Rotary engines go around and around. So, apparently, do the rumors that Mazda will resurrect the engine technology in another RX-branded sports car. The latest bit of rotary-related chatter comes from across the pond, at AutoExpress, which alleges “Mazda confirms Wankel-powered flagship coupe for 2017.” The report also claims, among other things, that the mill will utilize SkyActiv concepts to boost power and efficiency, that it will be a proper two-door, two-seater and use a beefed-up version of the next Miata’s platform to handle an expected 300 horsepower.
Hooray, right? While no one would love for this report to be true more than us, there are numerous problems with the reporting here, both in terms of the content of the report, and the credibility of the reporting itself. First, there is zero attribution behind the AutoExpress assertions—no official statement (and therefore no actual confirmation) and no quotes from any executive or engineers, on or off the record. All it says is that “AutoExpress has learned . . .” which to us, means something more like, “AutoExpress really wishes . . .”
Second, the report states that “the answers [to updating the rotary for higher fuel economy] are being sought through Mazda’s SkyActiv engineering philosophy, which focuses on shedding weight and using high engine compression ratios to boost power and efficiency from naturally aspirated engines.” This sort of misses the point of how SkyActiv technology would help in the rotary’s case. As we have reported before, the SkyActiv principles at play in a rotary application involve reduced internal friction, reduced rotating mass, and more efficient transmissions, all of which will have to be employed to extreme effect if the rotary is to meet ever tougher fuel-efficiency and emissions targets. Speaking of transmissions, the report alleges that “familiar six-speed manual and five-speed auto gearboxes will be similarly honed for the new high-performance application.” Call us crazy, but we simply can’t imagine Mazda regressing to a five-speed automatic in an age of eight- and nine-speed automatics and dual-clutch transmissions, especially considering that the last RX-8 used a six-speed automatic, albeit with a detuned version of the rotary.
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When we reached out to Mazda for comment, Mazda spokesman Eric Booth said that the while the rotary “isn’t dead,” SkyActiv is where Mazda has been concentrating its engineering efforts since the RX-8 was discontinued. Bringing back a rotary-powered sports car is “nothing that we’re focusing on right now,” he said.
The good news—which isn’t really news—is that Mazda still sees promise in rotary technology, and that it is still committed to keeping it alive for future roadgoing automobiles. We would be cautious, however, about believing everything you read on the internet when it comes to the triumphant return of the rotary-powered sports car, especially for something appearing as soon as 2017, which by the automotive calendar, is right around the corner.
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