Rotary engines may not seem like relics of the past, but when it comes to production vehicles driven by their unique high-revving mechanics, they have long been absent. A full ten years ago today, on June 21, 2012, the final rotary engine designed for a production car was assembled. The very next day on June 22—precisely a decade ago today—the ultimate rotary-powered Mazda RX-8 emerged from the production line. Since that moment, no production automobiles have been manufactured with rotary powerplants.
In the current automotive sector, the possibility of a rotary-driven car being commercially available seems nearly implausible; a sentiment intensified by the fact that 2012 does not feel like so long ago. Subsequently, Mazda has been contemplating the reintroduction of rotary engines as range extenders for its electric vehicles, yet this plan has not materialized thus far, especially in the United States.
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The final publicly available rotary engine was a two-rotor, 1.3-liter “Renesis,” a refinement of previous Mazda rotary powertrains. At its peak performance, the naturally aspirated engine generated 238 horsepower at over 8,000 RPM. Despite enhanced emissions and fuel efficiency compared to prior rotary engines, it still struggled to match traditional piston engines.
Ironically, deliveries of the Tesla Model S, the first entirely electric vehicle from the Californian automaker, began on the very same day the last RX-8 was completed. Within a single day, the automotive landscape underwent significant changes. None could have foreseen the path we’d be on a decade later. Perhaps those who did are now affluent individuals.
While the rotary engine may never make a full comeback, one fact remains undeniable: enthusiasts sorely long for its revival. If it were to return, propelling the rear wheels of a Mazda production model, the Japanese automaker could command any price it desired. Enthusiasts would eagerly queue up for the opportunity to own one of these high-revving, electrifying powerplants once more. Would you?
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