Mazda's 'RENESIS' Wins 'International Engine of the Year 2003'

Mazda's new-generation rotary engine, "RENESIS," which powers Mazda's all-new RX-8 sports car, has been named "International Engine of the Year 2003."

Established in 1999, the International Engine of the Year Awards are hosted by Engine Technology International every year with the winner selected by a majority vote of 50 motoring journalists from 22 countries around the world. Engines are evaluated based on the criteria of drivability, performance, economy, refinement, and the successful application of advanced engine technology. There are a total of eight awards for the eight capacity classes of all current production engines between sub 1-litre to above 4-litre capacities, and three special awards of "Best New Engine of 2003," "Best Fuel Economy," and "Best Performance Engine." The "International Engine of the Year" is selected from among the winners of the eight engine capacity classes. With an impressive 44 out of 50 votes, the RENESIS clearly outshone this year's competition to claim the honor of "International Engine of the Year." In addition, Mazda's new-generation rotary engine also won the "2.5-litre to 3-litre" Capacity Class Award and "Best New Engine of 2003."

Mazda's new-generation rotary engine 'RENESIS'

Nobuhiro Hayama, executive officer and general manager of the Powertrain Development Division said, "Mazda firmly believes in the virtues of the rotary engine and we have spent many years developing rotary technologies. This award recognizes the significant technical innovation achieved through the ingenuity and enthusiasm of our engineers after overcoming many challenges. We will continue to pursue developments in engineering to further advance the rotary engine's potential."

The rotary engine performs the four processes of intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust in succession by turning a triangular-shaped rotor in the cocoon-shaped combustion chamber to generate power. In comparison with the reciprocating engine, it excels in features such as "compact size and light weight," "flat torque performance," and "less vibration and low noise." Through the introduction of innovative technologies for the rotary engine such as the use of "side-exhaust and side-intake ports" and the new sequential dynamic air intake system, the RENESIS delivers a high power output for a naturally aspirated engine. In addition, the engine demonstrates significantly improved fuel economy and reduced emissions when compared with previous rotaries.

Mazda has developed and introduced a series of insightful cars, such as the Cosmo Sports in 1967 and successive RX-7s, utilizing the intrinsic technical benefits of the rotary engine. The development of the RENESIS, from design to production, represents the sum of its extensive experience with rotary engine technologies. The company has created a new page in rotary history with this innovative engine designed specifically to power the four-door four-seater Mazda RX-8, a totally new concept in sports car design.

The award ceremony will be held on June 4 in Stuttgart, Germany.