Mazda rotary engine is set to make a comeback with the MX-30 crossover

KUALA LUMPUR: Earlier this year, Mazda teased the possible return of the iconic, high-revving rotary engine with the brand’s upcoming electric car, the MX-30. And now, this possibility has been confirmed through a video, posted by the automaker on its official YouTube channel.

The company’s CEO Akira Marumoto has confirmed that the rotary engine will soon make a comeback to the Mazda lineup, although not in the form of super high-revving RX-9. This means the engine will be fitted as a range extender in an electric car this time. 

For this, Mazda has plans to begin prototype testing next year with an intent to roll out the MX-30 production-spec version in 2022 with the rotary engine under the hood.

Currently, the Japanese automaker offers the MX-30 hybrid in its home country. The model uses a 2.0-litre inline-four engine, a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and an electric motor for its electrified drivetrain. The mechanical setup allows a driving range of up to 130 miles (209 kilometres). With the rotary engine on board, the figure is likely to increase by a fair amount. The upcoming electric car shares the platform with the Mazda 3 and CX-30.

According to the previously revealed details, the 2022 MX-30 will be available in both all-wheel and front-wheel drive versions and will feature cool suicide doors along with sustainable interior materials.

Although Mazda announced the returning of the rotary engine, it does reveal any specific details. Also, it has not yet declared any plan to use the rotary engine in any other model.

With over 50 years of rotary engine experience, the company rolled out its first example in 1967. Instead of pistons moving back and forth to spin a crankshaft, this engine uses rounded triangular rotors that spin around the shaft for power generation.

At the moment, there is no information on unleashing the MX-30 hybrid or electric version in Malaysia.

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