Does Any Car Still Use a Rotary Engine?
The Rotary Engine
The rotary engine is a type of internal combustion engine that uses a triangular rotor that spins within a figure-8 shaped chamber. This design allows for a more compact and lighter engine than traditional piston engines, and it also produces smoother power delivery. However, rotary engines are also known for their high fuel consumption and emissions.
History of the Rotary Engine
The rotary engine was invented by Felix Wankel in the early 1950s. Wankel’s engine was first used in a production car in 1964, the NSU Spider. The rotary engine was also used in a number of other cars, including the Mazda RX-7 and the Citroën GS Birotor. However, the rotary engine’s high fuel consumption and emissions led to its decline in popularity, and it is no longer used in any production cars.
Advantages of the Rotary Engine
The rotary engine has a number of advantages over traditional piston engines, including:
- Compact and lightweight
- Smooth power delivery
- High power output
Disadvantages of the Rotary Engine
The rotary engine also has a number of disadvantages, including:
- High fuel consumption
- High emissions
- Short lifespan
Does Any Car Still Use a Rotary Engine?
No, no production cars currently use a rotary engine. The last car to use a rotary engine was the Mazda RX-8, which was discontinued in 2012. However, there are a number of aftermarket companies that offer rotary engine conversions for other cars.
Conclusion
The rotary engine is a fascinating and unique type of engine that has a number of advantages over traditional piston engines. However, its high fuel consumption and emissions have led to its decline in popularity. It is unlikely that we will see any new production cars with rotary engines in the future.
