Agreed, but there's also Koenigsegg, which has managed to eliminate the need for cams, and complete heads from ICEs, replacing them with their 'freevalve' tech (which basically replaces the timing chain with computers so that instead of having one or two modes that a camshaft can opt into, you can precisely dial in bespoke timings for every RPM, or every RPM and speed, or ever RPM / speed / gear combination. They've also practically reinvented the transmission to invent a new transmission that eliminates moving gearsets and gives you a dual-clutchish transmission with a 6 speed manual AND a 9 speed automatic in the same device.
IIRC, the Freevalve tech is like a 30% efficiency hack for any ICE you put it on, and it's a part of how Koenigsegg are managing to squeeze 600 brake horsepower out of just a 2L, 3-cylinder engine.
Wesley Kagan reimplemented their freevalve technology on his Mazda Miata, and it's probably the coolest hobby automotive project I've seen in years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9KJ_f7REGw
Absolutely love Koenigsegg, and their new engines are probably the current state of the art in (small scale) production ICE engines.
I just feel like Mazda doesn’t get enough credit for the innovation they manage to accomplish at a truly mass produced scale. It's almost like they're too "normal" to get the attention they deserve.
You're right. They might need to bring back MazdaSpeed to get the [gear|petrol]heads back on board, who seem to have either stayed put with Honda/Toyota/Subaru fandom, or to Hyundai for those who haven't. Or just put out another RX.
The tragedy of Mazda is that they already make one of the best cars in the world, but machismo / public opinion prevents too many men from enjoying the full glory of the Miata. But on the other hand, Mazda's refusal to move it beyond 'momentum car' holds it back. If they added ~30-40 horsepower to it, it could legitimately be stealing sales from cars thrice its price.
IIRC, the Freevalve tech is like a 30% efficiency hack for any ICE you put it on, and it's a part of how Koenigsegg are managing to squeeze 600 brake horsepower out of just a 2L, 3-cylinder engine.
Wesley Kagan reimplemented their freevalve technology on his Mazda Miata, and it's probably the coolest hobby automotive project I've seen in years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9KJ_f7REGw
Here's a really cool explainer on the transmission - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hvb6J96KiSM