It took many, a few years, however Mazda introduced yesterday that it has produced over two million rotary engine autos. This was made doable with the introduction of the MX-30 R-EV, which brings again rotary engine manufacturing after 11 years – the final Mazda mannequin to return with the engine is the RX-8 that ended manufacturing in 2012.

Nevertheless, in contrast to the RX-8, the rotary engine within the MX-30 R-EV doesn’t immediately drive the wheels however acts as a spread extender for the electrical automobile’s (EV) battery. Such a setup is just like the one used within the Iconic SP idea offered at this yr’s Japan Mobility Present.

It must be famous that Mazda has demonstrated the concept of utilizing a rotary engine as a spread extender prior to now. Virtually 10 years in the past, the corporate revealed a prototype with a spread extender rotary engine primarily based on the Mazda 2/Demio EV that was supplied in restricted items by a leasing programme in 2012.

Older followers of the rotary engine will bear in mind Mazda’s first automobile with Felix Wankel’s licenced creation being the Cosmo Sport (or 110S), which was launched in 1967. This automobile paved the way in which for the various different rotary-equipped autos that adopted, together with the Familia Rotary (R100), first-gen Luce Rotary (R130), Capella Rotary (RX-2), Savanna (RX-3) and second-gen Luce Rotary (RX-4).

This checklist continues with the Rotary Pickup (REPU), Parkway Rotary, Roadpacer AP, second-gen Cosmo AP (RX-5), third-gen Luce (929L), first-gen Savanna RX-7, third-gen Cosmo, fourth-gen Luce Rotary (929), fourth-gen Cosmo, third-gen RX-7, RX-8 and to right this moment’s MX-30 R-EV.

“The rotary engine is a particular a part of Mazda historical past and represents our ‘never-stop difficult spirit.’ The rotary engine is way liked by prospects world wide, and we’re excited to renew manufacturing and see it make a comeback,” stated Takeshi Mukai, director and senior managing govt officer at Mazda.

“I want to take this chance to sincerely thank everybody who has supported us on this journey – specifically, the various prospects who’ve bought rotary engine autos, our rotary engine followers and all our enterprise companions who had been concerned in improvement and manufacturing,” he continued.

“Transferring ahead, we are going to proceed to go on this ‘never-stop difficult spirit,’ providing engaging autos that present our prospects with an thrilling driving expertise even within the age of electrification,” he ended.

GALLERY: 50 years of Mazda rotary engine improvement

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