Fujiwara said the problem of the economy makes a number of executives were looking for an excuse to cancel a number of programs and the rotary engine may be on that list. But the reason behind their decision more on the affairs of cost savings.
But reportedly, Mazda will stop only model supported by a Wankel engine of the RX-8 in late 2011. Leadership planning and development of Mazda products Kiyoshi Fujiwara said that currently Mazda is considering the matter.
Mazda is the last company that insisted on maintaining, using and developing the internal combustion engine works without a piston Felix Wankel (rotary) for almost five decades.
The Mazda officers were discussing whether to continue or discontinue development of the car, Fujiwara said as reported by a leading automotive websites.
Although admired thanks to the sophistication and nature of which quickly reached a high rpm, Wankel engines still have problems in fuel and oil consumption is high, including durability and CO2 emissions that result.
Fujiwara also stated that, although the engine development has been delayed for some time, does not mean the end of the existence of this machine on the highway. Fujiwara even asserted that he is the one that supports the project.
"I have always said that the rotary engine is literally a part of Mazda's soul, we must continue the evolution of the rotary engine," he explained. He also stated that of the three main issues on the rotary engine Mazda has solved two problems. Unfortunately Fujiwara reluctant to mention in detail.
Ironically, the future of Wangkel machine instead rely on the success of diesel and gasoline engines SKYACTIV to be controlled almost the entire engine in Mazda models. "If SKYACTIV profitable, we have money to invest on a rotary engine," said by Fujiwara.
Then, what if Mazda has finally decided to stop the rotary engine after more than four decades to evolve? Will it be replaced with a machine SKYAKTIV?
Mazda executives were looking for an excuse to cancel a number of programs and the rotary engine may be on that list
