Are There Any Current Rotor Car Engines?
The Wankel rotary engine, also known as the rotor engine, is a type of internal combustion engine that uses a triangular rotor that spins within a figure-8 shaped chamber. This design is different from the traditional piston engine, which uses pistons that move up and down within cylinders. Rotary engines are known for their smooth operation, high power output, and small size.
The first rotary engine was developed by Felix Wankel in the 1950s. Wankel’s engine was initially used in a small number of production cars, but it was not until the 1970s that rotary engines became more widely used. Mazda was the first automaker to mass-produce rotary engines, and the company’s RX-7 sports car became one of the most popular rotary-powered vehicles of all time.
However, rotary engines also have some disadvantages. They can be less fuel-efficient than piston engines, and they can produce more emissions. In addition, rotary engines require more maintenance than piston engines.
As a result of these disadvantages, rotary engines are no longer as common as they once were. Mazda stopped producing rotary-powered cars in 2012, and no other automakers currently offer rotary engines in their vehicles.
Are There Any Current Rotor Car Engines?
The answer is yes and no. There are no current production cars that use rotary engines, but there are a number of companies that are developing new rotary engines for future use. These companies include:
- DEKA Research
- ILMOR
- Ricardo
- Wankel GmbH
These companies are working on a variety of different rotary engine designs, and it is possible that rotary engines could make a comeback in the future. However, it is too early to say for sure whether or not this will happen.
Conclusion
Rotary engines are a fascinating type of internal combustion engine that offer a number of advantages over piston engines. However, they also have some disadvantages, and they are no longer as common as they once were. It is possible that rotary engines could make a comeback in the future, but it is too early to say for sure whether or not this will happen.
