Pretty cool.

https://jalopnik.com/a-tiny-rule-cha...man-1840398656

 

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.

 

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

 

I'm also doubtful it will actually happen. But at the same time, it seems odd that they would make a rule change without Mazda lobbying for it in the first place.

 

I thought they were only ban for 1 year after they won, they were allow to complete with it a year after and Mazda just decide not to.

 

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

 

it would be cheaper than that, you'd buy an existing car and put your engine in it, like Mazda did in the 80's.

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?

 

 

I just turned that on as background noise, literally doesn't explain or posit any opinion on the banning of rotary engines in motorsport. Like, at all.

 

Welcome to Youtube. 100% clickbait, 0% actualt content.

 

Edit: I posted the same article.

 

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.

 

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/

 

Another nice rendering to help one dream at night though. It would be nice to see this car packed with a rotary and take the flag. Sweet