Mazda reveals the ideal engine of the future

The Japanese manufacturers of Toyota, Subaru And Mazda have joined forces to develop new electrified heat engines. Within this joint project Toyota presented new engines with in-line cylinders, Subaru showed a preview of a hybrid boxer next generation, while Mazda has unveiled the prototype of a double rotor rotary engine.

The Mazda engine of the future

The ideal Mazda engine of the future could be rotary thermal, with a double rotor, Wankel, which has the function of generating current to power the battery and the electric traction motor, a solution already adopted on MX-30.

Mazda rotary wankel engine — Mazda’s Wankel engine presented together with Toyota and Subaru

The two-rotor configuration of the rotary engine would be fitted longitudinallyas anticipated in concept Iconic SP. In the Mazda MX-30the powertrain consists of a combustion engine 75 HP Wankel which generates energy for one 17.8 kWh lithium ion batterywhich powers an electric motor from 170 HP (125 kW).

Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV rotary engine rotor

The car can travel approx 85km with just the battery and reach a declared total autonomy of 680 km according to the WLTP cycle.

New Mazda RX

The rotary engine has always been the emblem of RX and, over 10 years after the RX-8 left the scene, Mazda, in collaboration with Toyota and Subaru, has returned to developing a new RX which will probably take up the legacy of the MX-5.

A preview had already arrived since 2023 Japan Mobility Showwhen the Japanese brand presented the Mazda Iconic SP, an innovative compact sports concept car with a rotary EV traction system with two Wankel rotors, used as a power generator for the electric motor. This system allows the use of various fuels, includinghydrogenwith a maximum power of 370 HP and a weight/power ratio of 3.9 kg/hp.

The three automakers said their combined efforts will contribute to the decarbonisation, making engines more compatible with alternative sources. The announcement comes amid slowing global sales of electric vehicleswith consumers concerned about thelimited autonomy and the poor coverage of charging stations.