MAZDA RX-8
HYDROGEN ROTARY ENGINE: A SPORTS CAR (AND ENGINE) LIKE NO OTHER
Source. media.ford.com
DETROIT – With a cat-like predatory stance, forward-thinking
freestyle door system and enough room for four, not two, adults
to enjoy all its benefits, the Mazda RX-8 has set itself apart
from the pack. But if the recently introduced RX-8 production
sports car truly is unique thanks, in large part, to its rotary
engine, the RX-8 Hydrogen Rotary Engine (RE) concept, showcased
this year at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS),
takes "unique" to all new levels.Featuring a fuel system that
consists of a high-pressure hydrogen tank, the vehicle balances
the needs of the driving enthusiast and the environmentalist
with a blend of alternative power and the exhilarating driving
experience for which Mazda is known. 
As the auto industry turns its attention to hydrogen fuel as
a gasoline alternative, the RX-8 Hydrogen RE offers a hydrogen-powered
version of RENESIS—Mazda’s next generation rotary
engine that was introduced last year in the all-new RX-8. By
virtue of its smooth performance, compact size and impressive
driving characteristics, RENESIS was named International Engine
of the Year in June 2003.
The RENESIS Hydrogen RE allows the RX-8 concept to run on either
hydrogen fuel or gasoline and capitalizes on all the advantages
of the rotary to assure RX-8’s ease-of-operation and reliability.
The RENESIS Hydrogen RE incorporates an electronically controlled
hydrogen injector system, with the hydrogen injected in a gaseous
state. The system draws air from the side port during the intake
cycle and uses dual hydrogen injectors in each of the engine’s
twin rotor housings to directly inject hydrogen into the intake
chambers.
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.
Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales
and marketing, customer parts and services support of Mazda vehicles
in the United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has
more than 700 dealerships nationwide.
EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information on Mazda products, visit
the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com |
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