Mazda Speeds Rotary Machine Innovation, Secret Weapon Against Electric Car Domination?

MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV. (Doc. Mazda)

JAKARTA - Mazda, a Japanese manufacturer known for its unique rotary machines, made a surprising announcement ahead of the closing of the Tokyo Auto Salon exhibition with the establishment of a new division specifically for the development of rotary machines.

Not just nostalgia, this step is targeted to answer the challenges of the carbon-free era as well as challenging the dominance of electric cars.

Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro emphasized that this division will break through carbon-free era challenges by utilizing various leading technical resources. That is, they not only rely on the legendary Wankel machine, but have the potential to produce truly revolutionary internal combustion technology.

Why is "Mazda's secret weapon is indeed left behind in the electric car race. But instead of chasing down, they are focused on looking for another way.

"We deliberately became followers in the EV trend," said Moro as quoted by Carbuzz, January 15, seeing interest in electric cars that weren't as hot as before.

Well, this is where the rotary machines play a role. Not only iconic and powerful, this machine has great potential to be greened. "The proof is, they already use rotary machines as a range expander in their hybrid, MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV.

Another possibility? Hydrogen-fueled rotary engine! Mazda himself admits that he is competing in the Super Taikyu racing series with Mazda 3 Gr.4 biodiesel-fueled, proving their seriousness in exploring environmentally friendly alternatives.

Of course, technical hurdles are not easy to overcome. But, for Mazda, finding alternative solutions to the climate crisis is never easy, especially since Mazda's rotary engine was vacuumed for 11 years before it was revived.

To be sure, the establishment of this division ignites the enthusiasm of Mazda fans, especially car lovers of rotary-engined performance. Who knows, the concept of a stunning SP Concept sporty car is not just a dream.

So, will the rotary machine be Mazda's secret weapon against the dominance of electric cars? We'll just have to wait for the breakthrough. But what is clear, this bold move proves that the automotive future is not only about batteries and electric motors.