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- 1985 Mazda Wankel Rotary Engine - German engineer Felix Wankel conceived the rotary engine as a simpler, lighter, more compact alternative to the traditional piston engine. Various companies tried rotaries, but Mazda was the most successful, with rotary-engine cars dominating its U.S. sales from 1970 through 1972. Owners appreciated the smooth power delivery but not the poor fuel economy. When gas prices rose, Mazda reserved the Wankel rotary for high-performance sports cars.
- 1985
- Collections - Artifact
1985 Mazda Wankel Rotary Engine
German engineer Felix Wankel conceived the rotary engine as a simpler, lighter, more compact alternative to the traditional piston engine. Various companies tried rotaries, but Mazda was the most successful, with rotary-engine cars dominating its U.S. sales from 1970 through 1972. Owners appreciated the smooth power delivery but not the poor fuel economy. When gas prices rose, Mazda reserved the Wankel rotary for high-performance sports cars.