The internal-combustion engine is an incredibly inefficient piece of equipment. The basic technology dates back some 130 years. A few of the obvious problems are the stop-start action of the pistons and con rods and the fact that there is only one power stroke in four, while compressing the valve springs must waste an incredible amount of power.
These problems do not occur in the rotary engine, yet nothing has ever really been done with this technology. Apart from NSU back in the early ‘70s and Mazda to a degree, I don’t think any other company has ever bothered.
Can you tell me why?
DES JAMES – DURBAN
There certainly was a lot of interest at the time. When the Wankel first appeared on the scene, many companies started research programmes and many prototypes were built, but most of these projects eventually ground to a halt. The main reason seems to be problems connected with rotor-tip seal wear and heavy fuel consumption.
Mazda has soldiered on with rotaryengined sports cars until recently and is still taking an interest in Wankel development. The small physical size of these engines, in relation to the power output, is one of its biggest advantages. At present, a number of smaller companies are making Wankel engines for go-karts, watercrafts and even model airplanes. Converted Mazda rotaries are also very popular with builders of small aircraft.