Are they still making Wankel engines?

[7 of 7]

They seemed like the coming thing, then had short lifespans (50,000 miles), then got improved.

I think the main problem was the leading edge of the rotating chambers would wear and leak, and then it was made a separately replaceable part.

After that, I haven't heard of them.

[Una Persson]

Dear 7 of 7

Please check out the following thread - it probably has the info you are looking for in it.

What's the Deal with Wankel Engines? (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=36858)

Sincerely,
Una

[yabob]

We've just been through this subject recently. Before we have another round of digressions, Mazda is currently showing an updated Wankel called the RENESIS in a concept car called the RX-EVOLV. According to Edmunds, they are scheduled to release a next generation RX-7 based on the concept in 2002.

Mazda has not sold the RX-7 in the US for some years, but has continued to produce it for sale in Japan. In 1999, they produced a bit over 4000 of them:

http://www.e.mazda.co.jp/Mazda/Brief/no11.html

[Lawmill]

http://www.monito.com/wankel has tons of detail about rotary engines. One major upside of a rotary is that it's lightweight. The Moller sky car and possibly some helicopyrtd use rotary engines.