The Mazda rotary engine returns

Mazda has confirmed it will return to the configuration it made famous via the likes of the RX-7 and 787B: it will build a rotary engine! However, temper your excitement because it’s being rolled out as part of an electric drivetrain; a range extender to recharge an EV’s battery on longer runs. Mazda intends to build two batterypowered electric cars, the latter pairing up with the new engine. We’re told the new rotary – able to run on LPG – will be small, light and “exceptionally quiet”. Oh dear, this isn’t going well. Still, it’s a rotary and that makes up happy. And quite sad.