Mazda is bringing rotary engines back!

Well, sort of. Alongside the MX-5’s longevity sits a bit of a black hole. The Wankel rotary engine – the source of power for many of Mazda’s most iconic models – has not been a part of the Mazda line-up since the RX-8’s departure over ten years ago. But Mazda has just confirmed that it’s coming back, and soon. But in a completely different way to what’s gone before it. 

It’s been rumoured for a few years now, but Mazda is finally ready to show to the world the revived rotary it’s been promising for some time – and it’s a crucial part of a new plug-in hybrid powertrain. On 13^th January at the Brussels Motor Show, it will reveal a new version of its MX-30 crossover equipped with this rotary range-extender setup, the model presently only available with a fully-electric powertrain. 

No technical details have been confirmed, but it wouldn’t be hard to imagine the new rotary engine working directly in line with the electric powertrain the MX-30 already employs, given its compact nature. The MX-30’s 35.5kWh battery is small for a car of its size, and ripe to be deployed alongside a rotary engine that can generate additional charge for it, in a range-extender setup. Perhaps the power of the electric will step up from the 143PS (105kW) output it presently deploys, to compensate for the extra weight. 

And could the MX-30 rotary range-extender revive the ‘RX’ designation missing from Mazda’s range since 2012? For now, all we know is that the car will wear a new badge, incorporating an ‘e’ (presumably standing for electrification) into a Wankel rotor. All will be revealed later this week.