The rotary engine was a groundbreaking innovation in automotive engineering, but for Mazda, it seems that the future lies beyond its past. In 2012, the company ceased production of the RX-8, its last rotary-powered sports car. Just three years later, hopes were reignited with the RX Vision concept unveiled in 2015. However, this vision never materialized, and by 2018, the rotary engine development team was disbanded.
Despite this, the rotary engine made an unexpected return in 2023 with the MX-30 E-Skyactiv R-EV. In this compact crossover, the rotary engine functions solely as a generator to charge the battery, effectively making the vehicle more of an electric vehicle (EV). A similar design appeared later in the Iconic SP concept. While these developments are intriguing, they don’t signal the return of a traditional rotary sports car.
Mazda’s Chief Technology Officer, Ryuichi Umeshita, recently acknowledged the challenges of bringing the Iconic SP into production. Although the development team has the capability, the financial hurdles remain significant. “The only outstanding issue is financial,” he stated, highlighting the difficulty for a smaller automaker like Mazda to justify heavy investment in a niche product.
Financial Realities and Strategic Priorities
Mazda’s size presents a major challenge compared to larger competitors like BMW. In 2024, Mazda sold 1,277,578 vehicles, while BMW delivered over 2.2 million. This disparity makes it harder for Mazda to allocate resources toward a car that would likely be a niche product.
Instead, the company is focusing on developing its first bespoke electric platform and a new hybrid setup. It is also working on the Skyactiv-Z, a 2.5-liter gasoline engine set to replace all four-cylinder Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-X powertrains. Mazda describes this as the final step toward the ideal internal combustion engine. Lessons from this development will also be applied to larger inline-six engines used in models like the CX-60.
With increasingly strict emissions regulations, these projects are essential for Mazda’s future. Balancing these efforts with the development of the next-generation MX-5, which is expected to feature a larger engine, is no small task.
Enthusiast Perspective: Focus on the Miata
From an enthusiast’s viewpoint, it seems wiser for Mazda to focus on the new MX-5 rather than reviving the rotary engine. The on-again, off-again RX revival diverts engineering resources that could be better spent on the Miata. While many would love to see a production model of a rotary-powered coupe, the current approach of using the rotary as a generator feels like a compromise.
If Mazda insists on launching a pricier sports car above the Miata, why not use the inline-six for an MX-6 or something similar? The rotary’s heritage is undeniable, but using it purely as a generator defeats the purpose of having one in a sports car. Additionally, electric sports cars are not thriving at the moment.
However, Mazda isn’t ruling out the possibility of a rotary engine driving the wheels again. Umeshita mentioned that it is technically feasible, though the generator configuration currently takes priority. The first step is improving the rotary to meet global emissions standards. Only then can engineers focus on reconnecting it to the drivetrain.
The Vision X-Coupe and Future Design
The recently unveiled Vision X-Coupe, a plug-in hybrid with a rotary engine, is not heading to production either. While the large, five-door GT previews Mazda’s future design language, Umeshita described it as “imagination around 2035,” complete with technology that can supposedly suck back some of its CO2 emissions.
Mazda’s reluctance to use its inline-six and rear-wheel-drive platform for a BMW-rivaling sedan suggests the idea lacked a solid business case. Logic implies it was considered but ultimately shelved due to weak sales projections. If a sedan based on existing architecture couldn’t get approved, imagine how difficult it is for a low-volume, bespoke RX to earn the green light.
Conclusion: A Cautious Approach
Mazda’s cautious approach to investment makes sense given its financial constraints. Having two sports cars isn’t realistic when funds are needed elsewhere. Although one car doesn’t exclude the other, when the budget is limited, the Miata is the safer bet. The company already has plenty on its plate with new hybrids and EVs, as well as the fifth-generation MX-5.
As much as enthusiasts crave a rotary-powered RX, Mazda is better off focusing on the world’s best-selling two-seater: The Miata.