Mazda is Bringing Back the Rotary Engine in a New Sports Car
Farewell, RX-8; Hello, New Rotary-Powered Sports Car
Mazda enthusiasts, rejoice! The Japanese automaker has confirmed that it is developing a new rotary-powered sports car. The news comes as a surprise to many, as Mazda had previously announced that it was discontinuing the RX-8, its last rotary-powered vehicle, in 2012.
Mazda has not released many details about the new sports car, but it is expected to be a two-seater with a front-mounted rotary engine. The engine is likely to be a new design, as the old RX-8 engine was not known for its fuel efficiency or reliability.
Rotary Engines: A Brief History
Rotary engines are a type of internal combustion engine that uses a triangular rotor instead of a piston to convert pressure into rotational motion. Rotary engines are more compact and lighter than piston engines, and they can rev higher and produce more power.
However, rotary engines also have some disadvantages. They are less fuel-efficient than piston engines, and they produce more emissions. Rotary engines also require more maintenance than piston engines.
Mazda's Rotary Heritage
Mazda has a long history of developing rotary engines. The company first introduced a rotary engine in the Cosmo Sport 110S in 1967. Mazda went on to produce several other rotary-powered vehicles, including the RX-7 and the RX-8.
Mazda's rotary engines have been praised for their smoothness and power. However, they have also been criticized for their fuel inefficiency and emissions.
The Future of Rotary Engines
It is unclear what the future holds for rotary engines. Mazda is the only automaker that still produces rotary-powered vehicles, and it is not clear if other automakers will follow suit.
However, Mazda's decision to develop a new rotary-powered sports car is a sign that the company believes in the future of this technology. If Mazda can overcome the challenges of fuel efficiency and emissions, rotary engines could once again become a popular choice for sports cars.
