Rotary allowed in Le Mans again
12-12-19, 07:55 PM
#2
On the one hand....Mazda has no business developing rotaries further with ICE engines on the inevitable decline.
On the other hand....blowing the doors off the competition in year one and the first year back simply because "**** you pistons...we're Mazda" would be pretty awesome. Given a second chance, it would be kinda hard to pass it up.
On the other hand....blowing the doors off the competition in year one and the first year back simply because "**** you pistons...we're Mazda" would be pretty awesome. Given a second chance, it would be kinda hard to pass it up.
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12-12-19, 09:10 PM
#3
Keep in mind that these are "Le Mans Prototype Hypercar" regulations. I would love it myself, but I cannot see Mazda spending what is ultimately in the 100's of millions to build and race a car that would be competitive in the top class against the likes of Toyota (who've been racing the current LMP1 hybrids for some years), Peugeot, Aston Martin, etc.
Also, if you don't follow the World Endurance Championship, I highly recommend it
Also, if you don't follow the World Endurance Championship, I highly recommend it
12-13-19, 08:45 AM
#6
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I know Mazda has been working on rotary range extenders for electric cars. Maybe they are opening the door to use those in competition?
Dale
Dale
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12-13-19, 09:17 AM
#7
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Keep in mind that these are "Le Mans Prototype Hypercar" regulations. I would love it myself, but I cannot see Mazda spending what is ultimately in the 100's of millions to build and race a car that would be competitive in the top class against the likes of Toyota (who've been racing the current LMP1 hybrids for some years), Peugeot, Aston Martin, etc.
Also, if you don't follow the World Endurance Championship, I highly recommend it
Also, if you don't follow the World Endurance Championship, I highly recommend it
agreed, it seems odd that they would change those rules without someone asking, but maybe when Toyota wins the race you need to really do something to make it exciting/relevant again?
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firecaddie (05-25-20)
12-15-19, 10:28 AM
#12
I can almost hear the rich guy in the FIA meeting..."Now that Mazda has given up and no manufacturer is able to make one that can pass smog, much less compete with pistons, lets allow Rotary engines!"
It's a different time than the 90's. In 91, when Mazda won LeMans, the displacement limit for F1 cars was 3.5L. It's now less than half that at 1.6L. It would be nice to see a rotary win, but I think their time may be over with. It looks like the FIA agrees, too.
I think Dale's scenario is about the only feasible application at this point.
It's a different time than the 90's. In 91, when Mazda won LeMans, the displacement limit for F1 cars was 3.5L. It's now less than half that at 1.6L. It would be nice to see a rotary win, but I think their time may be over with. It looks like the FIA agrees, too.
I think Dale's scenario is about the only feasible application at this point.
02-07-20, 08:18 PM
#13
Rotary Enthusiast
Another possibility is interest from a company in Japan, but hard to imagine the investment required.
Nice summary past racing efforts: https://www.carthrottle.com/post/wyq7lmz/
Nice summary past racing efforts: https://www.carthrottle.com/post/wyq7lmz/
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