Mazda will show off a 2 door, 4 seat concept at the Tokyo Auto Show this
year, called the Senku.

This isn't exactly a RX-7 prototype nor an next gen RX-8, as the doors aren't normal, they are "large flying wing electric powered sliding doors."

However, most interesting is this:

"Located between the front and rear axles is the next generation 13B DI
direct injection gasoline rotary engine with a hybrid unit."

http://rotarynews.com/node/view/697

 

Somewhat cool. I prefer to see a watered down version of the Senku just to make it more realistic.

I like the other news about the future Rotary.

 

omg a hybrid rotary PREMACY (aka Mazda5)!!!

 

I really like Mazda...I think I might be a Mazda fan for keeps!

The looks are nice but not RX8 like, but I wonder what direct injection can do for the rotary engine...hmmmmm

 

i would like to point out that in my thread entitled "why the Mazda5?" i suggested this -

they should just hire me already since they keep using my ideas:D

*spends several minutes patting self on back*

 

*pats him on the back also...but then gives him a wedgy...*

LOL

 

Lol Hey!!!

 

The best news of all is that Mazda is still working on refining and improving the rotary engine. I believe someone on this forum has spoken to the benefits of direct injection (a search on "direct injection" brings up several interesting threads).

 

Awesome.

this is what I was hoping for…. It leverages the best parts of the 13B family with DI and a hybrid system. The only potential issue I see could be weight, but if you were to make the engine all aluminum, and you get to drop the alternator as part of the engine as the hybrid design takes care of that with the flywheel, your talking a good 40-50lbs lighter engine to start with. Assuming that 40-50lbs goes into the electric motors, your really only left with the weight of the batteries. Mazda may use similar system to BMW in that they rely on high power capacitors rather than batteries, as they are lighter, faster to discharge and recharge and can be placed anywhere in the car.

Now this may be more of a mild hybrid concept, in other words, the car may not be able to drive off of just the electric motors alone, but it would greatly improve the emissions and city economy, and be rather light weight.

Now my only real concern is how to do a hybrid engine swap. I would have to see the engine design and layout. I guess if they plan to mount some version of it transversely, it must be pretty compact also.

 

First time poster here~, been surfing on this site a lot, but this time i just had to post :D coz its way too exciting to see rotaries in more cars in mazda's lineup!!
question:, what would be the potential advantage of DI in the renesis?
________
Live Sex

 

You can also use an electric a/c compressor and water pump like is used on the current Prius to increase the efficiency of the motor.

 

exactly, less drag on the engine from a power standpoint, and better efficiency. In addition, you can also lose the starter as that is no longer needed.

So thats

Engine
- 7lbs for alternator
- 40lbs for aluminum housings (just guessing they might do this, we haven't heard)
- 10?lb for a starter
- 10-15lb for less complicated intake system (guessing here, but with all the extra torque it may not be necessary)
- 20lbs for less fuel needed to be carried on board
= 85-90lbs in savings before the hyrbid system components

Electric motor = 40-60lbs
Generator = 20-30lbs
transmission changes = 20lbs

so thats 80-110lbs of hyrbid components before the batteries, which is almost a wash. The batteries are the wild card, depends on the type of hybrid philosophy they are pursuing. I hope for the capacitor idea, but who knows.

 

"Mazda SENKU, 'a four-seater rotary sports car for adults', is a concept car that reflects a new direction for four-seater rotary sports cars designed with mature drivers in mind."

So what's this suppose to mean? A sports car for old farts? Boring.



Dan or Bern - is ^that^ a real image of what the Senku will look like?

If so, I find it quite disappointing. Doesn't look like a sports car to me, more like a hatchback.



EDIT: Deleted hot link to Rotary News image as requested.

 

its just a concept car, I doubt Mazda would make it look like that.

look at mazda's recent designs, they have been on a roll, I seriously doubt they would screw this car up.

 

Yes, it is..
Any please don't hot link the image... could someone save it and upload it here, then remove the hotlink?

 

just for you bern

 

Yes, but concept cars are suppose to have some WOW factor in them. I didn't care for the Ibuki concept car that was shown in 2003, but at least it gave a hint as to what the new MX-5 Miata would look like. It has been two years since the 2003 Tokyo Motor show and this is the best Mazda could do for a rotary sports car concept? Very disappointing!

I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that they'll at least have a MS RX-8 prototype preview at the show. But I'm beginning to have my doubts now, as Mazda's theme seems to be rotary engined hybrid cars for this show.

 

Where are the headlights?

Is this what led to the design of the CX-7?

 

Headlights! It won't need headlights. By the time this reaches the market it will also have solar power assist, and you won't be permitted to drive it at night! :D

Interesting concept, and good to see Mazda is working on bringing the rotary along the path of energy efficiency

 

If you remember, the RX-8 concept started out with no headlights either. They light beams came out of the front grill.

 

Yeah, no headlights or blinkers. It doesn't have any side mirrors either. That's why I wondered if this was just a "place holder" image or what the actual Senku vehicle will look like.

The RX-Evolv had much more style and flair than this thing.

 

It looks like an artistic line lifted off of paper with an ugly grill and wheels put on it. The shape is there (although not sports car-esk), but it needs some work. I would like to see a profile and rear 3/4 shot before I say I hate it.

 

Oh, cleaning the brake dust from those 9-spoke wheels.... blissfull !

 

headlights shmedlights, who says you need them when you can user super bright organic LED's that you cant even tell are there! :b

I really dont like the looks of it currently, but it is a concept.. and i've hated pretty much every concept i've ever seen except the corvette stingray 3.. now that was badass :b

 

Not me, Danny boy

-Bern