Mazda rotary to go turbo

Mazda is working on a next-generation rotary engine, an unorthodox configuration made famous by the Japanese brand's RX cars, including the RX-3, RX-7 and RX-8.

But unlike the company's last rotary-engined sports car, the naturally-aspirated RX-8, the new engine is looking very likely to be turbocharged.

Speaking to motoring.com.au, Mazda's drivetrain and powertrain assistant manager, Tetsushi Marutani, said: "Personally, I think that a rotary with some turbo or compressor would be good.

"Because a rotary, in my opinion, they require more [torque at] low speed, low down torque. So if we have some small compressor or turbo it would help.

"I used to have a second-generation RX-7, and it was very quick," quipped Marutani-san.

The senior powertrain engineer wouldn't reveal when we'll see the new rotary or how much power it will have, but he confirmed Mazda is indeed busily working on a new rotary engine concept, which as we've reported previously could be revealed in 2017 or 2020, the 50th and 100th anniversary of the rotary engine and the company respectively.

"We are still developing the new engines with rotary. So in the future we hope to release it, of course, yes. But it's still under development. We can't say anything about the [rotary] program; when, what type of vehicle, what is the horsepower, we can't say anything about it yet," stated Marutani.

He noted that the RX 2020 Vision concept revealed at the 2015 Tokyo motor show was a first step on the path to a new rotary engine, and with turbocharging it's not likely to be underdone.

Mazda sources have previously talked about a twin 800cc (1.6-litre) rotary pumping out more than 300kW, which is entirely feasible, and Marutani said we can expect several other "surprises" for the company's upcoming anniversaries – though he wouldn't be drawn on which vehicles they'll be deployed on.

"We will surprise the customer with new technologies, engines, transmissions and AWD systems," said the senior drivetrain and powertrain engineer.

Whatever the outcome and timeline, it's clear Mazda is once again turning its focus to high-performance machinery, and it appears it's going to do so with a liberal amount of creativity.