Modern Cars with Rotary Engines

Rotary engines have been around for over a century, but they’ve only recently started to gain popularity in modern cars. Rotary engines are different from traditional piston engines in that they use a rotating rotor instead of a piston to create power.

There are a number of advantages to using a rotary engine in a car. First, rotary engines are more compact than piston engines, which can save space in the engine bay. Second, rotary engines are smoother and quieter than piston engines, which can improve the driving experience.

However, there are also some disadvantages to using a rotary engine in a car. First, rotary engines are less fuel-efficient than piston engines. Second, rotary engines require more maintenance than piston engines. Third, rotary engines are more likely to experience emissions problems than piston engines.

Mazda RX-8

The Mazda RX-8 is the only modern car that is still available with a rotary engine. The RX-8 is a sports car that was produced from 2003 to 2012. The RX-8 was powered by a 1.3-liter rotary engine that produced 232 horsepower and 159 pound-feet of torque.

The RX-8 was a popular sports car, but it was never a sales success. The RX-8 was discontinued in 2012 due to low sales and emissions regulations.

Acura NSX

The Acura NSX is a hybrid sports car that was first introduced in 1990. The NSX was originally powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine, but it was later updated to a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The NSX was also available with a hybrid powertrain that combined a 3.5-liter V6 engine with three electric motors.

The NSX is a high-performance sports car that has been praised for its handling and performance. The NSX is also one of the few modern cars that is still available with a rotary engine.

Other Modern Cars with Rotary Engines

In addition to the Mazda RX-8 and Acura NSX, there are a number of other modern cars that have been produced with rotary engines. These cars include the Mazda Cosmo, the Mazda RX-7, and the Chevrolet Corvette Renesis.

Rotary engines have a number of advantages over piston engines, including their compact size, smooth operation, and quiet operation. However, rotary engines also have some disadvantages, including their poor fuel economy, high maintenance requirements, and emissions problems.

The Future of Rotary Engines

The future of rotary engines is uncertain. Mazda is the only automaker that is still producing cars with rotary engines, and it is unclear if other automakers will follow suit. Rotary engines have a number of advantages over piston engines, but they also have some disadvantages that make them less appealing to consumers.

However, rotary engines have the potential to be a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to piston engines. If automakers can overcome the challenges associated with rotary engines, they could become a more popular choice in future cars.