Mazda plans to evolve its rotary engine technology by moving beyond the current range-extender setup. Moritz Oswald, product-planning manager at Mazda Motor Europe, confirmed that future applications will involve the rotary engine directly contributing to vehicle propulsion rather than solely acting as a power generator for the battery.
The company is exploring a hybrid configuration where the vehicle operates in electric mode initially, with the rotary engine engaging to provide additional power. This approach aims to maintain the characteristic sound, vibration, and high-revving experience associated with rotary engines while meeting modern emissions standards.
Mazda has explicitly ruled out pairing the rotary engine with a continuously variable transmission, citing concerns over driver engagement and gear-shift quality. The development is supported by internal engineering efforts, including a 2023 patent for an exhaust gas recirculation system designed to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
While no specific production timeline or model name has been announced, the company continues to refine the technology. Mazda remains the only manufacturer currently committed to the rotary engine format, a legacy that dates back to the 1965 Cosmo and continued through the RX-8 model in 2012.
