For decades, Mazda cars were powered by rotary engines. However, for the most part, they have now been replaced with piston engines, so why was the rotary engine discontinued? Pearson Mazda has three reasons why, along with details about a resurgence.
Lower Fuel Economy
Over the last several decades, there has been a big push from consumers for more fuel-efficient vehicles. Rotary engines use fuel a lot quicker than piston engines, which results in lower gas mileage.
Stricter Regulations
Emissions regulations have gotten more stringent. This is another downside to a rotary engine, as their incomplete combustion results in higher tailpipe emissions. They also burn up more oil faster because this is directly injected into the combustion chambers.
Increased Wear
Rotary engines involve extreme heat and pressure. As a result, certain seals wear down a lot faster.
In addition, the overall engine also has a shorter lifespan compared to piston engines. They have also been discontinued because they are difficult to maintain.
MAZDA Is Revitalizing the Rotary Engine
Traditional rotary engines were lacking in many areas. This doesn’t mean that this type of engine has to be gone forever, however — in recent years, Mazda has been working to not only bring it back, but make it much better than before. Its engineers have transformed it to be more efficient, lighter, and more eco-friendly, and these engines may be under the hoods of upcoming models at some point in the future.
Explore MAZDA Models in Richmond, VA
It won’t be long before Mazda cars with rotary engines are available. Until then, you can still enjoy fun and fuel-efficient models as currently constructed. Come down to Pearson Mazda in Richmond, VA, to take a test drive of anything in stock.
