Mazda’s CEO, Masahiro Moro, recently announced the creation of a specialized rotary engine development department, set to start operations in February. This announcement, made during the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, aligns with Mazda’s vision of using the rotary engine, a symbol of their performance heritage (as seen in models like RX-7, RX-8), as a means to achieve carbon-neutral transportation.
Under Moro’s leadership, Mazda is poised to explore the boundaries of automotive engineering, leveraging a broad spectrum of technical expertise to innovate in the realm of internal combustion engines. This initiative mirrors Toyota’s substantial investment in hydrogen-powered engines, as Mazda seeks sustainable alternatives to conventional electric vehicles (EVs).
Intriguingly, Mazda has participated in the Super Taikyu motorsport series, using this platform to deepen its understanding of eco-friendly driving solutions. This mirrors Toyota’s strategy of racing a hydrogen-powered Corolla in the same series. Mazda’s entry, a biodiesel-fueled Mazda 3 Gr.4 race car, is an experimental venture in this direction.
Moro acknowledges the complexity of the challenges ahead in seeking climate-friendly solutions. The revival of Mazda’s rotary engine in June 2023, after an 11-year break, marks a significant milestone. However, its comeback wasn’t in a high-performance sports car but in the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV, a more pragmatic application.
This new direction could signal a return to rotary-powered high-performance vehicles, hinted at by the stunning SP Concept unveiled last October. With two million rotary engines produced since the resumption of production, Mazda is at a pivotal moment, especially as other manufacturers heavily invest in EVs.
Despite lagging in the electric vehicle race, Mazda, as described by CEO Moro, is an “intentional follower” in this sector. The company’s strategy is to explore diverse mobility solutions amidst fluctuating interest in EVs.
The new rotary engine division might explore hydrogen-powered engines or range-extender systems, similar to those in the MX-30 e-Skyactiv REV. Mazda’s approach of revisiting its past technology to address future challenges is a unique strategy in today’s automotive landscape. The potential of electrified rotary-engined vehicles could offer a novel solution in the evolving world of sustainable transportation.
Mazda’s exploration into rotary engines as a medium for carbon-neutral driving is a testament to the company’s innovative spirit and commitment to environmental sustainability. This venture represents a blend of heritage and forward-thinking, as Mazda leverages its iconic rotary engine technology to meet the demands of the modern era while staying true to its roots in performance and engineering excellence.
The company’s participation in motorsports with alternative fuel vehicles further underscores its dedication to researching and developing sustainable mobility solutions. These endeavors provide valuable insights into the practical application of such technologies in real-world conditions, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in automotive engineering.
Mazda’s strategy of being an “intentional follower” in the EV market suggests a thoughtful approach to vehicle electrification. Rather than rushing to conform to current trends, the company is focusing on diversifying its technological portfolio, potentially leading to more innovative and sustainable solutions in the long term.
The potential introduction of hydrogen-powered engines or advanced range-extender systems could pave the way for a new era of eco-friendly vehicles. Mazda’s approach, combining the nostalgia of rotary engines with cutting-edge technology, may offer a unique alternative in the crowded field of electric vehicles.
