Rotary Engines Might Be Making A Comeback At Mazda After All

Mazda, we beg of you: stop the teasing. Just let us know one way or the other - are you making a new rotary engine or not?

Most recently we had to live through the notion of the RX Vision concept (above) spawning an RX-7 successor. It was followed by months and months of “will they, won’t they” speculation fed by rumours and vague comments from Mazda VIPs, only for the prospect to be quashed by Mazda CEO Masamichi Kogai. Now, the subject of a Mazda that goes braap has been thrust back into the limelight, thanks to the Japanese firm’s own ‘Zoom Zoom’ magazine.

As pointed out by Motoring.com.au, in the latest issue, Mazda has kicked the rotary rumour mill into overdrive by saying:

“In recent times, the rotary engine’s chief bugbear was its relatively poor fuel economy and higher level of emissions… But when its potential benefits are so striking — light, compact, smooth, quiet, free-revving — surely there is still a future for the rotary engine?”

The magazine went on to say:

“There are other future possibilities. Rotary engines can run superbly on hydrogen, the universe’s most abundant element. It’s also very clean; combusting hydrogen produces only water vapour.

“Regardless of the technical direction the rotary takes in the future, one thing is more than likely: it will be a thing of beauty. At the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda showcased the striking RX-Vision sports car concept.”

The comments - made as Mazda kicks off its 50th anniversary rotary celebrations - could all end up being meaningless postulating, and we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. But there’s no harm in living in hope - keep those fingers crossed, rotary fans.

Source: Motoring