Photo credit: Joseph Robinson
Since the RX-8 ended production in 2012, the Mazda Wankel rotary engine is produced only for single seater racing, with the one-make Star Mazda Championship being contested with a Wankel engine until 2017 (transitioned to Mazda-branded piston engine in 2018). What if the automaker were to combine this with an electric motor in supercar form? Introducing the Mazda 9 Supercar by designer Joseph Robinson.
There’s no horsepower numbers mentioned, other than the hybrid powertrain would consist of a Renesis rotary engine as its main propulsion, which is assisted by an electric motor. Around 2.5-years ago, senior managing executive officer and R&D Chief Kiyoshi Fujiwara told journalists that they were still working on a rotary engine for a sports car that will potentially in some markets be with hybrid drivetrains in 2019/20.
- Fast and Furious fans can relive thrilling moments from the 2 Fast 2 Furious movie with this LEGO Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) model car building kit
- Inspired by the real-life version, the toy race car model features iconic stripes on the side, a wing at the back and a grille on the front
- LEGO Speed Champions and Fast and Furious fans will appreciate the impressive wheel arches and the nitro fuel canister on the passenger seat
Some cities will ban combustion, thus electrification is required because the driver can’t use this rotary sports car. However, in some places this small electrification won’t be needed, therefore they can utilize pure rotary engines.
