mazda s hybrid sports car expected to use a triangle engineMazda's iconic rotary engine might finally drive the wheels directly again, rather than sit under the hood as a hot rod generator.Speaking to Car Magazine, Moritz Oswald, Product Planning Manager at Mazda Motor Europe, confirmed the automaker is actively developing a rotary configuration where the combustion engine contributes directly to vehicle propulsion. The revelation marks a fundamental shift from the MX-30 R-EV, Mazda's current plug-in hybrid crossover where a small single-rotor engine functions exclusively as an onboard range extender to charge the battery.While Oswald stopped short of revealing a specific timeline or even what model might get the rotary engine, he made it clear that development is focused on driving dynamics rather than pure efficiency. Most enthusiasts will be quick to point out that efficiency was never a strong suit of the rotary engine; in fact, it was the high emissions and abysmal fuel consumption that caused Mazda to retire the configuration when the RX-8 went out of production in 2012.mazda s hybrid sports car expected to use a triangle engine"The reason why people love the rotary is because of the revving, because of the sound, because of the vibration," Oswald said, stressing that Mazda treats Wankel technology as an emotional driving experience.To keep those high-revving characteristics compliant with modern global emissions standards, a performance-oriented hybrid setup appears to be the path forward. Oswald described a powertrain configuration that starts quietly under electric power before the rotary fires up to assist with high-demand propulsion.Crucially for enthusiasts, Oswald completely ruled out pairing the engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Pointing out that CVTs sever the mechanical connection between the driver and the road - any future rotary sports car will prioritize driver engagement with crisp, stepped gear shifts.mazda s hybrid sports car expected to use a triangle enginePatent filings published by Mazda point to serious engineering work aimed at resolving the rotary engine's historical Achilles' heel: thermal efficiency and heavy fuel consumption.A recent patent details a rotary-specific exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system designed to precise combustion temperatures without over-fueling to cool the housing. By solving the inherent emissions challenges of the triangular rotor design, Mazda is laying the groundwork for a clean, direct-drive application that can coexist with modern regulations.While Mazda has not officially greenlit a successor to the RX-7 or RX-8, fresh patent filings and dedicated engineering resources indicate the rotary dream remains very much alive in Hiroshima. Hopefully this time it's not just talk.Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter.
