Way back when Mazda revealed a shadowy teaser image of the new RX-VISION concept, a source talking to Motoring.com.au mentioned that the new rotary would possibly be a powertrain called the “16X,” which would use twin rotors and a hybrid system involving capacitors.
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Now, though, Motoring.com.au’s “source close to Mazda” is talking some more. According to this anonymous tipster, the 16X is expected to generate 450 hp using a two-stage turbo system. This system seeks to fix the rotary’s problem of instability at low rpm using an “electric turbo assist”—this would be a capacitor-powered electric turbo. At higher rpm, this system would hand over to a more standard exhaust-powered turbocharger.
This engine is expected, like in all new 2017 Mazda engines, to incorporate homogeneous charge compression ignition, which is a method generally used in diesel engines, where the fuel/air mixture that drives the engine is compressed until it ignites itself, leading to extremely low NOX emissions.
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That paints a very satisfying picture of a semi-hybrid turbocharged double-rotor powerhouse, all driving a 3000-pound sports beast, while hopefully fixing the RX-8’s instability and fuel (and oil) drinking problems.
It seems a lot of trust to place on a faceless “source close to Mazda” to take this rumor as fact, but we have to admit—it is a very attractive rumor. It’s too bad that Mazda has resolved to be tight-lipped about the whole thing until 2017.
News Source: Motoring.com.au
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