Which Mazda model uses a rotary engine?
3 Answers
Mazda's RX series models use rotary engines. More information about rotary engines is as follows: 1. The rotary engine was invented by German Felix Wankel. The rotary engine uses a triangular rotor's rotational motion to control compression and exhaust, which is significantly different from the linear motion of traditional reciprocating piston engines. 2. The difference between rotary engines and traditional reciprocating engines: Both reciprocating engines and rotary engines rely on the expansion pressure generated by the combustion of the air-fuel mixture to obtain rotational force. The structural difference between the two engines lies in how they utilize the expansion pressure. In reciprocating engines, the expansion pressure generated on the top surface of the piston pushes the piston downward, and the mechanical force is transmitted to the connecting rod, which drives the crankshaft to rotate. In rotary engines, the expansion pressure acts on the side of the rotor, pushing one of the three faces of the triangular rotor toward the center of the eccentric shaft. This motion occurs under the influence of two component forces: one is the centripetal force directed toward the center of the output shaft, and the other is the tangential force that causes the output shaft to rotate.
I've always been fascinated by Mazda's rotary engines, with the RX series being the most iconic. The RX-7 was produced from the 1970s until 2002, and the third-generation FD3S is simply legendary. Its 13B twin-rotor engine could effortlessly rev past 10,000 RPM, producing an unforgettable high-pitched exhaust note. The successor RX-8 featured the more advanced 13B-MSP rotary engine, maintaining pure driving pleasure despite its four-door design. Unfortunately, despite their compact size and powerful performance, rotary engines were discontinued in 2012 due to fuel consumption and emission issues. However, recent rumors suggest Mazda might use rotary engines for range-extended electric vehicles, so we might see new models at dealerships someday!
We veteran car enthusiasts all know that Mazda took the rotary engine to its pinnacle with the RX series. The first-generation RX-3 stunned the racing scene back in the 1970s, while the most iconic RX-7 FD was practically an industrial work of art - its 13B engine weighed 40% less than a piston engine of the same displacement yet delivered 240 horsepower. The later RX-8 was also seriously impressive, equipped with the side-intake 13B-MSP engine that didn't hit peak torque until 6,500 rpm - nowadays low-mileage examples are appreciating in the used car market. I remember driving a friend's RX-8 through mountain roads a decade ago - the steering felt railcar-precise. Though the rotary's frequent apex seal replacements can be bothersome, anyone who's driven one understands that unique charm.
