OFFICIAL: Mazda Rotary Engine Re-Enters Mass Production

Mazda has announced the return of the famed rotary engine to mass production. This comes after many years of anticipation and statements regarding the beloved "Dorito spinner." The rotary's revival was made official in January this year when the brandrevealed it as a range extender for the MX-30.

We're talking about the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV, which is currently sold in Europe and Japan. It gets a single-rotor Wankel engine acting as a range-extending generator. In total, it provides the MX-30 with a range of 400 miles, of which only 53 are on pure battery power.

To compare, the electric-poweredMX-30sold state-side can cover a dismal 100 miles. Even the cheaper Chevy Bolt trumps the Mazda with its 259-mile range. The MX-30 EV's range is so bad that evenMazda told MX-30 owners to buy another car.

If Mazda wants to turn around thelow sales figures of the MX-30in America, it should consider bringing in the MX-30 R-EV. Mazda North America CEO Jay Guyton did say that the model in question is more suited to the roads and the drivers in Japan and Europe. Then again, Guyton added that regardless, "it doesn't mean it's a no for the US."