However, Mazda says the future of rotary power is still alive and well as development continues on the 16X — even if it is running behind schedule. Mazda was targeting a 2011 model year launch for the 16X, but the Japanese automaker has pushed back that release date by at least two years.

“Maybe within two years we can tell you when we will introduce it to the market,” said Mitsuo Hitomi, head of Mazda’s powertrain division.

The 16X was originally delayed when the financial crisis took hold in 2008. Resources were moved from the 16X project to help develop the company’s fuel-efficient SkyActiv engines, which will debut next year. The project has most recently been delayed due to missed emissions benchmarks.

However, Mazda says it will “never give up” on the rotary engine, so expect the 16X to eventually make production, most likely in the form of the next-generation RX-8. The 16X promise more power and 30 percent better fuel economy than the rotary engine currently used in the RX-8.

Yum!

Ed