At this point, I would not recommend the Rotary engine to anyone. Jeff Masdon - Georgia
Apex seals have been the rotary engines main fault since its conception by Wankel.