Japanese car manufacturing company Mazda has successfully applied for a number of patents describing a new turbocharged rotary internal combustion engine. If the model makes it into mass production, the coming generation of the RX-7 and RX-8 may very well take advantage of it.
Mazda had repeatedly stated it wanted to introduce rotary engines into the modern automobile industry. It even admitted openly that it wanted to build a sports car with such an engine. Unfortunately, the prototype drivetrains it designed invariably failed to pass either efficiency or environmental safety tests.
Nevertheless, the patent seems to confirm that the company has managed to overcome these troubles. Some highlights of the new drivetrain include originally designed downpipe and turbocharger.
Mazda had previously hinted that it would try to make the rotary engine useful in its upcoming hybrid cars, but it now appears that its actual scope of applicability is much broader.
Photos: Mazda