The Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE is the first-in-world hydrogen rotary engine vehicle, developed and commercialized by Mazda. Petroleum resource consumption has been reduced without compromising torque, acceleration and exhaust note, with zero CO2 emission and virtually none NOX generation. The Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE is the "ultimate green car" achieving a perfect harmony of clean performance and Mazda's signature natural driving feel unique to internal combustion engine. In Japan, the vehicle has been offered for lease to local governments and enterprises since 2006. In 2008, Mazda began to participate in the Norwegian hydrogen highway project "HyNor".
- Automatic transmission and the extension of the hydrogen fuel range.
In preparation for introduction to the marketplace, an automatic transmission was made available to increase user-friendliness. In addition, the driving range in hydrogen fuel mode was extended to 100 km (in 10/15 mode) thanks to a larger fuel tank and improved fuel efficiency technology.
- Fuel switching
When running out of hydrogen fuel, the system automatically switches over to gasoline. For long hauls and traveling to areas without hydrogen fuel supply, the system can be manually switched between two fuel options at the touch of a button, even when the vehicle is in motion. The mode selection button is located at the bottom right of the instrument panel close to the driver's seat. The rotor-shaped button is illuminated in blue when in hydrogen mode.
- Driver interface
A hydrogen fuel level meter, used fuel indicator and warning light, among other features, are integrated into the instrument panel within the driver's line of sight.
While the vehicle is running, either the hydrogen or the gasoline fuel indicator is always illuminated to show which fuel is being used. The fuel switch is illuminated only when the vehicle is running in hydrogen mode.
In addition, a chime rings before and after the fuel mode changes to notify the driver.
- Design & packaging
Based on the Mazda RX-8 exterior design, the vehicle can be instantaneously recognizable as a hydrogen rotary engine vehicle with a clean imagery. Seating space for four adults has been maintained from the base vehicle, with two hydrogen tanks installed in the trunk. The tanks are pressurized to 35 Mpa, the current national standard for hydrogen fueling stations. The hydrogen filler valve is the one commonly used in fuel cell vehicles, located on the opposite side of the gasoline filler valve on the base vehicle.
- Major specifications
| Name | Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE | |
|---|---|---|
| Body and chassis | Overall length | 4435mm |
| Overall width | 1770mm | |
| Overall height | 1340mm | |
| Wheel base | 2700mm | |
| Passenger capacity | 4 | |
| Tires | 225/55R16 | |
| Engine | Type | RENESIS hydrogen rotary engine (dual-fuel system) |
| Fuel | Hydrogen and gasoline | |
| Maximum output | In hydrogen mode: 80 kW (109 PS) In gasoline mode: 154 kW (210 PS) |
|
| Maximum torque | In hydrogen mode: 140 Nm (14.3 kgm) In gasoline mode: 222 Nm (22.6 kgm) |
|
| Transmission | Four-speed AT | |
| Maximum range (10/15 mode) | In hydrogen mode: 100 km In gasoline mode: 549 km |
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