What Cars Have a Rotary Engine?
A rotary engine is a type of internal combustion engine that uses a triangular rotor that spins within a figure-8 shaped chamber to create power. Rotary engines are known for their smooth operation, high power output, and compact size. However, they also have a number of drawbacks, including high fuel consumption and emissions, and a tendency to wear out more quickly than piston engines.
Mazda
Mazda is the only automaker that has ever produced rotary-powered cars for sale to the public. Mazda’s first rotary-powered car was the Cosmo Sport 110S, which was introduced in 1967. Mazda has continued to produce rotary-powered cars ever since, and the current model is the Mazda RX-8.
Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S (1967-1972)
- Engine: 1.0-liter twin-rotor
- Power: 110 hp
- Torque: 103 lb-ft
- Top speed: 115 mph
Mazda RX-2 (1970-1978)
- Engine: 1.3-liter twin-rotor
- Power: 120 hp
- Torque: 115 lb-ft
- Top speed: 125 mph
Mazda RX-3 (1971-1978)
- Engine: 1.3-liter twin-rotor
- Power: 120 hp
- Torque: 115 lb-ft
- Top speed: 125 mph
Mazda RX-4 (1973-1978)
- Engine: 1.3-liter twin-rotor
- Power: 135 hp
- Torque: 118 lb-ft
- Top speed: 130 mph
Mazda RX-5 (1975-1981)
- Engine: 1.3-liter twin-rotor
- Power: 120 hp
- Torque: 115 lb-ft
- Top speed: 125 mph
Mazda RX-7 (1978-2002)
- Engine: 1.1-liter single-rotor (1978-1985)
- Engine: 1.3-liter twin-rotor (1986-2002)
- Power: 105-255 hp
- Torque: 115-217 lb-ft
- Top speed: 130-160 mph
Mazda RX-8 (2003-2012)
- Engine: 1.3-liter twin-rotor
- Power: 232 hp
- Torque: 159 lb-ft
- Top speed: 145 mph
Other Manufacturers
A few other manufacturers have experimented with rotary engines over the years, but none have ever produced a rotary-powered car for sale to the public. These manufacturers include:
- NSU
- Citroën
- Mercedes-Benz
- General Motors
- Toyota
Conclusion
Rotary engines have a long and storied history, but they have never been widely adopted by the automotive industry. Mazda is the only automaker that has ever produced rotary-powered cars for sale to the public, and the current model is the Mazda RX-8. Rotary engines offer a number of advantages over piston engines, but they also have a number of drawbacks. It remains to be seen whether rotary engines will ever become mainstream, but they are sure to continue to fascinate enthusiasts for years to come.
