Mazda patents show off supercharged two-stroke engine

Mazda has long been an adopter of innovative engine technology, from the Wankel rotary to its latest generation of Skyactiv-X internal combustion powerplants.

However, even as the combustion engine nears the end of its life in vehicle production, Mazda looks to be continuing development for new technology which would revolutionise ICEs as we know them.

Uncovered by the New Nissan Z forums, the latest project from Hiroshima has been previewed as patent files show plans for a supercharged two-stroke engine, although just what kind of vehicle it could be used in is unclear.

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From the patent drawings, it seems the engine is based on the principles of the homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) tech, which is found in the Skyactiv-X generation powertrains found in the supercharged Mazda 3 – although with alterations made to be converted to two-stroke.

Development of the Skyactiv-X four-cylinder and its spontaneous combustion trickery has been an expensive exercise for Mazda, something which could only become even more costly if the Japanese manufacturer decides to throw the added strain which comes with running two-strokes into the mix.

However, given the current four-stroke engine uses a Roots positive-displacement supercharger, which forces even more air into the intake with less back pressure, it could help overcome some of the inherent drawbacks of the two-stroke design.

Mazda is one of the big players in 'Team Japan', which is currently campaigning for the internal combustion engine to live on, developing carbon-neutral fuels as an alternative to going fully electric – having announced just 25 per cent of its vehicles will be battery-powered by 2030.