Since we've already shared the news with you that Mazda is going to be showing a second-generation Renesis rotary engine at the Tokyo Motor Show, dubbed the Renesis 2, why not show you the wrapper that will be surrounding that engine? Take a gander at the Mazda Taiki concept. This car, along with the Renesis 2 and the hybrid hydrogen/electric RX8 that the company will also be showing, make up what Mazda is referring to as "Sustainable Zoom Zoom" and will be their tagline for the event. The Taiki concept takes some cues from both Mazda's current design language as well as that expressed in their Nagare design theme. Notice the peaked fenders that Mazda features on cars such as the MX5 and RX8. The sculptured sheetmetal, though, is pure Nagare. Differing from both those designs is the rear-end of the car as well as the glass canopy over the interior. Take a look at this shot which shows off the crazy posterior in all its over-the-top glory.

Something is telling me not to expect to see this car on real roads any time soon... you?

[Source: Mazda via Autoblog]

Depending on how you choose to measure it, Mazda's Wankel rotary could be as big as 2.6 liters already, but to most people, the engine has always been 1.3 liters. While the engine has never been known as a fuel-sipper, it has always been known for its excellent power-to-weight ratio. With the last update of the venerable design, Mazda offered up a partial solution to the engine's past emissions and oil-consumption woes by controlling the oil injection via a computer. We had an RX8 in our family which barely used any oil at all. Being suckers for technology, my family is always ready to try something new, and the power output of the rotary was plenty for our purposes. The rub was always keeping the engine under 4000 rpm or so. You see, there are extra valves which open at preset rpm levels, regardless of how much power the engine really needs to make. So, when kept under the point where the first extra set of valves open up, the engine consumes much less fuel.

Here is an article which claims that the next rotary from Mazda, the Renesis 2, will be enlarge somewhat. This could open up the possibility of extra power for one, but could also allow engineers to allow for better mileage under low-throttle conditions, which would be a big step in the right direction. If any Mazda engineers are reading this, flex-fuel capability would be nice too! We may find out more details at the Tokyo Motor Show in a few months.

[Source: Rotarynews via Autoblog]

Forty years ago, the first vehicle powered by a rotary engine debuted as the Mazda Cosmo Sport. Since then, Mazda has manufactured nearly two million rotary-powered vehicles. The rotary engine has accumulated a quite respectable history for itself, being installed in sports coupes, convertibles, sedans, a pickup truck and even a bus. The rotary is also responsible for powering the first Japanese Le Mans champion in 1991.

The current rotary installed in the Mazda RX-8 makes the same horsepower figures as much larger-displacement V6's, and maintains very competitive fuel-efficiency. Its smaller size allows it to be placed further back in the chassis, enabling 50/50 weight distribution. It is also lighter, so handling and acceleration are improved simply because of having less weight to throw around. Its high rev-limit and incredible tuning potential has made it a favorite the world over.

Currently, Mazda is perfecting its hydrogen-powered rotary engine in the current RX-8, which can be seen occasionally on the road in Japan. Researching this technology in a sports car is really a great idea, because it tells the public that Mazda is not going to sacrifice its "zoom-zoom" in its endeavor to increase fuel efficiency and produce alternative fuel vehicles. We'll be watching their progress intently.

Related:

• Mazda working on rotary gas/electric/hydrogen "tribrid" hybrid
• Mazda's RX-8 Hydrogen RE hits the snow and ice for the first time
• Mazda delivers hydrogen RX-8 to Japan Automobile Research Institute

[Source: Mazda]

A month ago, Joel noted that Moller, the makers of the Skycar, found ethanol to be the perfect fuel for its Rotapower rotary engines. Today, Moller announced in a new press release that with ethanol, they're achieving remarkably low emissions.

When adjusted for an automobile traveling at 70 mph the Rotapower's harmful emissions levels were significantly lower than California's Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) standards. Unburned hydrocarbons (HC) are at 2 percent of the SULEV limit; carbon monoxide (CO) is just 1.3 percent; and nitrogen oxide (NOx) is at 35 percent.

Sounds like we're going to be needing a new acronym... What's lower than "super ultra low?"

Related:

• Skycar maker likes ethanol

[Source: Moller]

Remember the Skycar (pictured)? Well, its maker, Moller International, Inc., finds ethanol to be a perfect fuel for its Rotapower(R) rotary engine line. The company had tested the engine using gasoline, diesel, natural gas, and alcohol and found it ran best using ethanol. States founder Paul Moller, "It runs so clean that when we disassemble and inspect the engine after a test it is spotless inside ... virtually like new." The company recommends its rotary engines, which are being considered for applications such as electric generators, RVs, scooters, to hybrid vehicles, all use ethanol.

[Source: Business Wire]