Mazda may use hydrogen power to revive the rotary

Could Mazda be developing a hydrogen-powered rotary engine for a next-gen sports coupe?

If this report from Japan is anything to go by, it's a distinct possibility.

According to publication Best Car, Mazda is exploring the idea of a new rotary that would burn hydrogen fuel in place of petrol.

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While the reports are so far unsubstantiated, Mazda has dabbled with hydrogen in the past.

In 2003, the marque revealed a bi-fuel version of the RX-8 configured to run on either hydrogen or petrol. They followed with the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid in 2005, several of which were eventually leased to Japanese businesses.

Best Car also points out that hydrogen is well-suited to rotary engine layouts. While the dense fuel is prone to severe pre-detonation from 'hot spots' common to piston engines, a rotary features more uniform heat distribution, and therefore less risk.

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This new report follows Mazda's recent trademark of a new, stylised 'R' logo.

Some commenters have pointed out a similarity between the new logo and the ‘R’ used on the RX-7 Spirit R and RX8, with others suggesting the triangle represents a rotary engine design. If this hydrogen rotary rumour proves true, it opens up a possibility for a long-requested Mazda RX-9 ⁠— one bolstered by Mazda patenting a coupe design last year.

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The 2015 RX-Vision concept boasted a theoretical four-rotor engine

While this could simply be wishful thinking by sports car enthusiasts, Mazda’s RX-Vision concept teased rotary power back in 2015. Since then, the brand has confirmed it will build a new rotary powerplant – albeit as a compact range-extender for the electrified MX-30 crossover.

For now, speculation on any hydrogen ventures by Mazda is just that, but we'll keep you updated as fresh information comes to light.