RIP-RX-8 and rotary engine

[aeronca65t]

Looks like Mazda is ending the production of their Wankel engine car.

Miata owners like me probably didn't help.

~LINK~

 

[drooartz]

I've never really understood the appeal of the rotary -- lighter, sure, but less torque and not very efficient. Seemed to be a dead end, and really for some time now.

 

[glemon]

Drew, have you driven a nice RX-7 or RX-8?, it is so smooth and the cars handle so well with the light weight up front, I have been car shopping for some time, driven BMW 3 series, WRX's, Infiniti G35, BMW Z3, 350Z, and more, the only car that really wowed me is the RX-8, if it wasn't time to buy my son a car and put siding on my house I'd have one now.

 

[PC]

I've never really understood the appeal of the rotary -- lighter, sure, but less torque and not very efficient. Seemed to be a dead end, and really for some time now.

Power to volume ratio of a two-stroke with the theoretical cycle efficiency of a four-stroke. An awfully enticing proposition.

There's nothing in physics that prevents it from being as torquey or as fuel-efficient as a piston engine. What we've seen to date is only the practical manifestation of knowledge, technology and materials that have been available so far. It can and <span style="font-style: italic">will </span>get better.

Will it ever match piston engines? Mazda thinks so. Only time will tell.

There was a time when it was unclear whether any internal combustion engines would ever be practical.


pc.

 

[drooartz]

Drew, have you driven a nice RX-7 or RX-8?

I haven't, they just never really stirred my soul (or were in a price range that I could afford ).

What we've seen to date is only the practical manifestation of knowledge, technology and materials that have been available so far.

True, and I'll admit that the wail from the old Mazda LeMans car was quite something. Still, not tech that I'm interested in. Then again, my fun machines are all old tech so I'm the wrong one to ask.

 

[waltesefalcon]

Thats too bad I've always admired the RX-7s and 8s. Neat cars, and I understand that the RX-8 had fixed the apex seal problems.

 

[philman]

I thought there was an RX9 coming out next year?

 

[TRMark]

My son is selling me his 93 RX7. Doesn't fit his life style anymore I guess. I'll keep it for him and drive it of course. I've driven it on several occasions, very very quick. They are rated at only 250hp. but are quite light. I certainly don't mind the rough ride or noise, after all, I do have a TR4.