Mazda plans a raft of intriguing models based on the “e-SkyActiv R” platform, probably featuring a hydrogen-powered rotary engine.
Mazda is keeping fans and journalists on the edge of their seats ever since it announced rotary models would make a grand return soon. The Japanese manufacturer is taking its sweet time to ease into electrification, but things seem to be picking up with the launch of the MX-30 EV and possibly other rotary versions of the SUV in the future.
As reported by Hatena Blog, Mazda has already filed eight different patent applications detailing quite a few things. ‘Field Journey’ and ‘Sporty Appearance’ seem to indicate that there could be a sportier version or even a special edition variant of its CX-5 crossover. On the other hand, the ‘VS Terracotta Selection’ and ‘PRO-XROSS Style’ are rumored to be special edition models of the Roadster RF and an off-road vehicle, respectively, possibly an Auburn-themed interior for the former and a unique specification model for the CX-30 or CX-8.
The rest of the trademarks are based on the Rotary Multi x EV concept using the ‘e-SkyActiv R’ platform. Three distinct EV models are detailed on the patents including the ‘e-SkyActiv R-Energy’, ‘e-SkyActiv R-HEV’, and the ‘e-SkyActiv R-EV’.
Unlike the RX-8’s Wankel rotary engine, these new electrified models would be more compact and act as a range extender in the R-EV, which will most likely be a plug-in hybrid model. However, Mazda wants to go a step further and power the rotary engine with hydrogen, turning one of its models into a hydrogen-electric hybrid. Whether the ‘Energy’ label actually means hydrogen or any other experimental concept remains a mystery for now.
Moreover, the patents also detail a new e-SkyActiv logo featuring a rotary casing on the outside with an orange hue in the center, contrasting the ‘e’ inscribed in the rotary block, potentially indicating future electrified models coming out of Mazda’s stable.
The rumors and steps taken by the Japanese marquee indicate its seriousness towards achieving its goal of electrifying 25% of its total fleet by 2030.
This post will be updated once more information comes in. Stay tuned!
Source: HatenaBlog, via CarBuzz
