New Mazda Patent

For many purists, Mazda will forever be associated with the rotary engine the company first introduced in the 1967 Cosmo Sport and later introduced A series of sports cars bearing the RX badge. Rotary engines have played an important role in Mazda's history over the years, including powering the Le Mans winner. The engine made a comeback earlier this year as a range extender in the MX30 compact electric crossover. But could we see a more powerful rotary engine in the modern RX? The biggest obstacle remains getting the gas-guzzling engine to increase output while complying with strict emissions regulations. Mazda's last rotary-engined sports car, the RX-8, had only 232 horsepower but a V-8-like thirst.

The new patent suggests Mazda is considering hybrid technology as a possible solution for cars that would provide rotational power directly to the wheels. A patent filed by Mazda with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and published this week details a hybrid system in which a front-mounted rotary engine (12) is paired with an electric motor (16), with both power units driving the vehicle. The force is transferred to the transaxle (14c) and ultimately to the rear wheels (2a). Two further electric motors (20), as described for hub motors, form the powertrain and provide all-wheel drive.

Last year, a similar patent was noticed but the latest patent provides more details about the electric aspect of the powertrain. The two hub motors are described as 17 kW (23 hp) induction motors, while the motor paired with the rotary motor is described as a 25 kW (36 hp) permanent magnet synchronous motor. The latest patent also features an interesting concept of a battery system (18) used to store the recovered energy and power the electric motor. This is a unique variable voltage system with four separate 48-volt battery systems packaged for ideal weight distribution. The system operates alone during normal driving, but when peak power is required, the switch can connect the battery to form a 96-volt unit. This design means fewer high-voltage connections are required, helping to reduce weight.

Mazda has not mentioned plans to launch a modern rotary-engine sports car, although there have been many hints over the years, culminating in the RX Vision concept car in 2015. All the patent activity shows that, even in a world of ever-tightening emissions standards, Mazda hasn't given up on the idea of ??a rotary-engined sports car.