Mazda Is Simply Teasing Us With These Plans for Hybrid Sports Cars

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Mazda is a member of the group that believes in the perpetuity of internal combustion engines but is not opposed to incorporating hybrid technology. While it currently has a few hybrid models on the market, it is evident from the numerous patents it has been filing lately that Mazda is seriously considering a configuration for a high-performance hybrid sports car. The sheer volume of these plans suggests they are not merely flights of fancy. Whether this pertains to the next-generation Miata or a larger GT, the potential for an enthusiast’s dream machine in the future is becoming more concrete with a very intriguing setup.

Prior patents have hinted at a similar concept, but the latest documentation delves deeper into the intricate specifics. The proposed design features a longitudinal combustion engine paired with a triple electric motor setup and an automatic transmission. Positioned on either side of the engine on the front axle, two motors transfer power to the front wheels through half-shafts, while a third motor provides direct power to the transmission and complements the engine in driving the rear wheels. It’s even plausible that this motor could serve as a starter as well.

Previous descriptions by Mazda have indicated that such hybrid systems could potentially generate about 80 electric horsepower, a figure that can be easily adjusted for short bursts. In addition to outlining the vehicle’s structure and the positioning of two underfloor battery packs, the new patent documents suggest an estimated 300-volt lithium-ion battery capacity. While relatively low compared to a battery electric vehicle (BEV) pack, it is perfectly suitable for a hybrid setup. For instance, the old Chevy Volt featured a 350-volt pack.

The specifics of the two front power units’ design are elaborated upon, indicating that both units will be equipped with state-of-the-art silicon carbide inverters, a technology also utilized by Tesla to optimize range. These inverters will be directly mounted on the motor, with thermal management facilitated by a shared cooling loop to minimize weight.

The mention of an automatic transmission detail piques curiosity. Unlike typical patent language, this document exclusively describes this configuration without offering alternatives. This distinguishes it from prior patents that mentioned the availability of an automated manual or a full manual transaxle, possibly for a smaller vehicle with a similar setup. It is plausible that these patents pertain to two distinct cars: a roadster resembling the Miata and a larger GT model available exclusively with automatic transmission, potentially featuring Mazda’s latest six-cylinder engine. Although my preference is inclined towards this interpretation, various other details also support this theory.

Mazda

A series of patents released by Mazda on this subject indicates that an exhaust system is planned to be routed through the center tunnel of the car beneath the driveshaft, primarily due to limitations in possible placement caused by the battery packs. Some documents suggest alternative routes, such as along the rocker panel, but the central tunnel arrangement seems to be the preferred choice. Additionally, many documents make reference to an inclined center tunnel, a feature absent in earlier patents related to a presumably smaller, Miata-inspired vehicle.

There is no indication of a rotary engine in any of these materials, so it’s best not to get overly enthusiastic. However, it is worth noting the abundance of patents Mazda has been filing regarding this specific layout and beyond. Detailed descriptions ranging from the minutiae of the hybrid system to exhaust and body structure have been meticulously presented in numerous documents. Furthermore, broader patents pertaining to manufacturing techniques for what appear to be sports cars have been continuously published across the United States, Europe, and Japan in recent months. While patents do not guarantee production intentions, it is hard to ignore the significant amount of patent data being generated. Historically, many cars have proceeded to production with far less patent information, and given Mazda’s commitment to electrification along with the impending launch of a next-generation Miata, it would seem peculiar if the revealed details did not hint at forthcoming models.

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