Mazda’s rotary revival plans are one step closer to reality. The company is planning a two-rotor engine for America, and now, engineers are confident it’ll be able to pass today’s strictest emissions regulations.
“I decided to reopen the rotary engine development group and I gave a mission to them, “Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro told Road & Track. “That was to comply with stringent emissions regulations like LEV IV in the U.S., and Euro 7.”
Moro previously said a single-rotor engine wouldn’t be powerful enough for American audiences, hence the move to develop a dual-rotor powertrain.
“We know that rotary is not good at complying with emissions, that was the reason we decided to discontinue it in 2012,” Moro told R&T. “That is a very high hurdle they have to overcome, but in the last year the progress has been very encouraging.”
The only thing holding back Mazda from selling a rotary-powered vehicle now? How to sell it.
“The next challenge is… now you can support us in making a good business case,” Moro says. “But technically, we are almost ready—if we see a good business case, we’re ready to go.”
The Two-Rotor Will Be Destined for a Sports Car
Mazda brought the rotary engine back into production in 2023, albeit as a range-extending generator for the MX-30 electric crossover sold overseas. This new two-rotor setup will likely be used in something sportier, though.
The Japanese automaker revealed last year it was considering putting a sporty vehicle into production, a-la the Iconic SP concept shown above. In R&T’s interview, Moro suggested such a car would likely not have a stick shift, but something quicker.
“If, let’s say—and we haven’t decided anything yet—if we do go to the super sports category, then [a gearbox] should be faster,” he said, “then probably not a manual, but a more advanced transmission technology can be used.”
It’s still unclear when we might see a real, actual production version, should the project be green-lit. If you’re in the market, make your voice heard. Take to social media and call your local dealer.
More on the Rotary’s Return
Mazda Boss Says the Rotary Sports Car Is Inching Closer
This Tiny Rotary Engine Is More Powerful Than It Looks