[1931Chevy]

Rumormill: Mazda testing Chevy Volt competitor
Posted Aug 28th 2008 4:31PM by Chris Shunk
Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Mazda

The Chevy Volt is unique in that its engine is really just a generator that produces electricity for the batteries, which then power an electric motor that turns the front wheels for propulsion. While the Volt powertrain is pretty spectacular, it may not be unique for long. British car site AutoCar is reporting that Mazda is not only interested in a similar setup for a future plug-in hybrid, but it already has a working prototype on the road. Mazda engineers told AutoCar that a battery pack charged by a rotary engine is already being used in a Mazda5 mule, and that management is encouraged by the early results but wants to see battery costs go down before proceeding.


continue at the link

 

[Hurricane]

Well it doesn't surprise me that other companies are going down this path as well...it wasn't exactly a secret where GM was going with the Volt LOL!

 

[johnstarnes]

Whatever it is, I hope it looks a LOT like ANY of the Nagare concepts!

 

[WishIhadatruck]

Not suprised to see others following but I'd be nervous getting a car with a rotary engine. It still doesn't seem as if they are as reliable as a normal engine no matter how great the idea is in theory.

 

[wescoent]

Not suprised to see others following but I'd be nervous getting a car with a rotary engine. It still doesn't seem as if they are as reliable as a normal engine no matter how great the idea is in theory.

Mazda engineers are in love with the rotary. To be honest, I think the only way that Ford could get Mazda to work on this would be to throw them a rotary bone to go with it.

Ford also has had working prototypes on the road since late last year, and is essentially ready to go for production, but they want the cost of the batteries to come down first.

 

[fp115]

This has been well documented that several companies will be offering a competitor. The only difference in the end is that GM will be the only one to offer a great warranty for the battery.

 

[fp115]

Mazda engineers are in love with the rotary. To be honest, I think the only way that Ford could get Mazda to work on this would be to throw them a rotary bone to go with it.

Ford also has had working prototypes on the road since late last year, and is essentially ready to go for production, but they want the cost of the batteries to come down first.

GM is looking to offsetting R&D costs for the Volt to Ford...

 

[1931Chevy]

^ I think that everybody can get some benefits here because between the three could help reduce the price of the battery development