Remember how we had defined the irony of rotary motion polishers being low cost however hostile for learners, whereas the costly twin motion counterparts are virtually idiot-proof? Well, Meguiar’s dual-action polisher combines the most effective of each worlds by borrowing the benefit of a dual-action polisher with the cost-effectiveness of a drill attachment.
Although it is as costly as the most affordable rotary polishers at $39, this drill attachment eliminates the steep studying curve related to cheaper sharpening attachments.
The dual-action nature of Meguiar’s sharpening answer makes it simple to attain a cleaner floor end by decreasing the danger of hologramming, buffer trails, swirl marks, and different detailing defects. We do not advocate springing for this drill attachment if all you want to do is buff out scratches or restore headlights. However, that is effectively value the additional money in case you plan on endeavor bigger sharpening and buffing duties.
Unlike cheaper sharpening attachments, Meguiar’s dual-action polisher can’t be paired with any previous cordless drill. That’s as a result of the mechanism chargeable for producing the multi-axis rotary motion typical of dual-action methods does so with the assistance of inside gears. This, nonetheless, comes at the price of transmission losses. Although Meguiar’s recommends corded drills, you possibly can nonetheless use it with a reasonably highly effective and environment friendly cordless drill, ideally these sporting brushless motors. Anything much less, and also you’re sacrificing sharpening energy.
Rotary instruments are easy gadgets with many makes use of. While rotary instruments are frequent for mechanics, they’ve varied different purposes, too, together with carpentry, metalworking, and quite a few crafts and hobbies. The instruments can buff, polish, sand, grind, engrave, and lower into totally different surfaces and supplies. They work utilizing a small motor and a spindle, and you may join attachments to the spindle to remodel the instrument primarily based in your wants. With regard to auto work, rotary instruments are mostly used to scrub grime and corrosion from parts like brake calipers or to take away previous gasket materials from components like oil pans.
Chicago Electric’s rotary tool kit contains a 1.3-amp electrical instrument with a variable pace set off for exact management from 8,000 to 35,000 RPM. Its thumbwheel pace adjuster can be utilized to take away rust and burrs, in addition to lower plastic, steel, and wooden. The equipment comes with 31 gadgets, together with the rotary instrument; varied slicing, buffing, and sharpening attachments; and a blow mould case.
As its identify implies, the apex seal sits on the apex, or tip, of the Wankel rotary engine’s triangular rotor. As the rotor spins on the engine’s eccentric shaft, every of the triangle’s three apexes maintains contact with the within of the case’s semi-oval chamber.
The seal between the spinning rotor’s apexes and the case is crucial to engine operation in 3 ways. First, it creates a vacuum that pulls recent gasoline/air combination into the chamber. As the rotor advances by means of the combustion cycle, the combination compresses and combusts with the ignition spark. At this level, the apex seals obtain their best take a look at. Finally, the apex seals sweep the exhaust gasses from the chamber earlier than starting the cycle over once more. Poor sealing at any stage of the method degrades engine efficiency.
Traditionally, apex seal producers employed quite a lot of supplies starting from forged iron to fiber-reinforced ceramics with various levels of success. Engineers proceed trying to find a cloth that balances put on resistance with optimum combustion chamber sealing.
Mazda introduced again the rotary engine final 12 months for the MX-30 crossover the place it serves as a variety extender. In 2023, we additionally noticed this beautiful Iconic SP Concept that had a rotary engine working as a generator to cost the battery. Today, the Zoom-Zoom firm is expressing its long-term dedication to this expertise by establishing a dedicated team.
The new “RE Development Group” includes 36 engineers that can work on rotary engines. The final time Mazda had a separate crew answerable for these high-revving engines was in 2018 when the group disbanded. Enthusiasts will keep in mind the final rotary sports activities automotive rolled off the meeting line again in 2012 when manufacturing of the JDM-exclusive RX-8 Spirit R ended. For now, the Japanese marque is not promising a brand new rotary efficiency automobile, solely saying it goals to ship “attractive cars that excite customers with our challenger spirit.”
Mazda has reignited the flames of its iconic rotary engine by establishing a devoted growth division. This daring transfer, announced at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, indicators a possible return for the revolutionary powertrain recognized for its clean energy supply and distinctive roar.
Mazda has been the one automaker to mass-produce rotary engines, forging a singular legacy within the automotive panorama. The know-how, also called the Wankel engine, boasts a fascinating simplicity: a triangular rotor spins inside an oval housing, making a steady combustion cycle. This design provides benefits like compact measurement, clean energy supply, and excessive energy potential.
However, the rotary engine has also faced significant challenges. Fuel inefficiency, emissions issues, and manufacturing complexities have restricted its widespread adoption. Additionally, reliability points and a notion of excessive upkeep prices have stored it out of the mainstream.
Mazda’s newest transfer signifies a perception that the rotary engine can overcome these hurdles and play a job in the way forward for mobility. The firm’s dedication to exploring a variety of technical assets suggests a multi-pronged strategy.
Mazda is sluggish to roll out EVs, however that is all by design that even the corporate’s CEO is not shy to divulge to the world.
In order to provide the newest and correct info doable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from Mazda and different dependable sources together with ScienceDirect.
Mazda Makes A Play For The Future With New Rotary Engine Department
Mazda
Mazda has reignited the fires of its iconic rotary engine by establishing a devoted growth division. This thrilling transfer indicators a possible return for the revolutionary powertrain recognized for its clean energy supply and distinctive roar.
While lengthy related to efficiency vehicles just like the RX-7 and RX-8, Mazda envisions a future the place the rotary engine may contribute to reaching carbon neutrality. Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro emphasised the division’s mission to interrupt by the challenges of the carbon-neutral period, hinting on the potential for eco-friendly developments.
Pushing The Boundaries
Mazda
Mazda guarantees to make use of a variety of “technical resources” to refine the rotary engine, doubtlessly leading to cutting-edge inner combustion know-how. This echoes Toyota’s investment in hydrogen-powered combustion engines, showcasing various approaches to electrical automobiles.
Mazda’s participation within the Super Taikyu collection with a biodiesel-powered Mazda3 Gr.4 additional underscores their dedication to exploring carbon-neutral options. This real-world testing echoes Toyota’s use of a hydrogen-powered Corolla in the identical collection.
At the Tokyo Auto Salon, Moro acknowledged the difficulties forward, highlighting the inherent challenges of discovering new options to the local weather disaster. However, Mazda’s hiatus from rotary engine manufacturing, with their reintroduction in the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV, demonstrates their perseverance and willingness to discover unconventional paths.
Performance Aficionados Rejoice
Fans of rotary-powered efficiency vehicles might discover hope on this information. The division’s institution comes alongside the SP Concept unveiled in October, hinting at a possible future for sporty fashions geared up with the distinctive engine.
Mazda has produced over two million rotary engines, solidifying their distinctive place in automotive historical past. Launching this new division amidst an trade closely targeted on electrical automobiles signifies Mazda’s continued dedication to exploration and innovation.
Mazda readily admits to taking a extra measured strategy to electrical automobiles, describing itself as an “intentional follower” within the phase. Mazda CEO Moro expressed a perception that curiosity in EVs could be waning, prompting Mazda to deal with completely different options for sustainable mobility.
Mazda hails from a land infamous for its dependable vehicles. Discover how this usually neglected model reside as much as this fame.
A Dance Of Combustion Chambers
While a standard piston engine depends on pistons touring up and down in cylinders to realize combustion, the rotary engine, also called the Wankel engine, takes a radically completely different strategy. Imagine a triangular rotor spinning inside an oval-shaped housing, creating three distinct combustion chambers in its wake. That’s the essence of the rotary engine’s magic.
Step-by-step Process:
Intake: As the rotor begins its rotation, a pocket opens up between its sides and the housing. This creates a vacuum, drawing in a recent air-fuel combination by an consumption port.
Compression: As the rotor continues rotating, the pocket seals off the consumption port and begins shrinking. This compresses the air-fuel combination, elevating its strain and temperature.
Combustion: Just because the compression reaches its peak, a spark plug ignites the compressed combination. The ensuing combustion expands the gases, pushing the rotor round in a clean, steady movement.
Exhaust: As the rotor rotates additional, one other port opens, offering an escape route for the spent exhaust gases. This completes the cycle, and the rotor begins a brand new cycle with a recent consumption of air-fuel combination.
The great thing about this design lies in its simplicity. There aren’t any reciprocating pistons, solely the graceful rotation of the rotor.
In the realm of price range entry-level compact sedans, learn the way the Mazda 3 stacks up towards the competitors
The Rotary Engine’s Allure
United States Patent and Trademark Office
While some would possibly name it a relic of the previous, the rotary engine continues to carry a particular place within the hearts of automotive fanatics and engineers alike. Its distinctive designs supply an a variety of benefits that might see it play a job in Mazda’s future powertrain technique.
One of the rotary engine’s most celebrated traits is its compact measurement and light-weight. This translates to a remarkable power-to-weight ratio, exceeding many standard piston engines. This attribute made it a favourite in light-weight sports activities vehicles just like the Mazda RX-7 and RX-8, the place agility and efficiency had been paramount. In a future the place weight discount is more and more essential for each efficiency and gas effectivity, the rotary engine’s compactness might be a helpful asset.
Smooth And Linear Power Delivery
The absence of reciprocating pistons in a rotary engine eliminates the standard vibrations and jerks related to piston engines. This interprets right into a remarkably clean and linear energy supply, usually described as silky by drivers. This attribute not solely enhances driving pleasure but additionally reduces put on and tear on drivetrain elements.
Rotary engines can spin at much higher RPMs than traditional piston engines earlier than encountering important limitations. This interprets to a wider energy band and the power to extract extra energy from a smaller engine measurement. For efficiency functions, this attribute might be harnessed to create exhilarating driving experiences with out the necessity for extreme engine displacement.
Simpler Design And Lower Production Costs
Mazda
The rotary engine’s inherent simplicity, with fewer moving parts compared to piston engines, may supply benefits when it comes to manufacturing value and upkeep. This might be significantly related for smaller quantity automobiles or area of interest functions the place complexity and price are essential components.
A Unique And Distinctive Character
Let’s not overlook the emotional enchantment. The rotary engine has a definite sound and really feel that units it aside from the standard piston engine. For many fanatics, this distinctive character embodies the spirit of innovation and pushing boundaries. In a world of more and more homogenized automobiles, the rotary engine provides an opportunity to face out and embrace individuality.
Mazda’s CX-30 is the one sub-compact SUV available on the market that provides all-wheel drive as normal, all at an unbeatable worth
Challenges Of The Rotary Engine
Mazda
Mazda’s announcement of a renewed deal with rotary engine growth has reignited the talk surrounding this enigmatic know-how. While fanatics laud its clean operation, energy density, and distinctive character, the rotary engine has lengthy been affected by challenges which have hindered its widespread adoption.
Fuel Efficiency And Emissions
One of the most important hurdles for the rotary engine is its inherent inefficiency compared to traditional piston engines. The trochoidal combustion chamber form results in increased floor space, leading to higher warmth loss and incomplete combustion. This interprets to decrease gas economic system and better emissions, significantly of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. These points develop into much more vital in right now’s stricter environmental rules.
Development And Manufacturing
Mazda
The rotary engine’s distinctive design poses challenges when it comes to manufacturing and growth. The complicated form of the combustion chamber and seals requires specialised tooling and machining methods, making it dearer to supply than a piston engine. Additionally, analysis and growth efforts have traditionally been restricted because of the comparatively small marketplace for rotary automobiles.
While Mazda has made important strides in enhancing the reliability of its rotary engines, it nonetheless faces issues relating to apex seal failure and related engine harm. This can result in increased restore prices and shorter engine lifetimes in comparison with piston engines.
Other Challenges:
Fuel Type and Octane Requirements: Rotary engines usually require high-octane fuel because of their increased compression ratio and combustion traits. This could be a drawback in areas the place high-octane gas is much less available or dearer.
Market Perception and Consumer Acceptance: Despite its passionate fanbase, the rotary engine carries a legacy of gas inefficiency and reliability issues among the many common public. This could make it tough for Mazda to compete with established piston engine applied sciences within the mainstream market.
Mazda constructed its final rotary sports activities automotive in 2012 when the JDM-only RX-8 Spirit R was discontinued. However, it wasn’t till 2018 that the event group accountable for the rotary engine was disbanded. Last yr, the rotary returned as a range-extending engine within the MX-30 to repair the worrying vary points which have plagued the small crossover.
Speaking on the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, Mazda President and CEO Katsuhiro Moro took everybody abruptly by asserting a devoted group of engineers answerable for rotary engine improvement shall be established on February 1. Prior to sharing the massive information, he expressed his gratitude in regards to the nice suggestions following the disclosing of the gorgeous Iconic SP concept.
The Suzuki TL1000S had a harmful rotary damper that overheated and misplaced its damping properties, making the bike deal with poorly.
Despite the issues, the TL1000S had redeeming qualities akin to a strong engine and an gratifying journey expertise.
The TL1000S is gaining reputation within the used market and could be modified to enhance its security and monitor efficiency.
The motorcycling world has seen just a few Widowmarkers, however for essentially the most half, these Widowmarker bikes are killing machines for being too outrageous or highly effective. Take the Vincent Black Shadow, which had a strong engine however pathetic brakes and an unpredictable chassis. Even the Kawasaki H2 750 was too quick to deal with for many bikers. But there may be one motorbike that turned harmful, maybe because of rushed growth.
We’re speaking in regards to the Suzuki TL1000S. This roadster was produced by Suzuki in 1997 to tackle the Ducati 916, and in a bid to get the WSBK cake as quickly as attainable, Suzuki may’ve forgotten to check the bike totally. The motorbike featured an thrilling V-twin engine, but it surely was held again by its rotary damper, which might have you ever scent the grass on a racetrack earlier than you even warmed up on a sunny day.
Remember, rotary dampers are a wonderful piece of engineering. Race groups have used rotary dampers in Formula One automobiles for years and the identical design can also be utilized in most steering dampers utilized in superbikes. But the one used on the Suzuki TL1000S wasn’t so good, and right here’s why.
In order to provide the latest and correct info attainable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Suzuki and different authoritative sources, together with Motorcyclenews.com and Motorcycle.com.
Motorsport is harmful, two wheeled motorsport doubly so. Here are among the most harmful races that also exist immediately.
A Bit of History Of The Suzuki TL1000S
Production Years: 1997 to 2001
It’s the 90s and the venerable Ducati 916 is dominating the World Superbike Championship, because of its extremely agile chassis and a punchy V-twin engine. Ducati received six of the final seven WSBK Championships and took the coveted Manufacturer’s Title for six years straight. Credit goes to the V-twin powerplant that allowed riders to drive tougher out of corners than peaky inline-four screamers that different producers used.
Unsurprisingly, many producers turned to get a slice of the V-twin pie to not solely compete with the 916, but in addition meet the fashionable backside line. Suzuki wasn’t an exception right here; the Japanese moniker took a direct method by constructing its personal model of the V-twin engine, which noticed the general public roads within the 1997 Suzuki TL1000S. Unfortunately, the TLS wasn’t successful as Suzuki would’ve anticipated; in reality, the bike dampened — pun supposed — the model’s fame and virtually killed its V-twin goals.
The Rear Shock: Achilles’ Heel In Quite A Literal Sense
Once Suzuki determined to plonk a V-twin engine on its motorbike, it bumped into one main downside — packaging. V-twin engines are longer from front to back, which might push the wheelbase longer. That’s not a great factor for a monitor weapon; race bikes want a brief wheelbase with a steep steering head angle for fast dealing with. Such a geometry permits fast acceleration, nook corrections, and simpler turn-ins into the nook. An extended wheelbase would make the bike slower to lean and reply to rider inputs.
So, to maintain the wheelbase as quick as attainable on the Suzuki TL1000S, designers took an modern method with the rear suspension. Suzuki teamed up with Kayaba to develop a brand new sort of motorbike suspension that separated the rear shock damper from the spring. This wasn’t new tech by any means; the setup was fairly much like the suspension used on Formula One automobiles, but it surely was new within the two-wheeled world.
On the Suzuki TL1000S, the spring was positioned on the precise facet of the bike and a rotary-style damper supplied damping by way of rotating arms. This is the place issues went slightly haywire for the TLS. Under arduous use, the rotary damper would overheat and lose most of its damping properties, which made the motorbike deal with like an overcooked noodle by way of corners. Plus, the bike’s wheelie-happy nature made the entrance liable to flap in the event you weren’t cautious sufficient. The end result — a scarily harmful motorbike to journey that may produce extra lock-to-lock tank slappers than giggles.
Chassis And Suspension Specifications
Frame Type
Alloy oval part trellis body
Caster
24-degree
Trail
94mm (3.70″)
Dimensions (L x W x H)
80.5″ x 28.1″ x 46.3″
Wheelbase
55.7″
Dry Weight
411 kilos
Front Suspension
43mm USD forks with adjustable preload, rebound, and compression damping
(Specs sourced from Suzuki)
How Does This Shock Work, Really?
Mecum Auctions
The rotary-style shock will get a foul rep for making the Suzuki TL1000S a widowmaker, but it surely was truly an ingenious innovation for the time. It gave the TLS some additional advantages over a shorter wheelbase. One of the benefits, satirically, was warmth dissipation. Any damper’s largest enemy is warmth build-up since damping is merely a conversion of mechanical power into warmth power. Since hydraulic fluids and rubber seals don’t work so nicely once they get sizzling, the warmth have to be dissipated correctly. The TLS’ aluminum damper physique with extra mass than a traditional shock would dissipate warmth higher.
Additionally, the relative movement within the rotary-style shock consisted of rotation as an alternative of telescoping movement. This has two advantages. The rotating joints utilized in a rotary shock are simpler to seal and don’t require bushings; as an alternative, rolling-element bearings can sit between the 2 elements. This reduces friction because it has no uncovered sliding surfaces.
But this brings two downsides, with one being annoying and the opposite lethal. The first downside is that any leaks within the rotary hydraulic damper can lead to a whole lack of damping. This is why Suzuki and Kayaba declared the damper non-serviceable. Some suspension consultants might service it, however most received’t contact it.
The second, a lot deadlier downside, is oil overheating. The damper already had much less oil; this damper had 50cc of it in comparison with 300cc, which is utilized in most shocks. Plus, the amount assorted for every unit because of lax manufacturing tolerances. Some suspension consultants declare that the vanes within the damper didn’t push sufficient oil by way of the movement restrictions.
At common speeds, this wouldn’t be an issue, however it could make the TL1000S’ rotary damper work arduous and the oil would get too sizzling. After some extent, the damping fluid would change viscosity and lose its damping talents. Somehow, the rotary-style damper couldn’t dwell as much as Suzuki’s expectations of high-volume oil pumping or good warmth dissipation traits. This is irony at its best.
Motorcycle suspension methods have come a good distance because the pre-war days of coil-sprung druid and leaf spring forks.
Suzuki TL1000S’ Redeeming Qualities — There Are Many
Power Output: 125 HP @ 8,500 RPM
The rear suspension unit on the Suzuki TL1000S is the elephant on the racetrack that you just can’t journey round, however in case you are courageous of coronary heart, you’ll discover that this Suzuki was actually quite rewarding till it become a soggy French fry, and threatened to kill you. It was exhilarating to journey and had a terrific energy supply that may have you ever in giggles at each twist of the wrist.
The V-twin engine on this motorbike produced a linear throttle response and was a lot more predictable than a modern Panigale, however the torque got here in early within the rev vary and the quick wheelbase made the motorbike completely happy to wheelie on a regular basis. Yes, the fueling wasn’t exact within the low-revs, an issue that was made worse by the sunshine flywheel, however after 2,500 RPM, issues bought a lot better.
The 90-degree V-twin configuration made for the proper major steadiness, and it featured hybrid chain/gear-driven cams. In essence, a cam chain would flip a gear that may additional flip the cams. This setup eased upkeep and produced a mild gear whine that added to the aural expertise of the engine. The engine was such a sweetheart that it was bought to Cagiva for V-Raptor and Navigator. Even Bimota used the identical mill on the SB8R sports activities bike. Even immediately, the identical engine configuration is used within the Suzuki SV1000 and V-Strom 1000 bikes.
Apart from the engine, the Suzuki TL1000S had different nifty methods up its exhaust. Before the damper become a thawed bacon strip, it labored nicely. The motorbike would flip into corners with ease, maintain the road nicely, and blast out of corners when wanted. Plus, this was the first Suzuki to get fuel injection, the other way up forks, torque limiting clutch, and trellis body.
Engine Specifications
Engine Type
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 90-degree V-twin
Displacement
996cc
Compression Ratio
11.3:1
Max Torque
79.21 LB-FT @ 7,100 RPM
1/4 Mile Acceleration
10.9 seconds
Top Speed
165 MPH
(Specs sourced from Suzuki and Motorcyclenews.com)
The motorcycle was well ahead of its time, and regardless of an unsteady run in its earlier manufacturing years, the TLS remains to be an gratifying bike to journey. Suzuki had even issued a recall for the TLS to suit it with a steering damper and a slight engine tune-up. Today, the TL1000S is gaining some traction in the used market, and with just a few extra mods, you possibly can get pleasure from this Widowmaker with out having your accomplice plan your funeral. Turning this motorbike right into a secure monitor weapon is pretty simple.
Mazda is — and has been for a lot of a long time now — one of many final producers to imagine within the functionality of the rotary engine. The 13B-REW is proof that Mazda’s efforts to develop the distinctive design have been warranted, because it supplied a suitably potent coronary heart for one of many model’s most celebrated vehicles, the FD RX-7. It featured a specifically developed sequential twin-turbo system, the primary of its variety, to remove the turbo lag that had plagued earlier turbocharged engines. It wasn’t the primary 13B to be produced, as one had already been in use for years in earlier generations of the RX-7, however the twin-turbo version was particularly special.
With simply 1.3L of displacement, Mazda wrung sufficient energy out of the engine to hit the 276 horsepower restrict of the gentleman’s settlement. There was additional room for enchancment too, as within the following a long time, tuners have constructed engines with greater than double the quoted inventory output, albeit usually at the price of reliability.
Despite not producing a brand new automobile with a rotary engine for greater than a decade, Mazda continues to make new 13B engines at present, with a small staff of craftsmen on the model’s manufacturing facility dealing with every thing from machining elements to last meeting. Each new engine is accomplished by a single engineer, and simply two examples are produced day by day. They’re out there to order from Mazda instantly, each to switch damaged engines in growing older vehicles and, in idea, to create new rotary builds, too.
“Mad” Mike Whiddett is an expert drifting competitor with a ardour for rotary engines. Beyond simply tuning Mazda’s manufacturing facility choices, he additionally builds his personal, and his newest creation is probably probably the most wild. Whiddett created the world’s first five-rotor powerplant and commissioned a improbable car to suit round it known as the 787D.
To put a five-rotor mill into perspective, a Wankel engine has a roughly triangle-shaped rotor spinning round an eccentric shaft, and every of the three sides goes by way of the consumption, compression, ignition, and exhaust phases of the combustion course of through the rotation. Most road-going Mazda fashions used two-rotor engines, and the Le-Mans-winning 787B had a four-rotor mill.
“Mad” Mike took issues a step additional along with his five-rotor engine. The engine reportedly displaces 3.3 liters, in accordance with Carvibz. Unfortunately, no particulars concerning the energy output can be found, however we have reached out to Whiddett for extra particulars. The video above confirms the powerplant feels like an absolute monster. The exhaust exits simply behind the entrance tire, that means there is a very quick run from these spinning rotors to spit out the combustion gases.
The Japanese tuner Rocket Bunny is chargeable for the wild physique, allegedly based on the fourth-generation (FD) Mazda RX-7. The tube chassis and radically altered engine recommend there’s not a lot left from the unique sports activities automotive, although.
Whiddett premiered the 787D at Mad Mike’s Summer Bash 6 on December 2 in New Zealand. He plans to make use of it for drifting, however there aren’t any movies exhibiting the ludicrous machine sliding round but. We stay up for seeing how effectively “Mad” Mike can kick out the tail and make this beast howl.
If you need your individual 787D, you may, however do not anticipate to drive it. Hot Wheels released a tiny model in 2023 that may match into the palm of your hand.
Mazda’s rotary engines are compact and lightweight, making them easy to install in small cars.
The Cosmo Sport, Mazda’s first car with a rotary engine, solidified Mazda’s reputation as an influential carmaker.
Mazda’s persistence in using rotary engines, despite challenges, led to remarkable accomplishments, including victories in endurance races and the development of sporty cars with better weight balance.
Rotary engines and Mazda’s relationship goes way back. After Felix Wankel completed his rotary engine design in 1954, Mazda and several other companies — such as Alfa Romeo, Rolls-Royce, Porsche, and Toyota — recognized notable advantages of this engine and proposed partnerships. After this, the engine was first employed by the Japanese company in 1967 when producing the world’s first dual-rotor rotary engine car, the Cosmo Sport. Subsequently, production began at Mazda’s own plants in 1973.
Being substantially lighter and smaller than traditional engines, smoother and quieter due to the lack of reciprocating parts, and with a better power-to-weight ratio, they had an impressive output despite their low displacement. This led Mazda to start installing rotary engines into their sedans and coupes in 1968, ultimately resulting in numerous achievements in the racing realm. Among these, the most remarkable was the victory in the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1991, credited to the legendary 787B.
However, the majority of companies ceased incorporating rotary engines into their new models by 1980 due to the main issues associated with them. To provide an overview, the design led to oil burning, faced sealing problems, and had emissions that weren’t very environmentally friendly. Despite these challenges, Mazda diverged from other companies and persisted in using rotary engines. They continued efforts to enhance fuel-efficiency, culminating in the RX-8, the last model to include it just over 10 years ago, in 2012. What was the reason behind this persistence? Stay tuned to find out!
A deep dive into the history and future of Rotary power
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Mazda, Fuel Economy, and Car and Driver.
The Rotary Engine Is Easy To Install In Smaller Cars
What stands out most about this engine is its compact design. Requiring fewer components, Mazda’s rotary engines are significantly smaller compared to their piston counterparts, resulting in a less bulky build. This compact design makes it easier to fit into smaller vehicles, a characteristic evident in Mazda’s initial models featuring this engine.
Back in 1968, Mazda showcased reliability of rotary engines by entering two 110S models in the Marathon de la Route, recognized as the world’s longest motor race — an 84-hour endurance race conducted between 1965 and 1971. Remarkably, one of the Cosmo Sport vehicles secured the 4th place finish in this 3,000-mile race held at Germany’s challenging Nürburgring circuit — an astounding feat for a new car featuring a groundbreaking engine type.
While the rotary engine’s comeback in the MX-30 was a disappointment, the story of Wankel engines and Mazda is far from over
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Mazda, Fuel Economy, and Car and Driver.
The Rotary Engine Is Easy To Install In Smaller Cars
What stands out most about this engine is its compact design. Requiring fewer components, Mazda’s rotary engines are significantly smaller compared to their piston counterparts, resulting in a less bulky build. This compact design makes it easier to fit into smaller vehicles, a characteristic evident in Mazda’s initial models featuring this engine.
Back in 1968, Mazda showcased reliability of rotary engines by entering two 110S models in the Marathon de la Route, recognized as the world’s longest motor race — an 84-hour endurance race conducted between 1965 and 1971. Remarkably, one of the Cosmo Sport vehicles secured the 4th place finish in this 3,000-mile race held at Germany’s challenging Nürburgring circuit — an astounding feat for a new car featuring a groundbreaking engine type.
