If you love classic Mazda performance as much as we do at Pearson Mazda, you’ve run into descriptions of the rotary engine the lineup was known for in the 1970s. You may also be wondering, “When was the Wankel engine invented, and why isn’t it available on modern cars?” — and we’re here to answer that question. Plus, the same smooth performance this motor was known for is produced by modern Skyactiv®-G engines, so the legacy of this distinctive engine design lives on.
When Was the Wankel Engine Invented?
The history of the Wankel engine goes back to the wild, experimental days of early engine design. Felix Wankel began experimenting with a rotary compressor in the 1920s and first patented a rotary engine in 1934, but his complicated design caused many issues for German cars through the 1950s. By 1965, Mazda engineers had innovated on and began producing the modern rotary engine.
What MAZDA Cars Featured the Wankel Engine?
The classic rotary Wankel engine appeared on Mazda cars throughout its history. Some standouts include:
- The Mazda R100, one of the earliest mass-produced models with a rotary engine
- The Mazda Luce, the first upscale Mazda sedan
- The Mazda RX-7, a sports car that still featured the rotary engine through 2002
- The 2023 Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv® R-EV plug-in hybrid, an experimental vehicle that charged its battery with a rotary engine
Why Isn’t the Wankel Engine Available on New MAZDA Cars?
Wankel engines provided smooth, consistent power, but came with a host of performance and maintenance issues. New Mazda cars provide the same roadster feel with a traditional engine thanks to variable valve timing and other new innovations. If you want the classic feel of a rotary-powered car, check out the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata and enjoy every curve.
Test-Drive a New MAZDA Car in Richmond, VA
New Mazda cars like the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata capture the classic cruise feel of these rotary-powered cars. Find out more at our Richmond, VA Mazda dealership and get behind the wheel. Explore our lineup, talk to our team about Mazda history, and take a test drive today!
