Mazda and Audi considering rotary engine partnership - report

[donkeykong]

Engine could be used in production A1 e-tron​

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The last partnership between Germany and Japan didn't end well, but a new report is indicating that Audi and Mazda are considering a Wankel engine alliance.
Inside Line says the two companies have had informal talks to explore the possibility of joining forces to develop rotaryengines. While it may seem odd that Audi would be interested, the A1 e-tron features a 20 PS (15 kW / 20 hp) range-extending Wankel engine.
In related news, Mazda has reportedly developed a new laser ignition system for rotary engines. Details are limited, but the system eliminates the need for spark plugs and allows for better engine sealing as well as reduced CO2 emissions. The engine would likely debut in the successor to the RX-8, but a source indicated that a launch hasn't been green-lighted and the company is seeking funding.​

Read more: Mazda and Audi considering rotary engine partnership - report​

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[Levi68]

Interesting. RX-8 may come to life thanks to Audi.

 

[Centurion]

VAG doesn't invest in anything that's scalable and profitable. Hell, they've repeatedly stated that they won't go anywhere near F1 until 2013 when they could possibly become an engine supplier. Although the Wankel engine has it's fan base, it's not a very economical engine so VAG would need to build a rather complex engine from the ground up and adapt the configuration to be relevant and these time of high petrol prices.