Redlinin 8

say it aint true

AQA101

I hope it is true, if it would only take less trunk space!

It's dual btw, the engine burns the stuff of your choice (Gas or H2). IMHO this concept will secure the supply of rotary engines for a long time if it works out.

futureownr4sure

I still like octane better than hydrogen. While Hydrogen looks cleaner, it's not that much cleaner in fact. There's energy needed to dissociate Hydrogen from water and there will be tremendous amounts of steam released in the atmosphere, leading to dramatic change arround the world (an impact similar to what octane based car would + the energy needed to dissociate hydrogen from water). When you think about how performing are octane based engines, I'm not sure you would like to drive those 90-hp hydrogen cars. You make a similar pollution to go slower. Well, for me the choice is easy.

AQA101

I don't think the steam would cause a problem ... there's an enormous steam production worldwide. Evaporating oceans and the like.

MP3Guy

I saw the Hydro 8 up close at the NY Auto Show, and I think it is part of Mazda's basic display.
There is something about the rotary configuration that makes it very suitable for Hydrogen power.

shelleys_man_06

Give it up for hydrogen :D. Actually, it's a pretty cool concept. I hope that Mazda can adapt that techonology in its present line-up. Let's hope they use that electric-assisted turbo and put it into an RX-8 (Mazdaspeed?).

Labop

Keep in mind that this is only the beginning for hydrogen fuel cells. They're going to get MUCH smaller. I like the direction that GM is going, everything to do with the fuel cell and motors is on what they call a skateboard. Give 'em time.

From what I've read we rotary owners might tbe the first ones with mass production hydrogen cars. The rotary is better suited to be a gasoline/hydrogen hybrid.

Redlinin 8

Arn't hydrogen cars slow.Wouldnt that mean that the rx-8 will go from a sports car,to a economy car?I'm not too familiar with hyrdrogen cell cars so if this is a dumb question,sorry.

VividRacing.com

The best thing about the hydro concept is it will most likely force Mazda to go ahead with the elec assist turbo.

Labop

At this point you're right. Hydrogen cars aren't very fast. And they're heavier. But look at how much "power" the Model T had in 1908, and compare it with the power in a minivan today. Big difference. Take it a step further and compare it to an F1 car. Who would have thought that kind of power was possible?

Just cause something's new technology, doesn't mean there is no potential for future power. There was this guy Wankel, in 1957 he made a rotary engine that produced 21 BHP.

rx8fosho

I love the idea and i hope mazda goes through with it (i'm also hoping for the electric-assisted turbo too)

Xyntax

One article I read about Hydrogen fuel is that the source and production of such fuels is very easy. You can even do it in your own kitchen, it's called electrolysis. I remember we used to do that in Chemistry class back in High School.

If water is the only (and truely the only) byproduct of this fuel concept, then it's a perfectly clean and efficient way to go. Derive Hydrogen out of water and produce water out of hydrogen fuel.

moatz

Took this shot at our Motor show in June.

Redlinin 8

Thats what it was originally rated at....he later changed his claims to 12bhp... :D :D

fluque

yep.....we've seen it before

Xyntax

Wow, a misquoted HP figure on a rotary way back too?

241Commuter

In other words, you believe in perpetual motion machines.

Look guys, this has been covered many times before. A HYDROGEN ENERGY ECONOMY IS A NON STARTER!!!!! Wherever the power comes from to make hydrogen, you can use it more efficiently to make cars go. The only economical source of hydrogen today is to reform conventional hydrocarbons. Well, guess what else you can do with those conventional hydrocarbons...

dboys44

Boom?