Zoom-Zoom Goes Green
As the global warming debate rages on, car manufacturers are under ever-increasing pressure to ensure that their products are part of the solution, rather than the problem. Consequently, Mazda has (along with pretty much everyone else) invested some serious research and development into the use of alternative fuels, namely hydrogen.
Given that the overwhelming trend among automakers is to equip a practical people mover with an alternative powertrain, such as the Honda Civic or Toyota Camry hybrid models, it would make sense that Mazda follow suit and re-engineer a 3 or 6 to accept green power. Or, in the vein of the Lexus RX 400h or Toyota Highlander hybrid SUV’s, perhaps an environmentally friendly CX-7 is in order. However, because of their onomatopoeic company slogan, whatever Mazda makes must walk the “zoom-zoom” talk. Hence the dual fuel, gasoline/hydrogen RX-8.
The impeccably balanced sports car with the rev-happy rotary engine is now tree-hugger friendly. Mazda has been experimenting with the dual fuel formula for a couple of years now, and has just delivered a copy of the RX-8 to the Japanese Automobile Research Institute, where it will undergo further testing in an effort to improve upon safety and establish international standards for hydrogen powered vehicles. Read the press release here.