More News On the new 16X
10-21-2010 | 10:27 AM
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More News On the new 16X
Mazda's rotary engine stalled, not forgotten
Continued @ http://www.autoweek.com/article/2010...NEWS/101029989
Development of the next-generation rotary engine from Mazda Motor Corp., first unveiled three years ago, is making slow progress despite missing emissions targets.
A top Mazda powertrain executive said today that the 1.6-liter rotary engine, called the 16X, is about 30 percent more fuel-efficient than the current rotary engine used in the RX-8 sporty car.
In fact, the 16X so far performs slightly better than Mazda's standard two-liter gasoline engine, said Mitsuo Hitomi, general manager of the Japanese carmaker's powertrain division.
But the engine is at least one model year behind schedule because of problems hitting emissions reduction targets. And Hitomi concedes it's still not ready for production.
A top Mazda powertrain executive said today that the 1.6-liter rotary engine, called the 16X, is about 30 percent more fuel-efficient than the current rotary engine used in the RX-8 sporty car.
In fact, the 16X so far performs slightly better than Mazda's standard two-liter gasoline engine, said Mitsuo Hitomi, general manager of the Japanese carmaker's powertrain division.
But the engine is at least one model year behind schedule because of problems hitting emissions reduction targets. And Hitomi concedes it's still not ready for production.
10-21-2010 | 05:58 PM
#4
If they can't even project a potential production introduction for two more years and it's running one model year behind it doesn't sound as if it's intended for the RX-8 chassis 
I don't even see how the RX-8 will still be in production by then.
I don't even see how the RX-8 will still be in production by then.
10-21-2010 | 06:25 PM
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10-21-2010 | 07:57 PM
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exactly- new/updated chassis
10-21-2010 | 10:16 PM
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10-21-2010 | 10:18 PM
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10-22-2010 | 08:28 AM
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And, YES it is a long ways to wait. I guess w'll sit tight until it comes out.
10-22-2010 | 02:36 PM
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A 16X could probably hit current emissions regulations. However they are probably thinking 15-20+ years into the future so they won't release an engine that is emissions obsolete in only 1 vehicle generation.
10-22-2010 | 06:20 PM
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If that was the case, why not release it now and keep working on the improvements for when they will be needed in the future? Let it fly now.
10-22-2010 | 07:50 PM
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I know it's tough to wait but, I think Mazda is taking the right approach this time. Having to re-engineer the wheel every 6-7 years gets old. The previous PP exhaust rotary had a 30+ year life span. If the new engine can go the distance (as RG is suggesting) , then (hopefully) Mazda can start producing 2,3 and 4 rotor production versions of it. I'm personally sick and tired of having only 1 displacement version of the rotary. We need multiple displacement versions just like the pistons engine have. Hell Ford is no longer in control so the sky's the limit now.
Last edited by T-von; 10-22-2010 at 07:53 PM.
10-22-2010 | 08:02 PM
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And it's not the worst thing to have the RX8 go out of production for a season before an RX9 or RX7 comes along it means the 8 has some more time being the definitive X-factor sports car rather than get completely outshone by the next rotary. Possibly will slow the dropping of resale values a bit too.
10-22-2010 | 09:52 PM
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30% more fuel efficient would mean 20/28 compared to the current 16/22 for the Renesis. If you could get that in a car a couple hundred lbs lighter than the current 8 with even only marginally more hp and torque, I'd be thrilled.
10-25-2010 | 03:01 AM
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well I'm sure that will be a fundamental part of the design process so its not like they can just "bolt on" emissions improvers.
The good thing is that they are really going for it.... Go Mazda!
The good thing is that they are really going for it.... Go Mazda!
10-25-2010 | 04:23 AM
#21
It makes sense for them to hit their final goals from the get go. It's much more economically sound if they can keep their production the exact same for a longer period of time and still have the engine sell.
10-25-2010 | 05:14 PM
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. Not before they come here 
