Marko Hanželic
Compact, with fewer components and a quieter run. Despite the many advantages of a Wankel or rotary engine, it has so far failed to compromise the conventional design with a straight-moving piston.
Should the rotor or housing rotate?
Felix Wankel (1902-1988) he did not even finish high school, he was a staunch Nazi who, due to too radical views, was criticized even in NSDAP, however, signed under one of the most interesting and infamous inventions in the field of motoring, and his invention is still considered untapped potential in the field of internal combustion engines. Like many inventions before and after, the Wankle engine proved too complex in terms of series production, especially in the original version with a fixed rotor and rotating housing.
At the company NSU they turned the concept so that there was a fixed housing, and a rotor rotated inside it, which was by no means to the liking of the inventor, who remarked: "They made livestock out of my racehorse to work in the field."
Wankle or rotary?
In fact, they are one and the same powertrain, only they have the rights to use the name Wanklov at Volkswagen, so all other manufacturers use the term rotary engine. On the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary, it is right to remember some of the most attractive, well-known and interesting cars, which were powered by a rotary or. Wankle engine.
NSU Wankel-Spider (1964-1967)
He was at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1963 NSU Wankel-Spider one of the main attractions - the first mass-produced car with a rotary engine - between 1964 and 1967 they sold 2.375 units, and their owners became, so to speak, guinea pigs. Their satisfaction is said to lead to the sale of powertrain licenses.
Mazda Cosmo Sport 110 S (1967-1972)
They were the first to grab at Mazda, in fact as early as 1961, improved some vital components, but constantly encountered new problems, by lubricating the engine and sealing the combustion chamber. Nevertheless, in six years, they managed to launch a popular coupe with a two-plate rotary engine. Despite great interest, they managed to sell everything in five years 1.500 copies, which are today highly valued among lovers of antiques, as they reach prices on the market well over one hundred thousand euros.
NSU Ro 80 (1967-1977)
NSU Ro 80 is probably closest to a synonym for a car with a rotary engine. Design-wise twenty years ahead of its time, but due to technical problems mainly related to the durability of the powertrain and the high price, it never became a bestseller. In ten years, the NSU produced 37.000 copies, but in the end it was right Ro 80 the one who sank NSU factory and placed it under the auspices of the VAG Group. Just about the model Ro 80 they used Audi’s famous slogan for the first time today "The advantage is in the technique."
Mazda R100 (1968-1975)
In the XNUMXs, Mazda was convinced that they would be able to "equip" the entire sales range with rotary engines. Experiment with model R100 they did well, as it allowed for dynamic driving due to its lower weight, so they also used it a lot in rallies.
Citroen M35 (1969-1971) and Citroen GS Birotor (1973-1975)
Citroen he was certainly considered one more during his independence avant-garde brands, and their actions were often unconventional. The rotary engine therefore responded well to the wishes and requirements of the French brand, together with the NSU they even planned the joint production of these units, but in the end it remained only with the M35 model, which remained at the level of an experimental vehicle. Citroen GS Birotor with a more powerful two-plate rotary engine, it did not “catch on” (only 847 units were sold), and the factory eventually wanted to buy them so that it would not have to worry about spare parts. Nevertheless, a few specimens have been preserved, which are considered good money on the market today.
Mazda RX-500 (1970) and Mercedes-Benz C 111 (1969/70)
Both cars do not officially have anything in common, but they have a common feature wedge shape of the seventies, the fact that both remained at the prototype level and were popular primarily as toys and of course the mid-mounted rotary engine.
Interestingly, they are at Mercedes concept C 111, which was of great interest, was later used as a test mule for the development of turbodiesel units.
Mazda RX-7 (1978-2002)
Mazda has equipped rotary engines with virtually the entire family of labeled models RX, but on the Old Continent the biggest mark was still left by the model RX-7, which was introduced in 1978. It was also at this time that the millionth rotary engine was produced, and the second generation of the RX-7 was especially popular, selling more than 600.000 in the United States alone.
Mazda 787B (1991)
With a race car 787B with a rotary engine, Mazda celebrated probably its most important and biggest racing victory. In 1991, the Japanese with a racing cast Weidler / Herbert / Gachot conquer the competition on 24 hours Le Mans and became the first Japanese representative to win the most important endurance race in the world.
Mazda RX-8 (2003-2012)
A logical continuation of the family RX, but for now without a successor. Mazda still sees great potential in the use of rotary engines in combination with liquid hydrogen, which puts much less strain on the combustion chamber than petrol.
Audi A1 e-tron (2012)
Pri Audi they otherwise experimented with the use of rotary motors in the model in the XNUMXs Audi 100 (after all, Audi is the successor to NSU), but serial production never took place. Also Audi e-tron A1 with an electric motor and a range extender in the form of a rotary motor, it has never experienced mass production.
Mazda RX-Vision (2016)
The concept, unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, is a prediction that the rotary engine at Mazda have not yet been written off. However, we may have to wait quite some time for the serial version.
