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.
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?
Sincerely,
Una
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.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.