After decades of relentless innovation and perseverance, the rotor engine has become Mazda’s signature technological achievement. It's hard to deny that Mazda has made an extraordinary contribution to the practical application of this unique engine type. From the iconic Cosmo to the legendary RX-7 and the Le Mans-winning 787B, the rotor engine has been at the heart of many unforgettable moments in Mazda's history.
It's no surprise that whenever the rotor engine is mentioned, Mazda often comes to mind. However, it's important to note that Mazda was not the only player in the development of the rotary engine. The technology was originally developed by a German engineer named Felix Wankel in collaboration with the German company NSU. They built upon earlier research, overcame key technical challenges, and successfully created the first functional rotary engine.
The rotor engine represents a significant technological breakthrough and presented a huge business opportunity. Many major automakers, including Mercedes-Benz and Toyota, showed interest in the technology. However, the design came with inherent flaws, such as high fuel consumption and expensive development costs, leading many companies to abandon it. Yet, a small and less-known company, Mazda, saw potential and pursued the technology relentlessly, eventually securing the R&D rights. Today, only Mazda continues to develop and refine this unique engine.
As early as 1957, Felix Wankel filed a patent for the rotary piston engine. After years of testing and refinement, the world's first car equipped with a rotary engine, the NSU Spider, was launched in 1964. This compact 498cc single-rotor water-cooled engine was placed at the rear of the vehicle. Despite its small displacement, the engine delivered impressive power due to its unique operating characteristics.
The Spider's maximum power output was 37 kW, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Thanks to its lightweight design, the curb weight was kept around 700 kg. For a car with just 500cc of displacement, a 0–100 km/h acceleration time of 14.5 seconds was quite impressive at the time.
Although the Spider had high fuel consumption and unresolved durability issues, its innovative design and advanced engineering attracted a niche audience who were willing to pay for the experience. Over three years, more than 2,300 units were sold, marking the first attempt at commercializing the rotor engine—though it ultimately ended without a clear resolution.
Following the Spider's discontinuation, NSU introduced the Ro80 in 1967, also featuring a rotary engine. The Ro80 was not only visually striking but also packed with advanced features, including four-wheel disc brakes, independent suspension systems, and power steering—many of which are now standard in modern cars.
In terms of performance, the Ro80 was equipped with a 995cc twin-rotor engine producing 84 kW and was the first to feature an automated manual transmission (AMT). The smooth and powerful engine allowed the car to reach speeds up to 180 km/h, making it one of the most technologically advanced vehicles of its time.
Despite its success, the durability of the rotor engine remained a challenge. NSU struggled to improve sealing materials and even offered extended warranties, which worsened their financial situation. In 1969, NSU was acquired by Volkswagen and merged into Auto Union, later known as Audi. While the company faded from the scene, Mazda continued to push the boundaries of the rotor engine, keeping its legacy alive.
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