The Mazda RX2, Mazda RX3, Mazda RX4, Mazda RX7, and now Mazda RX8 are examples of successful rotary-powered sports cars. The new Mazda 16x rotary engine should further popularize this unconventional combustion engine that features (as rotaries always have) a compact design with an exceptional power-to-weight ratio, all in just 1.6 liters.

Mazda calls this new rotary engine the “long-stroke rotary engine.” As you may already know, the 13B rotary engine has a displacement of only 1300cc, which is 1.3 liters. While the Mazda 16x has a displacement of 1600cc (800cc x 2), which is 1.6 litres; and while they’ve made the 16x significantly larger than the 13B, it weighs less than a 13B. This is due to the aluminum side shells, which according to Mazda should not scare us away.

Mazda’s goal here is “greater thermal efficiency,” which basically means that any car powered by the Mazda 16x will run like a stink. Mazda says this [thermal efficiency] will increase torque at all engine speeds. (Rotary motors are notorious for having low torque, especially on the low end.)

They also added direct fuel injection, so you can expect the 16x to be considerably more economical compared to rotaries of the past. Noxious emissions will also be greatly reduced and power should increase slightly compared to common multi-point fuel injected rotary engines such as the 13B. This should also lean the fuel-air mixture and may improve the rotating nasty habit of flooding every time you move it down the street one block.

Mazda has done incredible things with its light and sporty 1.3-liter 13B. Imagine what they can do with this new Mazda 16x! Better yet, imagine what you could do with this new Mazda 16x rotary engine! Unfortunately, however, Mazda has yet to announce a production vehicle to carry the 16x. The closest we’ve gotten is the Mazda Taiki, a concept car developed by Mazda under the “Nagare” (which means “flow” in Japanese) design concept.

So when will we see this new rotary engine in action?

Many expected this new rotary engine to appear in the 2009 Mazda RX8, but when the cover was removed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, we saw nothing but the Mazda 13B MSP Renesis engine under its gleaming hood.

To answer the question; your guest is as good as mine.