---
title: "Mazda Hints at a Return of the Rotary (Again) as a Range-Extending Engine"
description: "A new Wankel engine would ideally be coupled to a \"generator\" of some sort, Mazda says in its official brand magazine."
date: "2017-05-23"
modified: "2017-05-23"
authors:
  - name: "Chris Tsui"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/chris-tsui"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/tech/10550/mazda-hints-at-a-return-of-the-rotary-as-a-range-extending-engine"
categories:
  - "News"
tags:
  - "mazda"
  - "rotary engine"
  - "Rumors"
  - "Wankel"
---

# Mazda Hints at a Return of the Rotary (Again) as a Range-Extending Engine

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2017/05/02_rx-vision_h-e1495548130219.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

Mazda has spent years [teasing](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/6451/mazda-taunts-us-with-the-rx-vision>) the possibility that they will bring back a Wankel-powered car into their modern lineup. The [last we heard of Mazda's rotary plans](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/8618/mazda-patent-reveals-rotary-engine-for-use-in-hybrids>), patents were filed outlining a setup that relegated the rotary as a range extender in some sort of hybrid vehicle. Those plans are looking a little more real today, with Mazda dropping heavy hints in its official (and appropriately-named) magazine, *Zoom-Zoom*.

According to [*Carscoops*](<https://www.carscoops.com/2017/05/mazdas-official-magazine-says-rotary.html>), the latest issue of the Mazda mag mentions the possibility of a rotary engine returning in an alternatively-powered car—possibly one involving hydrogen. From *Zoom-Zoom*:

> The rotary may indeed be on the verge of a comeback. As the primary power source, it may be comparatively thirstier as revs rise and fall and loads vary. But at constant and optimal rpm, such as experienced by a generator, it is ideal.

> Little wonder that Mazda has experimented with using these delightfully small engines — one-third the size of a conventional petrol or diesel engine — as on-board power generators, or ‘range extenders’. There are other future possibilities. Rotary engines can run superbly on hydrogen, the universe’s most abundant element. It’s also very clean: combusting hydrogen produces only water vapour.

> — *Zoom-Zoom* magazine via *Carscoops*

For those still holding out for a purely rotary-powered, rear-drive successor to the [RX-7](<https://www.thedrive.com/watch-this/8536/this-700-horsepower-mazda-rx7-is-your-daily-dose-of-rotary>) ... well, you'll probably have to keep waiting. On the other hand, Honda recently resurrected [*their* 90s hero](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/2535/does-the-2017-acura-nsx-have-a-soul>), in hybrid form no less. Perhaps what Mazda is alluding to here is a hybrid in the same vein as the new NSX—but, y'know, with a Wankel instead of a V6.

As is standard practice with this sort of thing, it's best not to get your hopes up. We at *The Drive*, however, are still quietly crossing our fingers.

## Author
Chris Tsui is *The Drive*'s former Reviews Editor and current freelance automotive journalist. He's based in Toronto.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/cltsuii/>)