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Thread: Rumormill: 2012 Mazda MX-5 to get rotary engine option

  1. #1

    Default Rumormill: 2012 Mazda MX-5 to get rotary engine option

    Filed under: Convertible, Hybrid, Mazda, Rumormill


    Mazda Miata - Click above for high-res image gallery

    Rumors have surfaced that the next-generation Mazda MX-5 could tip the scales at 2,200 pounds and boast an impressive 50 miles per gallon without losing a lick of horsepower in the process. And while initial reports had the Miata achieving those impressive numbers with the help of Mazda's forthcoming SKY-G engines, Best Car Japan is hearing something different from Mazda HQ.

    The Japanese magazine reports that the 2012 Miata will receive a rotary mill with a displacement of 1.2 or 1.3 liters, helping the roadster drop a few pounds in the process. However, the Wankel has proven to be anything but fuel efficient, so to achieve lofty fuel economy numbers the rumored rotary would be of the hybrid variety. That sounds a bit far fetched, but the Wankel/hybrid marriage has already been consummated in the form of a Fiat 500 prototype created by FEV. The little Fiat contains a rotary that acts as a generator for a Lithium-Ion battery pack.

    While it's an intriguing idea, our money is on a small, efficient four-pot with turbocharging. After all, one of the most attractive qualities of the Miata is it's diminutive price tag, and hybrids tend to add a lot of cost - not to mention weight - to the bottom line.


    Gallery: Review: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata



    [Source: 7Tune]Rumormill: 2012 Mazda MX-5 to get rotary engine option originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
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    That's wierd concidering that they are looking at a diesel version to keep the rotary alive and a nitrogen version they are working on... Otherwise the rotary exits.....

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    Perth, WA
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    Small efficient Turbo FTW!!!

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    The car looks so happy

    Renesis in the MX-5 just makes sense. Hell, if I could fit in it, I'd buy one
    Renesis NC Track Car - In the Build - RX8Club.com

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
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    They should have had the rotor option for the last 20 years,
    before the price of fuel started to kill the dream

  6. #6

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    internet searching showed me the Renesis is aprox 120Kg while the current Mx5 engine is a bit less than 80kgs. So you wouldn't swap in interests of weight . So either turbo the current engine or use a lighter Renesis/hybrid

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Canberra
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    remove the collapsible roof, that will make your 40kg easy

    or add a 40kg spoiler to even it out again...

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