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Mazda MX-30 electric car production begins: Will it get the rotary range extender?

Mazda has officially started production of the electric MX-30. For the time being, the small electric car hasn’t been announced for the U.S. yet. Mazda hasnÂ’t declared otherwise, though, so we still have our hopes up. The first MX-30s are rolling off the line in Hiroshima, Japan. Europe will be one of the first places where these MX-30s end up. The car starts at GBP30,495 in the UK and ˆ33,990 in Germany. That's around $38,000. Certainly expensive, but the price would surely be different here, plus weÂ’d be eligible for the full $7,500 tax credit. Those lucky European customers will be met with an electric car that likes to do things a little differently than others. The modest 35.5 kWh battery pack is good for just 124 miles on EuropeÂ’s optimistic WLTP testing cycle. It would surely achieve a much lower number in the EPA test. Mazda has made it front-wheel drive, placing a single motor on the front axle thatÂ’s good for 143 horsepower. We expect to see the first ones hit the streets in Europe this fall, but thereÂ’s one thing that makes us hold out hope for an American MX-30: the potential for a rotary range extender. Mazda said as much in its 100-year celebration letter: “Later, the company developed a prototype Mazda2 EV with a small single-rotor engine used as a range extender. A similar system could find its way onto the Mazda MX-30, a brand new battery electric crossover SUV arriving at dealerships this year." Assuming Mazda goes through with a rotary range extender, we could see this car coming to the American market. That would up the range considerably and make it a much more viable option for many customers, even if they might not need the added range on a daily basis.  Related video:

Will the Mazda2 be offered as a PHEV with a rotary engine range extender?

Every few months, it seems a rumor crops up about plans from Mazda to revive the rotary engine. Last November, its CEO said the only way another one could happen is if the project was profitable, and then a month later the automaker showed off the Mazda2 RE Range Extender with a 330cc Wankel engine mounted in the rear. Now, Australian auto site Motoring reports that the PHEV may actually make production in the next-gen Mazda2 sometime after it's initial launch.
Martin Benders, managing director of Mazda in Australia, spoke to Motoring about the company's future with hybrids and basically reiterated what the CEO said last year. The Japanese automaker only plans to offer electrified powertrains in places where they can sell in sufficient numbers to be profitable, like Japan.
Mazda has been playing with the rotary range-extender idea for years. In the RE prototype, the engine was exclusively used to charge the lithium-ion batteries when they were running low, and a 100-horsepower electric motor provided all of the propulsion. It gave the little hatch an estimated range of about 250 miles. The company reportedly took inspiration from its Skyactiv engines to make the Wankel have lower friction and a lighter weight.

Preorders open for the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition

After unveiling the gorgeous 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition at the 2016 New York International Auto Show, the Japanese automaker announced plans to give loyal customers first dibs on one of the 1,000 models. Preorders are open at 12 PM EST on Monday, September 26th at the Mazda MX-5 RF Launch Edition website. Customers who were sent an invitation with a personalized code will have a limited time to put a $500 refundable deposit down on a limited model. Customers also have the opportunity to select the dealership where they would like to complete the transaction. Pricing for the MX-5 RF has also been announced with the sports car starting at $34,685, including destination and handling. That's roughly $9,000 more than a base MX-5 Miata. Deliveries of the sports car will begin in February 2017. While the MX-5 RF is a looker, $9,000 is a lot of change for the Launch Edition, which only adds a black roof and special badges over the regular MX-5 RF models. All 1,000 Launch Editions will be finished in Machine Gray with a black roof panel and Auburn Nappa leather on the inside. Buyers who opt for the Launch Edition will also get a numbered 42mm Tourneau watch, and can choose between an automatic and a manual transmission. The MX-5 RF Launch Edition should sell out quickly, as the 2015 Mazda MX-5 25th Anniversary Edition sold out in roughly 10 minutes when it went on sale in 2014. Didn't get an invite to preorder the Launch Edition? Worry not, as Mazda will open the special model to the general public on October 3, if there are any left. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF: New York 2016 View 13 Photos News Source: MazdaImage Credit: Live photos copyright 2016 Drew Phillips / AOL New York Auto Show Mazda Convertible Lightweight Vehicles Special and Limited Editions Performance pricing mazda mx-5 rf