MX-5 To Get Rotory?

[Siriusly.Andrew]

So I was just doing my web surfing routine and I stumbled onto this..

"Rumors are spreading that the next generation Mazda MX-5 Miata will forgo its newly developed, light-weight Sky-G engine for a rotary-hybrid setup.

According to Motor Authority: “Best Car, the Japanese enthusiast magazine, has let it ‘leak’ that Mazda is planning to shovel a 1.2-liter or 1.3-liter rotary engine into the next MX-5, or Roadster as it's known in its home market. The twist? A hybrid drivetrain linked up with it.”

Upon first listen, the rumor seems plausible. After all, Mazda produces the famed RX-8 -- which is currently the only rotary-engine-powered vehicle available in the American auto market. And while Mazda has yet to mate its famed rotary engine to hybrid technology, previous rumors stated that the MX-5 would net upwards of 50 mpg, which is a hybrid-like figure.

Auto insiders, however, don’t think it’s likely. “To put a rotary into an MX-5 would be a dangerous blurring of Mazda’s two strongest brands, their RX sports cars (famous for their rotary engines) and the MX-5 (which follows the classic 2-seat, bare bones sports car format that has made it so successful),” writes AutoGuide.

Another compelling argument against the rumor comes from Autoblog -- which writes: “While it's an intriguing idea, our money is on a small, efficient four-pot with turbocharging. After all, one of the most attractive qualities of the Miata is its diminutive price tag, and hybrids tend to add a lot of cost -- not to mention weight – to the bottom line.”

Besides, the MX-5 is renowned for its superb sports handling -- a characteristic that few to no hybrids can claim. Jalopnik writes: “Enthusiasts have begged for a rotary option for years, but a hybrid? Zoom-Snore?”

The next generation MX-5 is set to debut in 2012. For now, it appears that American enthusiasts are hoping that it’s not a hybrid."

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com...Hybrid-Engine/

The whole 50mpg thing has to do with the MX-5 apparently going on a diet? I don't know how they could make the car lighter, it's already pretty light. I suppose taking out the airbags and stuff, and putting in a 5 point harness and roll cage would be ok lol.


EDIT :: Added the Autoblog post too.

"Rumors have surfaced that the next-generation Mazda MX-5 could tip the scales at 2,200 pounds and boast an impressive 50 miles per gallon without losing a lick of horsepower in the process. And while initial reports had the Miata achieving those impressive numbers with the help of Mazda's forthcoming SKY-G engines, Best Car Japan is hearing something different from Mazda HQ.

The Japanese magazine reports that the 2012 Miata will receive a rotary mill with a displacement of 1.2 or 1.3 liters, helping the roadster drop a few pounds in the process. However, the Wankel has proven to be anything but fuel efficient, so to achieve lofty fuel economy numbers the rumored rotary would be of the hybrid variety. That sounds a bit far fetched, but the Wankel/hybrid marriage has already been consummated in the form of a Fiat 500 prototype created by FEV. The little Fiat contains a rotary that acts as a generator for a Lithium-Ion battery pack.

While it's an intriguing idea, our money is on a small, efficient four-pot with turbocharging. After all, one of the most attractive qualities of the Miata is it's diminutive price tag, and hybrids tend to add a lot of cost – not to mention weight – to the bottom line."

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/16/r...engine-option/

[Midship Runabout]

boo. Keep the mx-5 light weight sports car with no hybrid. And keep the rotory in the RX line ups.

[Siriusly.Andrew]