For those of you who crave the successor of the rotary engine, then you must be prepared to be disappointed. Because the official concept of Mazda RX Vision or the RX-9 candidate is reportedly not using a rotary engine or Wankel.
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| Here's the new Mazda rotary-engined sports car concept named 'Mazda RX-Vision debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1ikkqAz) |
As is well known that the Wankel production was stopped in 2012, and made as a driving force for the Mazda RX-8. For Mazda fans, this is like sad news. Because Mazda is very attached to the Wankel, with a distinctive engine roar.
But it hasn't ended yet. Recently, Mazda delivered official info at the 2018 Paris Auto Show, affirming their intention to launch the company's first electric vehicle. Where there are two ideas. The first, the Mazda RX Vision uses batteries and electric motors. The second option is to be the range-extender model. This is rarely heard in our ears about the range-extender car.
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| Mazda working on efficient sky rotary engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2JKJD6Z) |
Here's the concept. The most obvious example of a range-extender vehicle is the Mazda 2 RE Range Extender concept (below). Where the car uses conventional engines and batteries. When the battery runs out, its conventional engine burn fossil fuel to recharge the battery, not to move the vehicle. As the main driver, still the electric motors.
If it's said to reduce emissions, but why still use internal combustion engine? In some cars, the combustion process uses liquid petroleum gas (LPG), which is lower in emissions from other fossil fuels.
Unfortunately, Mazda hasn't provided information about the type of fuel used. What is clear, they still use the Wankel, but in small dimensions and claimed to be quieter. According to Mazda, this type is ideal as a range-extender, because of its relatively high output and compact size. But this is what removes its character as a sports car.
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| 2013 Mazda 2 RE Range Extender concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OrAgda) |
In fact, previously at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, the Japanese manufacturer was very confident to develop Wankel completely for their RX Vision. We heard it directly. But emissions regulations are getting tougher. Mazda must play the brain. Then, so be a Mazda EV with rotary range-extender.
The carved form of Mazda RX Vision was exhibited in 2015. When it became a mass production vehicle, we hope that the shape will not change. In our opinion, the appearance is very athletic and proportionate.
There is no definite name for RX Vision if it is a mass product. Many said that it would be the successor to the RX-7, RX-8 and some would assume the RX-9 name. We prefer to use the RX-9 name, as a new model.
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