Mazda Giving Green Hydrogen Twist to Rotary Engine

Washington DC September 4, 2009; The AIADA newsletter reported that in the highly competitive race to be environmentally friendly, there is no "silver bullet," no single environmentally friendly solution, so manufacturers are turning to an array of alternatives that could eventually supplement, or even replace, the time-tested internal combustion engine.

According to MSNBC, Mazda is betting it has a unique weapon in its own powertrain arsenal with the Wankel, or rotary engine.

Small, simple, and lightweight, Mazda believes it could move from a niche to mainstream source of power, and one that could be brought to market sooner and at a significantly lower cost than the fuel cell vehicles and battery cars on which other manufacturers are showering their attention —and billions in research dollars.

At a recent preview of Mazda's 2010 product line, the maker unveiled two rotary-powered prototypes running on hydrogen, rather than gasoline. Many experts believe hydrogen could become the fuel of the future.

Mazda also recently introduced a second, more complex version of the Hydrogen RE system, using the Japanese version of its MX5 microvan. The system is more efficient than that found in the Hydrogen RE RX-8, meaning better fuel economy and a range of about 200 miles.

Click Here to read more about MSNBC story on Mazda's plans to utilize hydrogen in its engines.