MAZDA RX-8 HYDROGEN ROTARY ENGINE: A SPORTS CAR (AND ENGINE) LIKE NO OTHER

DETROIT – With a cat-like predatory stance, forward-thinking freestyle door system and enough room for four, not two, adults to enjoy all its benefits, the Mazda RX-8 has set itself apart from the pack. But if the recently introduced RX-8 production sports car truly is unique thanks, in large part, to its rotary engine, the RX-8 Hydrogen Rotary Engine (RE) concept, showcased this year at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), takes "unique" to all new levels.

Featuring a fuel system that consists of a high-pressure hydrogen tank, the vehicle balances the needs of the driving enthusiast and the environmentalist with a blend of alternative power and the exhilarating driving experience for which Mazda is known.

As the auto industry turns its attention to hydrogen fuel as a gasoline alternative, the RX-8 Hydrogen RE offers a hydrogen-powered version of RENESIS—Mazda’s next generation rotary engine that was introduced last year in the all-new RX-8. By virtue of its smooth performance, compact size and impressive driving characteristics, RENESIS was named International Engine of the Year in June 2003.

The RENESIS Hydrogen RE allows the RX-8 concept to run on either hydrogen fuel or gasoline and capitalizes on all the advantages of the rotary to assure RX-8’s ease-of-operation and reliability.

The RENESIS Hydrogen RE incorporates an electronically controlled hydrogen injector system, with the hydrogen injected in a gaseous state. The system draws air from the side port during the intake cycle and uses dual hydrogen injectors in each of the engine’s twin rotor housings to directly inject hydrogen into the intake chambers.

Because it offers separate chambers for intake and combustion, the rotary engine is ideal for burning hydrogen without the backfiring that can occur in a traditional piston engine. The separate induction chamber also provides a safer temperature for fitting the dual hydrogen injectors with their rubber seals, which are susceptible to the high temperatures encountered in a conventional reciprocating piston engine.

Also helping to maximize the benefits of the rotary engine in hydrogen combustion mode, the RENESIS Hydrogen RE features adequate space for the installation of two injectors per intake chamber. Because hydrogen has an extremely low density, a much greater injection volume is required compared with gasoline, thus demanding the use of more than one injector. Typically, this can be difficult to achieve with a conventional reciprocating piston engine because of the structural constraints that prevent mounting injectors in the combustion chamber. However, with its twin hydrogen injectors, the RENESIS Hydrogen RE is both practical and able to deliver sufficient power.

In addition to the revolutionary hydrogen-powered RENESIS rotary engine, the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE concept benefits from improved aerodynamics and optimized tires and weight-saving measures. A fast-fill tandem master cylinder reduces brake drag and friction hub carriers help cut power losses.

The vehicle also incorporates a host of other technologies for exceptional environmental compatibility. Three-layer, wet-on water-based paint on the RX-8 Hydrogen RE dramatically reduces the emission of organic solvents, saves energy by shortening the drying process and reduces carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, the plant-based plastics used for the vehicle’s interior parts provide an attractive alternative to plastics derived from fossil fuels such as petroleum.

The Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE illustrates Mazda’s dedication to the future environment without abandoning true Zoom-Zoom and soul-of-a-sports-car thinking.

The Toyota FCHV: The future of the Hybrid Electric Vehicle

Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, the backbone of Toyota's hybrid powertrain, was a significant component in the development of the Toyota FCHV, or Toyota Fuel-Cell Hydrogen Vehicle.

Built upon the Highlander platform, which will include a Highlander hybrid later this summer, the Toyota FCHV was developed utilizing technologies honed by the Prius "to precisely regulate power flow from the fuel-cell stack and battery to achieve high efficiency, excellent acceleration and a smooth quiet ride," according to Toyota

According to Toyota, "Although discussion of hybrids often center around the unison of gasoline or diesel-powered engines and electric motors, Toyota's stance is that fuel cells will eventually replace internal combustion engines in this arrangement to create fuel cell hybrid vehicles, or FCHVs."

Currently, the FCHV has a top speed of 96 mph. An aluminum roof, fenders and other components, make the body shell of the Highlander FCHV lighter than a conventional hybrid. The FCHV is one of the world's most aerodynamic SUVs, according to Toyota, thanks to its flat, well-sealed underbody.

Not only has the Toyota FCHV been certified by CARB as a zero-emissions vehicle, its environment-friendly air conditioning system uses CO2 rather than CFC as a coolant.

At this time; however, the real problem with fuel cells is simply cost. Therefore, hybrids, particularly those that are full hybrids, i.e. - more reliant upon electric power - can gradually integrate the components necessary for fuel cell automobiles into their platforms.

Gas-electric hybrids, such as the Toyota Highlander hybrid, Lexus RX400h hybrid, or Ford Escape hybrid, are just the first stage in the evolution of the hybrid vehicle.

Get ready, the future is here.

FUELS AND TECHNOLOGY ARE MOVING THE AUTOMOBILE TOWARD A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

CONSIDER THIS CHALLENGE : With 35 percent of the world’s energy needs currently being met by petroleum products and demand expected to increase by an average of two percent per year through 2030, the imperative for change is immediate, and real. Rather than viewing this as an obstacle, GM is approaching the need as an opportunity to lead the market with a diverse range of advanced technologies and vehicles.

The drive to bring better and more environmentally compatible vehicles to our highways begins by optimizing the internal combustion engine, with the aim of achieving maximum fuel economy and performance with the lowest possible emissions. This goes beyond focusing on just one or two high-profile models. Rather, higher fuel economy across the fleet can make substantial progress toward lessening petroleum dependency. While many extraordinary technologies are in development at GM and destined for future models, an ongoing focus on the here-and-now has brought meaningful advances to today’s powertrains and established GM as a leader in fuel efficient vehicles.

MAKING TODAY’S TECHNOLOGY BETTER

ANSWERS THAT SEEMED DISTANT NOT SO LONG AGO ARE UPON US. AT GM, MORE ADVANCED DRIVE SYSTEMS, GREATER EFFICIENCIES, AND ALTERNATIVE FUELS HAVE BECOME TODAY’S REALITY.

EXPLORING ALTERNATIVES

Alternative fuel sources are critical as we move away from dependence on petroleum energy sources. Today, GM has over two million E85 ethanol FlexFuel vehicles on the road in all 50 states and is committed to the production of over 400,000 FlexFuel vehicles per year. In 2007, GM offers 16 different E85 ethanol-capable models.

E85 ethanol – a blend of 85 percent plant-based ethanol and 15 percent gasoline – offers benefits including fewer greenhouse gas and smog-forming emissions than gasoline. To make E85 ethanol more readily available to consumers, GM is actively working with state governments, fuel retailers, and others to raise awareness of the benefits of E85 ethanol and increase availability to make fueling more convenient

This mostly renewable alcohol fuel is but one of the fuel alternatives that will propel vehicles toward a cleaner tomorrow. Other biofuels, including biodiesel, show considerable promise. Hydrogen is another answer that’s being aggressively pursued by GM.

DRIVING ON NON-PETROLEUM FUELS IS AN IMPORTANT GOAL. GM VEHICLES DESIGNED TO USE RENEWABLES LIKE E85 ETHANOL AIM TOWARD A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.

MANY HOUSEHOLDS IN INDUSTRIALIZED NATIONS have two or more vehicles, while increasing numbers of consumers in developing nations are eagerly acquiring their first. This is easily understood since mobility brings with it many things, including convenience and opportunity. The challenge is that with ever-growing numbers of automobiles comes mounting pressure on our environment and natural resources.

Automobiles powered by an internal combustion engine emerged well over a century ago and are still very much with us today. Vehicles are more efficient now, of course, and at GM they continue to evolve in important ways for the better. Yet, with almost all of the world’s 830 million cars based on mechanical drive and 98 percent of these operating on petroleum, it’s clear that a new direction is needed

ELECTRIC DRIVE, INTELLIGENTLY APPLIED, STANDS TO HAVE A HUGE IMPACT ON THE CHALLENGES THAT LOOM LARGEST IN OUR FUTURE: FUEL EFFICIENCY, ENVIRONMENTAL COMPATIBILITY, AND ENERGY DIVERSITY

CHEVROLET VOLT CONCEPT

The need to create new products and technologies that go beyond incremental improvements in addressing sustainability is well understood. It is the focus of a great deal of research and development at GM. The result of this thinking is exemplified by the widely-acclaimed Chevrolet Volt concept car and the innovative E-Flex system that powers it.

We live in a world where diverse options are being explored and different markets may have their own unique needs, so the ability to maintain a flexible approach to powertrains and fuels is a requirement. As you might gather, flexibility is what E-Flex is all about.

GM’s Volt responds to the growing desire for an electrically-driven automobile offering the best of all worlds. It draws from GM’s considerable engineering and technical expertise developed over many years with its EV1 and hydrogen fuel cell electric car programs. The Volt continues GM’s path toward highly-efficient electric drive, but with important differences.