Mazda has confirmed it is considering a rotary-electric powertrain for deployment in a sports car, and yes, we agree: just put it in the Iconic SP concept and build it now, please.
At Mazda, Toyota and Subaru’s recent joint announcement to pledge their considerable engineering talents in building a new generation of [checks notes] combustion engines more suited to electrification (and more standalone power), Mazda revealed an interesting concept engine.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
Report: Next-gen Nissan Navara might go back to rear leaf springs
The new Subaru WRX tS is (probably) the next best thing to an STI
It’s a development of the rotary-electric range-extender currently doing admittedly underwhelming business in the MX-30, which is a crossover. This concept engine uses two rotary engines mounted longitudinally to generate greater amounts of power to the battery and motor that’ll hopefully do… whelming? Yes, whelming business in a sports car.
“This concept unit is equipped with two longitudinally mounted rotary engines for power generation,” said Mazda’s CTO, “enabling a larger power supply and realising low centre-of-gravity proportions.
“The unit also aims to improve vibration and emissions by increasing the displacement. It is also being considered for use in sports cars.” There you have it.
The company went on to spell out the myriad carbon neutral fuels the new rotary could run on – bioethanol, bio-diesel, algae biofuels, e-fuels, methane, and even hydrogen. It allows the next-gen engine to dance under future, more restrictive emissions targets, but because it’s so tiny, could fit rather nicely in the nose of that SP concept.
Indeed, Mazda showcased a render of the SP, noting how the lower centre of gravity allowed for a 10% reduction in air resistance. We’d proffer there’s a 100% improvement in desirability.
Of course, Mazda itself is rather keen on the SP concept, with chief designer Masashi Nakayama telling TopGear.com that he’d like to make the gorgeous concept the company’s next project.
“I want to see it out in the world,” he said.
NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
