Mazda is increasingly focusing on the hybrid rotary engine

The departure of the Wankel rotary engine from the ranks of Mazda, in exchange for the Skyactiv technology, has marked a step forward in technology. However, Mazda cannot stop glancing back, because it knows that the rotary engine has not left for good. Takashi Yamanouchi, CEO of Mazda, made this clear in an interview with the Japanese newspaper Nikkei.

Has it not yet fully left, and already the return of the Wankel is being considered? Most likely. To that end, it seems that Mazda’s leadership has already defined two clear strategies. The first is an improved rotary engine, with greater displacement and much better fuel efficiency; the second option is a rotary unit that will serve as a generator for an extended-range hybrid.

The interview with Yamanouchi closed with the following remark:

The rotary engine is a symbol for us at Mazda. I hope to revive it, along with our green technologies.

There is not much more to explain. Once Toyota and Mazda unveil the Mazda6 with SynergyDrive, a joint effort led by the former, the moment of truth will come with the extended-range rotary engine, an idea that is far from new and is being studied by other brands as well.

Source | Automotive News