Mazda has announced that it will establish a new “Rotary Engine (RE) Development Group” on February 1, 2024, and begin developing rotary engines. This marks the first time in about six years that the “Rotary Engine (RE) Development Group” has been re-established since it was disbanded in 2018. The new RE Development Group will continue to evolve RE for use in generators, and will work on research and development to comply with regulations in major markets and support carbon-neutral fuels.
“In Mazda’s history, RE holds a special place, symbolizing our ‘unceasing challenge.’ I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported RE up to now. We have now revived the organization to develop RE, which is beloved by customers around the world. For the past six years or so, RE engineers have been part of the engine development organization, which aims to develop cutting-edge internal combustion engine functions and achieve ultimate efficiency improvements. They have broadened their perspectives beyond the boundaries of engine types and have honed their skills as experts in ‘model-based development,’ one of Mazda’s strengths. Now, 36 engineers have been gathered into one group, and we are making a start in breaking through various barriers in RE research and development. Even in the age of electrification and a carbon-neutral society, we are committed to delivering attractive cars that will excite our customers through our ‘unceasing challenge.'”
Ichiro Hirose, Executive Managing Director and CTO (Chief Technology Officer)
For more details, please refer to this article.
Mazda Rotary Engine Development
Mazda’s President and CEO, Mr. Moro, announced, ” We have received a great deal of support and encouragement for the Mazda Iconic SP . We are very pleased and deeply moved. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone. With everyone’s encouragement, we will be launching a rotary engine development group on February 1st to get closer to this dream. In order to make a breakthrough in overcoming the challenges facing a carbon-neutral era, we will be bringing together engineers who have trained in a wide range of technical fields that transcend the boundaries of engine types, cutting-edge internal combustion engine technology, and model-based development, which is Mazda’s specialty. “
About Mazda’s compact sports car, the Iconic SP
Mazda unveiled the compact sports car concept, the “MAZDA ICONIC SP,” at the JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023 on October 25, 2023. The car’s “skeleton,” the foundation of its design, sought to achieve a low center of gravity that exudes superior dynamic performance. The lightweight, compact rotary engine, positioned close to the center of the vehicle, allows for a low hood. The two-rotor Rotary-EV system utilizes a highly scalable rotary engine capable of burning a variety of fuels, including hydrogen, and generates electricity using carbon-neutral fuel. When the onboard battery is charged with renewable energy, it achieves virtually carbon-neutral driving. The high output generated by the two-rotor Rotary-EV system, combined with the low center of gravity and 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution, delivers superior dynamic performance. Despite being a sports car, the car can also provide power for outdoor leisure activities and in emergencies.
The body color “VIOLA RED” is a concept color created based on Mazda’s desire to “cherish the color red” and Mazda’s corporate philosophy of “expanding the circle of people who live each day positively.”
Mazda’s President and CEO said, “The Mazda Iconic SP is a solution that adapts to the times, even as they change. Cars are great. They’re fun. We will continue to provide that. This is a compact sports car that embodies our aspirations. It has a two-rotor rotary engine as a generator. This unique system operates as a battery EV, powered by a motor and battery, during normal use, and then allows you to enjoy using electricity freely when you’re out and about. It can also carry carry-on bags for two people, so you can drive freely without worrying about range. You can enjoy traveling without any inconvenience. And you’ll come home with a smile on your face. Of course, because it’s a sports car, the performance is first class. As you can see from the specs, it has performance equivalent to that of a Porsche 911.”
Specifications for the compact sports car “MAZDA ICONIC SP”
| Specifications | MAZDA ICONIC SP |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,180mm |
| Overall width | 1,850mm |
| Overall height | 1,150mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,590mm |
| Maximum power | 370PS |
| Vehicle weight | 1,450 kg |
What fans are hoping most is that the Mazda Iconic SP will be equipped with a newly developed rotary engine and released as part of the new RX series with a name like the RX-7, RX-8, or even the RX-9.
For more details, please refer to this article.
Mazda News Release
https://newsroom.mazda.com/en/publicity/release/2024/202402/240201b.html
