The 2023 Mazda MX-30 R-EV rotary plug-in hybrid has made its debut and has entered the production phase, marking a significant milestone for Mazda in bringing back the rotary engine. This is an exciting event considering Mazda’s hiatus from producing rotary-powered cars for over a decade, with the last one being the 2012 RX-8, equipped with a 1.3-liter twin-rotor engine.
Today, exactly 11 years after the final engine of the RX-8 was built, the MX-30 R-EV is introduced and powered by an 830-cc single rotor engine combined with a 168-horsepower electric motor.
Interestingly, the electric motor solely provides forward propulsion, while the rotary engine functions as an electricity generator.
Initially, the MX-30 R-EV models will be available in Europe, with sales expected to commence in the coming autumn. Notably, the standard electric MX-30, with its dismal range, has experienced considerable success in Europe, surpassing 15,000 units sold, whereas sales figures in the United States have remained in the triple digits. Mazda intends to introduce the plug-in hybrid version in the U.S., a move that could prove more practical for American consumers compared to the 100-mile electric range variant. However, the exact timeline for its U.S. launch remains uncertain at this point.
In addition to the MX-30 R-EV, Mazda shared an intriguing detail about their rotary car legacy. The company proudly revealed that by the end of RX-8 production, they had manufactured a total of 1.99 million rotary cars throughout their history. As the MX-30 R-EV hits the market, enthusiasts eagerly await whether this powertrain will contribute to reaching the milestone of 2 million rotary-powered vehicles. This achievement could be realized through approximately 100,000 MX-30 R-EV sales or potentially through the introduction of yet undisclosed rotary-powered models in the future.
