The Mazda rotary engine was one of the most distinctive features of Mazda vehicles in the 1980s and 90s. Powering the FD3S Mazda RX-7, the rotary engine has achieved legendary status among enthusiasts with its ability to rev to stratospheric heights along with its unique combustion and distinct sound. The last time Mazda offered the rotary engine was in the RX-8, which was discontinued in 2012. Since then, Mazda fans and car enthusiasts as a whole have been begging the Japanese automaker to reintroduce this unique powertrain.

The Mazda rotary engine could come back on the electric Mazda MX-30

Mazda heard what the market was saying and, if reports from earlier this year are to be believed, we will see the rotary engine resurrected in the Mazda MX-30 electric vehicle. The Japanese automaker appears to have confirmed the news back at the Brussels motor show in January, where it introduced the Mazda MX-30 and announced that it will be offered with a range extender that is based on the rotary engine. The unveiling of the MX-30 on the European market and the subsequent news that it will feature a range extender that uses Mazda’s patented rotary technology isn’t necessarily new, as the Japanese manufacturer alluded to a rotary Range extender back in 2020.

It’s unclear as of yet how the rotary engine could be used in the electric MX-30, although it seems that it will provide a gas-powered component that would convert the MX-30 essentially into a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

The rotary engine is well-suited to electric vehicles

The application of a rotary engine in an electric vehicle like the Mazda MX-30 makes sense. The rotary piston engine’s main distinguishing characteristic is the low vibration provided by the unique piston design. This creates a significant advantage by lowering operating noise and reducing external NVH elements. The quieter operation would blend well with the MX-30’s fully electric powertrain. Where the rotary engine struggled was in its higher-speed performance that required a tremendous amount of oil and constant gear changes to get optimal performance. Applied to the MX-30 as a range extender, the rotary engine would mostly kick in at lower speeds, significantly reducing some of its drawbacks. It would also provide the MX-30 with a unique feature that would further enhance its appeal.

The rotary engine has been synonymous with Mazda for decades and the automaker won’t just let it die. That’s great news for enthusiasts. The concept of using a rotary engine to provide extended range would make an already unique electric vehicle even more distinct while also creating a remarkable driving experience for MX-30 owners. Now only would the Mazda EV stand out for its electrified powertrain, but the added rotary engine would provide a new level of performance and driving enjoyment when the battery is depleted. Stay tuned for more news about the return of the Mazda rotary engine in the near future.

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