Cars with Wankel Engine

History of the Wankel Engine

The Wankel engine is a type of internal combustion engine that uses a triangular rotor that spins within a figure-eight shaped chamber. This design allows for a more compact and lighter engine than traditional piston engines, and it also produces fewer emissions. The Wankel engine was invented by German engineer Felix Wankel in the early 1950s, and it was first used in a production car in 1964.

Advantages of the Wankel Engine

There are several advantages to using a Wankel engine over a traditional piston engine. These advantages include:

• Compact size and weight: Wankel engines are much smaller and lighter than piston engines of comparable power output. This makes them ideal for use in small cars and other vehicles where space is limited.
• Smooth operation: Wankel engines run much smoother than piston engines. This is because the rotor spins continuously, rather than reciprocating up and down like a piston. This smoother operation results in less vibration and noise.
• Fewer emissions: Wankel engines produce fewer emissions than piston engines. This is because the combustion process in a Wankel engine is more complete than in a piston engine.

Disadvantages of the Wankel Engine

There are also some disadvantages to using a Wankel engine over a traditional piston engine. These disadvantages include:

• Lower fuel efficiency: Wankel engines are generally less fuel efficient than piston engines. This is because the combustion process in a Wankel engine is less efficient than in a piston engine.
• Shorter lifespan: Wankel engines typically have a shorter lifespan than piston engines. This is because the rotor seals in a Wankel engine are subject to wear and tear, and they can eventually fail.
• More expensive: Wankel engines are generally more expensive to manufacture than piston engines. This is because the Wankel engine is a more complex design than a piston engine.

Examples of Cars with Wankel Engines

There have been a number of cars produced over the years that have used Wankel engines. Some of the most notable examples include:

• Mazda RX-7: The Mazda RX-7 was a sports car that was produced from 1978 to 2002. It was one of the most popular cars to use a Wankel engine, and it helped to popularize the Wankel engine among car enthusiasts.
• Mazda RX-8: The Mazda RX-8 was a sports car that was produced from 2003 to 2012. It was the last car to use a Wankel engine, and it was praised for its smooth operation and high revving engine.
• Mercedes-Benz C111: The Mercedes-Benz C111 was a concept car that was produced in 1969. It was powered by a Wankel engine, and it was capable of reaching speeds of over 200 mph.
• NSU Ro 80: The NSU Ro 80 was a sedan that was produced from 1967 to 1977. It was the first car to be mass-produced with a Wankel engine, and it was praised for its smooth operation and fuel efficiency.

Conclusion

The Wankel engine is a unique and interesting type of internal combustion engine. It offers several advantages over traditional piston engines, but it also has some disadvantages. Despite its disadvantages, the Wankel engine has been used in a number of production cars over the years, and it remains a popular choice among car enthusiasts.