Mazda’s RX-Vision sports car concept comes equipped with a SKYACTIV-R rotary engine. The engine seen here, the Renesis, was a past rotary engine used by Mazda that has since gone out of production.

Will Mazda Bring Back the Rotary Engine

The subject of Mazda bringing back the rotary engine is one that never seems to die off. Everyone seems to be asking, will Mazda bring back the rotary engine? The reports have always seemed varied and conflicting. But now, with the reveal of Mazda’s RX-Vision concept sports car, the rotary engine has officially been resurrected.

Mazda RX-Vision Concept Engine Specs

Yes, it’s true Mazda fans. Mazda revealed its new sports car concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, and what was under the hood? A new rotary engine suitably dubbed the SKYACTIV-R.

No horsepower or torque specs have been made available, but we do know that, as expected, the concept model is rear-wheel drive. But the lack of more detailed engine specs will hardly be a concern for Mazda fans who are just glad to see the Wankel engine make a return. Though no production model has been revealed, if we’re putting an optimistic spin on things, it actually sounds like the rotary will be brought into production for drivers in the future.

What Are the Benefits of the Rotary Engine

Mazda’s Wankel engine first made an appearance in the Cosmo Sport, or 110S, from the 1960s. The rotary engine has also been used in the RX series of vehicles, and although the RX-8 was discontinued in 2012 to end Mazda’s rotary engine production, the engine has still received attention in research and development.

Those unfamiliar with Mazda’s Wankel rotary engine may wonder what all the hype is about. Well let us explain it to you.

Simple: A rotary engine works by generating power through the rotation of a triangular rotor. This design is unique and simple, with fewer parts.
Smooth: The rotary has a smooth power delivery compared to other engines.
Lightweight: These engines are lightweight, while still having an incredible horsepower to weight ratio.
Small: Their smaller size means more versatility when attempting to package into the vehicle’s design.
More power: The Wankel tends to produce more power per displacement than a piston engine.

Yet, with all of the advantages of the Wankel, rotary engines have struggled in the areas of fuel economy and emissions. But for those asking if Mazda will bring back the rotary engine, it sounds like now there is hope that Mazda will present a solution to these issues in the future through the SKYACTIV-R.