Wild-Ass Rumor Of The Day: Mazda RX-9 Partially Hydrogenated?

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

Auto Motor und Sport hears that Mazda will debut a gas/hydrogen powertrain on its 2012 rotary-sportster, the RX-9. This got the German lads so excited they comissioned Mark Stehrenberg to sketch up this rendering of a potential next-gen RX. Keep in mind that all Stehrenberg had to go on was the Taiki showcar and news that the wankel engine would power the rear wheels only. As for the dual-fuel hydrogen system (think BMW Hydrogen 7), Mazda is already testing the powertrain on RX-8 mules. Although Mazda will probably improve on the BMW system’s many shortcomings by 2012, it will be interesting to see what Lithium-Ion batteries will be capable of by then. Or if there will even be hydrogen refueling stations outside of LA. Elsewhere in 2012, I’ll be stalking the used CRZ market for my slice of eco-friendly fun.

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • BMW325I BMW325I on Dec 29, 2008

    Now a hydrogen powered rotary car is something I am looking for. Honda has a hydrogen halo car and now Mazda. I would expect Toyota to be next. Unfortunately the only stations that I know of is in California.

  • Kansei Kansei on Dec 29, 2008

    "testing"? They've already leased (or donated, I don't remember) a small fleet of dual-fuel hydrogen/gas RX-8s to japanese police --like a year or two ago.

  • Anonymous Anonymous on Dec 31, 2008

    [...] Auto Motor und Sport is now suggesting that Mazda’s next-gen rotary-powered sportscar will feature a dual-fuel arrangement, being capable of running on both gasoline and hydrogen gas. If these rumors are accurate, we can expect Mazda’s first production hydrogen car to hit the roads in 2012 and revert back to a standard 2-door body style. The current RX-8 uses a set of reverse-hinged doors just aft of the normal front portals. We’ll see. [Source: Auto Motor und Sport (translated) via The Truth About Cars] [...]

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