Mazda plans new Wankel & electric-powered SUV by 2027
Mazda announced plans to continue developing Wankel engines as generators for use in their EVs, starting with a new SUV by 2027
Despite the relative failure of the MX-30, Mazda will be throwing its hat in the EV SUV ring come 2027.
The Japanese automaker recently announced plans to add another in-house made electric SUV as a "PHEV derivative." Automotive news outlet InsideEVs speculates that the derivative may be a Wankel-powered hybrid like the Mazda MX-30 R-EV currently sold in markets other than the U.S.
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The Mazda MX-30 was not a hit in the U.S., to put it mildly
The MX-30 only saw a brief appearance in the U.S. market back in 2021 but was only sold in California with just the Premium Plus package. After less than 600 units sold over two years, Mazda discontinued the MX-30 in July of 2023.
The return of the Wankel engine does not resemble its prior use
The R-EV powertrain employs a single-rotor Wankel engine generator that, unlike the most recent RX-8, is not connected to the wheels. It instead works as a generator to support the electric motor and create more range. Mazda
We know that Mazda has bigger plans for the new iteration of the Wankel engine as the company revived their rotary engine development team back in February of this year, saying that “The new RE Development Group will continue to evolve RE used as generators, and will conduct research and development in areas such as regulatory compliance in major markets as well as the application of carbon-neutral fuels.”
Mazda aims to provide multiple combustion alternatives to consumers
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Mazda also plans to be among the few companies who don't see electric vehicles as the only green combustion solution moving forward. In a recent blog post, Mazda noted that they believe in providing multiple solutions for cleaner vehicles to preserve the customers' "freedom of choice."
Mazda did recently mention that the Iconic SP concept we've heard so much about recently was always slated to be more than a concept car. That car is supposed to use a similar Wankel/electric motor setup albeit with two Wankels instead of one. We won't say no to double the Dorito power! Mazda
Final thoughts
While it's hard to be excited about yet another SUV in today's oversaturated market, it's a little easier when you consider the unique powertrain it brings with it.
We can also speculate that if Mazda has widespread market success with another Wankel-powered car, we might just see its return in enthusiast-grade cars. Mazda's last fully-rotary-powered car was the Mazda RX-8, and that was discontinued all the way back in 2012. We can at least dream, right?
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