#Rotary engine

[carsthatnevermadeitetc]

What's an automotive technology that you wish had made it that didn't?

NSU Trapeze, 1973, by Bertone. In the late 60s and early 70s it seemed likely the rotary engine, invented by Felix Wankel, was going to take over the auto industry. The advantages of compact design, smoothness, low weight, and fewer parts over piston internal combustion engines gave rotary power a bright future. NSU was the first car company to develop the Wankel motor into series production but from the late 60s all major automobile makers were working on rotary power, perhaps most famously General Motors and of course Mazda. Alas as is often the case physics got in the way, despite its remarkable power the Wankel system has lower thermal efficiency and higher emissions relative to a piston engine. So from the early 70s one by one everyone abandoned their rotary programs apart from the Volkswagen AG (by now owners of NSU), Citroën and Mazda. Not only was Bertone's Trapeze rotary-powered but it also presents another configuration concept that seemed to have potential in the 70s and early 80s. Mid-engined 4/5 seat cars. A number of concepts were presented with 2 and 4 doors that could seat multiple passengers with engines placed behind the rear seats (in the Trapeze it was in the middle of them). However no-one ever got around to putting a mid-engine 4-door saloon into production and the industry moved onto almost universal adoption of front transverse engines and front wheel drive.

Fun fact about Felix Wankel (1902-1988) inventor of the rotary engine, he was extremely nearsighted and never held a driver’s licence but had the same chauffeur for most of his life

rotary gif by Y_tambe

[decadesphoto]

Mazda RX-7 (FD) - Cars & Coffee EDH 2/8/25

[howellfotography]

Wright R-1820-22 Cyclone 9 Engine

[mazovshanka]

Yesterday I went to Klasyczne Nowe Włochy 2025, a classic car show in my city. There were many Italian cars, mostly Alfa Romeo and Fiat, but the one I liked the most was Toyota Supra MK3. To me it's one of the most beautiful cars. It's stylish, it's comfortable, RWD and sleepy eyes headlights - simply the best. OK, apart from Mazda RX-7 Savanna which is my no 1. And I finally managed to see Wankel engine. That was so exciting. And that blue De Tomaso Pantera was so cool too.

[hold-fast-and-rise]

[misforgotten2]

Pollution? Much.

Reader's Digest - April 1972

[boostlust]

6 rotor music

[automospeedcrew]

Most Powerful Cars of Last 50 Years Print at 👉 AutomoSpeedCrew.com

[jettacar]

What your thoughts on the Mazda rotory engine? And what furry spices would drive them ?

Maybe a husky ? Or maybe a coyotes

not my thing! i'm not really a fan of rotary engines, so i don't exactly have an opinion on them, but don't let that stop you from letting it interest you 💙

[beardedmrbean]

[girrldrool]

[carsthatnevermadeitetc]

Mazda Taiki Concept, 2007. A futuristic sports car prototype that evolved Mazda's Nagare design theme. Presented at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show, it was powered by a RENESIS rotary engine. Inside the driver's cockpit was black while the passenger's side was white

[decadesphoto]

A couple of 90's classics - Winter Jam 2024 at Sonoma Raceway

[kristivadiva]

Mazda RX3 advertising

[wolfman-al]

Saw this rare classic today on my lunch break. A NSU Ro 80, a Wankel engine powered sedan that was build between 1967 and 1977.

[commitchanges]

Now i know how a wankel engine works.