Next-Gen Mazda RX-9 To Get Electric Turbo?
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Talk of Mazda's plans to build a follow-up to the RX-7, speculated as the RX-9, has circulated the web for years now. Along the way, one part of the rumor that just won't die is the turbocharger. Today, we get more talk of a turbo rotary sports car from the Zoom-Zoom company.
This time around, however, it's no ordinary turbo, but an electric one. If you're not familiar with the idea of electric-powered forced induction, here's a quick primer: instead of a normal exhaust-driven supercharger or turbocharger, electric variants use electric motors to spin the compressor blades when the turbine blades aren't up to speed due to low engine revs. Some use an entirely electric-driven setup, some use a dual-setup where the electric motor disengages once the engine is driving sufficient volume through the turbine side.
The benefits of electric forced induction are many: on-demand boost--and resulting torque--without having to wait for the engine rpms to spool up; lower fuel consumption due to more mechanical efficiency; lower fuel consumption due to improved volumetric efficiency across the rev range; and, in the case of electric-only systems, decreased weight due to less complex and massive exhaust manifolds and turbo hardware. There are downsides, too, of course, including expense of the electric induction unit itself, as well as complexity, repair expense, and added weight due to extra hardware.
Back to the RX-7 successor, or RX-9, the engine under the hood is expected to be a production variant of the 16X Renesis engine, the 1.6-liter replacement to the current 13B. In the Taiki concept (pictured), the engine was rated at 270-plus horsepower, though with the addition of a turbocharger, power could easily exceed the 300-horsepower mark. Combined with a lightweight chassis for a total curb weight around 2,600 pounds, the RX-9--particularly in turbo guise--could be one serious performer.
Though the project is still shrouded in secrecy, we could see a production version as soon as late 2011, as Mazda is already believed to be testing mules, disguised as Mazda6s, with RX-9 running gear under their skin. On the other hand, we may have to wait until 2012 or later if Mazda hits trouble making the rotary engine meet current and future emissions and fuel consumption targets.
Whatever happens, we'll keep you updated with the latest.
[Autocar]
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By jay Posted: 8/28/2010 7:48pm PDT
This render of the rx9 is sweet, (www.oto4car.com/2012-mazda-rx-9.html, This is more what I imagine what would I love to see hit the road, maybe with the taiki, or furai, front end,will see I will be in the market by that time, my 2011 five litter form ford is still a pretty hoppin car, I am sure Mazda will not let me down, bring out the
nine’s
By Alex Posted: 11/21/2010 6:41pm PST
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