Revival of the Mazda Wankel Rotary Engine: A New Chapter in Automotive Innovation

After 11 years, the once revolutionary Wankel rotary engine is making a comeback in a brand new car. Mazda has started production of the MX-30 e-SkyActiv R-EV SUV, which is the brand’s first model equipped with a rotary mechanism since the end of RX-8 production in 2012.

The MX-30 is primarily an electric car, with a unit tuned to 170 horsepower and paired with batteries with a capacity of 17.8 kWh. While the electric range is only 85 kilometers, the car’s operating radius has increased to 600 km thanks to the 0.8-liter single-rotor Wankel engine, which generates electrical energy. The car also has a 50-liter tank for refueling at gas stations.

Mazda describes the rotary unit as an aggregate that has been modified to meet the requirements of today’s times. It features direct fuel injection and exhaust gas recirculation, which were not present in the engines of previous Mazda sports cars like the RX-7 and RX-8. Over the years, Mazda has produced almost two million units of these cars and their predecessors.

The return of the Wankel engine in the MX-30 marks a significant development for Mazda. While the engine is no longer intended for spinning wheels, it still plays a crucial role in extending the car’s range and providing additional power. For enthusiasts of the Wankel engine, this news is sure to be exciting, as it signifies the continued innovation and evolution of this unique technology.

As for me, I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new rotor for my Mazda RX-7. It’s reassuring to know that even after 21 years since the last RX-7 rolled off the assembly line, the 13B-REW engine is still in production. The Wankel engine may have had its ups and downs, but its legacy lives on in the MX-30 and in the hearts of enthusiasts around the world.After 11 years, the once revolutionary Wankel rotary engine is making a comeback in a brand new car. Mazda has started production of the MX-30 e-SkyActiv R-EV SUV, which is the brand’s first model equipped with a rotary mechanism since the end of RX-8 production in 2012.

The MX-30 is primarily an electric car, with a unit tuned to 170 horsepower and paired with batteries with a capacity of 17.8 kWh. While the electric range is only 85 kilometers, the car’s operating radius has been extended to 600 km thanks to the 0.8-liter single-rotor Wankel engine, which generates electrical energy. The car also has a 50-liter tank for refueling at gas stations.

Mazda describes the rotary unit as an aggregate that has been modified to meet the requirements of today’s times. It features direct fuel injection and exhaust gas recirculation, which were not present in the engines of previous Mazda sports cars like the RX-7 and RX-8. Over the years, Mazda has produced almost two million units of these cars and their predecessors.

The return of the Wankel engine in the MX-30 marks a significant development for Mazda. While the engine is no longer intended for spinning wheels in sports cars, it plays a crucial role in extending the range of the electric vehicle. This shows that Mazda has not completely abandoned the Wankel engine and is still finding innovative ways to utilize its unique capabilities.

For enthusiasts of the Wankel engine, the production of the MX-30 with a rotary mechanism is a welcome development. It signifies that Mazda is still committed to pushing the boundaries of automotive technology and exploring new possibilities. The MX-30 e-SkyActiv R-EV SUV represents a new chapter in the history of the Wankel engine and demonstrates Mazda’s dedication to innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry.After 11 years, the once revolutionary Wankel rotary engine began to be assembled again in a completely new car. Mazda has started production of the MX-30 e-SkyActiv R-EV SUV, which is the brand’s first model equipped with a rotary mechanism since the end of RX-8 production in June 2012.

The MX-30 is primarily an electric car, but it also features a 0.8-liter single-rotor Wankel engine that acts as a range extender. The electric motor produces 170 horsepower and is paired with batteries with a capacity of 17.8 kWh, providing an electric range of 85 kilometers. However, with the Wankel engine, the car’s operating radius increases to 600 kilometers. The Wankel engine generates electrical energy to power the car, and it also has a 50-liter fuel tank that can be refilled at gas stations in minutes.

Mazda has modified the rotary unit to meet the requirements of today’s times. It now features direct fuel injection and exhaust gas recirculation, which were not present in the engines of previous Mazda sports cars like the RX-7 and RX-8. Despite the end of production for these sports cars, Mazda has continued to produce the Wankel engines, with almost two million units created over the years.

The reintroduction of the Wankel engine in the MX-30 marks a significant development for Mazda. While the engine is no longer intended for spinning wheels in sports cars, it plays a crucial role in extending the range of the electric SUV. This move demonstrates Mazda’s commitment to the Wankel engine and its belief in its potential for modern automotive applications.

For enthusiasts of the Wankel engine, the return of Mazda’s rotary technology is undoubtedly exciting news. It represents a continuation of a legacy that began over 50 years ago with the introduction of the first production Wankel-powered car, the Mazda Cosmo Sport. The Wankel engine’s unique design and characteristics have captivated automotive enthusiasts for decades, and its revival in the MX-30 showcases Mazda’s dedication to innovation and pushing the boundaries of automotive technology.

As Mazda embraces electric and hybrid technologies, the integration of the Wankel engine as a range extender demonstrates the company’s commitment to finding innovative solutions to address the limitations of electric vehicles. By combining the benefits of electric power with the extended range provided by the Wankel engine, Mazda aims to offer a practical and efficient solution for customers seeking both sustainability and convenience.

The Mazda MX-30 e-SkyActiv R-EV SUV with the Wankel engine is a testament to Mazda’s engineering prowess and its ability to adapt and evolve its technologies to meet the changing demands of the automotive industry. With the reintroduction of the Wankel engine, Mazda continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of automotive engineering, ensuring that the legacy of this revolutionary engine lives on.

How has Mazda’s production of the RX-8 and its predecessors contributed to the enduring popularity of the Wankel engine?

RX-8 production in 2012, Mazda has produced almost two million units of these cars and their predecessors, showcasing the enduring popularity of the Wankel engine.

The reintroduction of the Wankel engine in the MX-30 represents a significant milestone for Mazda. While it may no longer be used to power sports cars and spin wheels, it still plays a crucial role in extending the range of the electric vehicle. This demonstrates Mazda’s commitment to innovation and finding new ways to utilize the unique capabilities of the Wankel engine.

For enthusiasts of the Wankel engine, the return in the MX-30 is a welcome development. It signifies that Mazda has not abandoned this iconic engine and continues to push the boundaries of automotive technology. The MX-30 e-SkyActiv R-EV SUV represents a new chapter in the history of the Wankel engine and further establishes Mazda as a leader in innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry.

As an enthusiast myself, I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new rotor for my Mazda RX-7. It is reassuring to know that even after 21 years since the last RX-7 rolled off the assembly line, the 13B-REW engine is still in production. The legacy of the Wankel engine lives on in the MX-30 and in the hearts of enthusiasts around the world.