SWIPE! ⬅️ Mazda’s iconic rotary engine, last seen in the RX-8 before being shelved in 2012 due to tightening emissions regulations, is making a comeback. After more than a decade of research and refinement, Mazda has reassembled a dedicated rotary development team under the direction of CTO Ryuichi Umeshita, signaling renewed commitment to reviving the unique powertrain. Umeshita recently confirmed that the next-generation rotary engine is “almost technically complete” and is being engineered to meet U.S. emissions standards—a major hurdle that previously kept rotary tech out of American markets. Unlike the MX-30’s range-extender rotary, this version is expected to power a new performance model, potentially reviving the spirit of the RX-7 or RX-8. While no production timeline has been officially announced, the progress marks a pivotal shift. Mazda’s persistence in refining the rotary concept, especially with carbon-neutral fuel compatibility, suggests it may finally bring back the li...