1992 Mazda Mx-5 Miata on 2040-cars

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Mazda confirms MX-30 will get a rotary engine as a range extender

Mazda teased out the possible return of the rotary engine as a range extender in the MX-30 earlier this year, but now the rotary’s return appears to be official for MazdaÂ’s new crossover. In a video (below, skip to 7:34, and turn on English subtitles) streamed to MazdaÂ’s official YouTube channel, CEO Akira Marumoto confirmed that Mazda will use a rotary engine in the MX-30. Just as it was initially teased out, Mazda plans to use the rotary as a range extender on the otherwise all-electric version of the MX-30. Marumoto said that it will begin testing with a small batch of prototypes next year. The goal is to have a production version of the MX-30 with a rotary engine on Japanese roads in 2022. Unfortunately, Mazda wasnÂ’t super forthcoming about the specifics of this upcoming rotary engine. A news brief over two years ago (where Mazda officially confirmed the rotary was coming back) contained the most detailed information about the engine. Mazda says itÂ’s going to be compact, have a high power output and be a smooth operator. Of course, those are all things we expect out of a rotary engine. Any numbers or specifications for the engine are still unknown. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Mazda hasnÂ’t announced specific plans for this rotary range extender outside of the MX-30 for now. The cute and spunky MX-branded crossover is now on sale in Japan where itÂ’s launching with a mild-hybrid powertrain. An all-electric version of the MX-30 has been on sale in Europe for about a month now, too. There are still no official plans for Mazda to unleash the MX-30 on the American public, and even if it did, thereÂ’s no guarantee that weÂ’d get one with a rotary range extender. Mazda could always stick the rotary in a different car, but thatÂ’d mean an even longer wait for us to see one here. TodayÂ’s news is certainly worthy of some excitement for rotary enthusiasts, but there are still plenty of questions left unanswered. Related Video:

Preorders open for the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition

After unveiling the gorgeous 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition at the 2016 New York International Auto Show, the Japanese automaker announced plans to give loyal customers first dibs on one of the 1,000 models. Preorders are open at 12 PM EST on Monday, September 26th at the Mazda MX-5 RF Launch Edition website. Customers who were sent an invitation with a personalized code will have a limited time to put a $500 refundable deposit down on a limited model. Customers also have the opportunity to select the dealership where they would like to complete the transaction. Pricing for the MX-5 RF has also been announced with the sports car starting at $34,685, including destination and handling. That's roughly $9,000 more than a base MX-5 Miata. Deliveries of the sports car will begin in February 2017. While the MX-5 RF is a looker, $9,000 is a lot of change for the Launch Edition, which only adds a black roof and special badges over the regular MX-5 RF models. All 1,000 Launch Editions will be finished in Machine Gray with a black roof panel and Auburn Nappa leather on the inside. Buyers who opt for the Launch Edition will also get a numbered 42mm Tourneau watch, and can choose between an automatic and a manual transmission. The MX-5 RF Launch Edition should sell out quickly, as the 2015 Mazda MX-5 25th Anniversary Edition sold out in roughly 10 minutes when it went on sale in 2014. Didn't get an invite to preorder the Launch Edition? Worry not, as Mazda will open the special model to the general public on October 3, if there are any left. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF: New York 2016 View 13 Photos News Source: MazdaImage Credit: Live photos copyright 2016 Drew Phillips / AOL New York Auto Show Mazda Convertible Lightweight Vehicles Special and Limited Editions Performance pricing mazda mx-5 rf

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata first engine shot revealed

We've dug deep for just about every scrap of 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata info available out of the car's California reveal celebration, but powertrain particulars have been especially hard to come by. While we still don't have engine specifications, the folks over at Autoweek have scored a nice scoop - the first underhood photos of one of the display cars.
In the image above, the ND-generation Miata is clearly shown to be powered by a Skyactiv inline four-cylinder, as expected, but its displacement remains unclear. The engine is most likely either the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine offered in low-end Mazda3 and CX-5 models or the 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G found in those same vehicles' upper trims. In those iterations, the 2.0-liter generates 155 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque, while the larger-displacement engine nets out at 184 hp and 185 lb-ft. There is no sign of a turbocharger, a feature rumored to be fitted to at least one test mule. There has also been previous rumors of a 1.5-liter Skyactiv engine, possibly for overseas markets.
The 2.0-liter strikes us as the most likely scenario, particularly as Mazda has worked diligently to save every gram in the new car, dropping a pledged 100 kilograms (220 pounds) over the current model, even while adding content. It's entirely possible that the alleged turbo car was, in fact, a mule for the Miata's Alfa Romeo sister car, which is expected to have a wholly different powertrain. Or it could simply be a second engine option for an eventual Mazdaspeed variant, perhaps.