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Next Mazda Rotary to be Hydrogen Powered

by George Delozier


Mazda has played a huge role in making the Rotary engine as popular as it is today. Beginning with the RX-7 and evolving into the RX-8, it has made quite an impression on most of the people who experience its potential. Now, Mazda is moving the rotary into the alternative fuels category, which should only increase the already growing fan base.

Mazda's rotary engine has always been known for its power, but it was lacking in the fuel economy department. Emissions were also a little under par with other vehicles of comparable size. The answer to this problem can be found in the use of Hydrogen.

The next generation RX-8, which will most likely be named the RX-9, will feature a dual-fuel capability. It can run on normal petroleum fuel and offer the performance that we have come to expect from the Mazda Rotary engine. When you feel like cutting some emissions and the amount of fuel you are burning, you can switch over to Hydrogen. Mazda reports fuel economy increases of up to 20 when running on Hydrogen.

As with all things, there is a downside. That 20% drop in fuel consumption will cost you about the same percentage under your right foot. Mazda is predicting that most people will use this to run around the city until more performance is needed, at which point petro will be switched on.

Mazda has been working with the Hydrogen powered RX-8 for over 8 months. The current prototype, called the RX8 HYDROGEN RE, has been a complete success. The newer Premacy MVP has also seen its fair share of tests and seems to be holding up very well.

The next-gen RX-8 will come in either a close ratio manual or the less enticing automatic gearbox putting power to the rear wheels. Mazda has also hinted that it will be taking styling cues from the Taiki concept originally seen at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. Sales should start sometime in 2012.

HatTip : AutoExpress



George Delozier
Motorized Innovations
InventorSpot.com


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Comments

Next Mazda Rotary to be Hydrogen Powered

Submitted on August 19th, 2008 by Anonymous

I may be simple but if you wanted to save fuel wouldn't you just go 20% easier on the throttle and come up with the same result? Just saying.


I'd feel safer

Submitted on August 20th, 2008 by Anonymous

Just knowing I have a twenty percent head start on future fuel price increases!


i agree with the first

Submitted on August 25th, 2008 by Anonymous

i agree with the first comment if people just lay off the throttle you should come up with the same results so whats the big deal about this that it will help things become more green or what i would really like to know and if im way off on this please someone tell me


Just a few things...

Submitted on September 2nd, 2008 by Anonymous

The article states that the Mazda Rotary (or Wankel) Engine was put into production with the RX-7. In fact that it was put into production back in 1963 with a single rotor, many now incorporating dual and triple-rotors (Mazda Cosmic):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_Wankel_engine

As far as fuel consumption goes, the fact that if you let off the "Gas" by twenty percent the assumption that you'll be twenty percent more efficient is a fallacy. Forgetting the fact that it would be nearly impossible for someone to drive (consistently) at 20% less, these figures are means tested and the true outcome is that you'll have 20% extra in total MPG compared to a standard petrol rotary engine (granted that this will be under laboratory conditions)

I.e. @ 35 MPG + 20% = 42 MPG

If you can get a car (that by the manufactures literature) does 35MPG and by driving economically achieve 42MPG, I'll be VERY impressed!