Remember we reported the Mazda RX-8 successor – the RX-9, is coming three year later?
Most of the information in that article still holds, with one exception and it is a good news. Previously we said it will come with a 300hp, naturally aspirated rotary engine; but today we get an update that, Mazda is planning to use a turbocharged rotary engine, which is planned to output around 449hp (335kW).
Rotary engine is more suitable to be paired to turbocharging, reasons are:
1. Using turbocharging, the engine can use less quantity of rotor to achieve the same output;
2. Turbocharging can significantly boost low RPM torque, which is a weak point for the RX-8 previously;
2. Smaller displacement and lower RPM can improve fuel efficiency;
3. Rotary engine has higher exhaust air speed, which has less turbo lag than the current traditional piston-cylinder engines;
4. Rotary engine generally has higher compression ratio, which is also good for turbo charging.
So it is not surprising that Mazda selects the turbo route for the new RX-9. Below is an artist rendering of the turbocharged RX-9.
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