Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen Rotary Engine

Press Release

Because it offers separate chambers for intake and combustion, the rotary engine is ideal for burning hydrogen without the backfiring that can occur in a traditional piston engine. The separate induction chamber also provides a safer temperature for fitting the dual hydrogen injectors with their rubber seals, which are susceptible to the high temperatures encountered in a conventional reciprocating piston engine.

Also helping to maximize the benefits of the rotary engine in hydrogen combustion mode, the RENESIS Hydrogen RE features adequate space for the installation of two injectors per intake chamber. Because hydrogen has an extremely low density, a much greater injection volume is required compared with gasoline, thus demanding the use of more than one injector. Typically, this can be difficult to achieve with a conventional reciprocating piston engine because of the structural constraints that prevent mounting injectors in the combustion chamber. However, with its twin hydrogen injectors, the RENESIS Hydrogen RE is both practical and able to deliver sufficient power.

In addition to the revolutionary hydrogen-powered RENESIS rotary engine, the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE concept benefits from improved aerodynamics and optimized tires and weight-saving measures. A fast-fill tandem master cylinder reduces brake drag and friction hub carriers help cut power losses.

The vehicle also incorporates a host of other technologies for exceptional environmental compatibility. Three-layer, wet-on water-based paint on the RX-8 Hydrogen RE dramatically reduces the emission of organic solvents, saves energy by shortening the drying process and reduces carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, the plant-based plastics used for the vehicle’s interior parts provide an attractive alternative to plastics derived from fossil fuels such as petroleum.

The Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE illustrates Mazda’s dedication to the future environment without abandoning true Zoom-Zoom and soul-of-a-sports-car thinking.