Did You Know That..
#14
Yes! I knew that.
In the late 60's and very early 70's, the Wankel was thought to be the "engine of the future" and all the major players had big R&D programs. On the eve of the '73 oil embargo, I believe the GM offerings were less than a year away from being built and sent to dealers.
In the late 60's and very early 70's, the Wankel was thought to be the "engine of the future" and all the major players had big R&D programs. On the eve of the '73 oil embargo, I believe the GM offerings were less than a year away from being built and sent to dealers.
#15
[quote name='1988RedT2' date='Mar 14 2005, 10:57 AM']Yes! I knew that.
In the late 60's and very early 70's, the Wankel was thought to be the "engine of the future" and all the major players had big R&D programs. On the eve of the '73 oil embargo, I believe the GM offerings were less than a year away from being built and sent to dealers.
[/quote]
Ahh, you said it before I could. I got a very informative "Rotary" Book for X-mas from a friend.
I read some of its history, and there were MANY companies interested in the Rotary engine from the start. It was during an era where Pistons were a lot less reliable and they felt an engine with less reciprocating parts would be more efficient, and the whole idea of a constant spin was extravagant!
So, many companies invested some money/time and of course had Idea's/Plans...but to produce a mass amount of these meant changing all their facilities, factories, etc.
Matter-of-Factly, the only reason Mazda didn't pull out was because it had invested TOO MUCH into it. It's kinda odd to read of Mazda's "Love" of the rotary, when you know in the back of your mind that they only stayed with it because they couldn't afford not to in the beginning...
In the late 60's and very early 70's, the Wankel was thought to be the "engine of the future" and all the major players had big R&D programs. On the eve of the '73 oil embargo, I believe the GM offerings were less than a year away from being built and sent to dealers.
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Ahh, you said it before I could. I got a very informative "Rotary" Book for X-mas from a friend.
I read some of its history, and there were MANY companies interested in the Rotary engine from the start. It was during an era where Pistons were a lot less reliable and they felt an engine with less reciprocating parts would be more efficient, and the whole idea of a constant spin was extravagant!
So, many companies invested some money/time and of course had Idea's/Plans...but to produce a mass amount of these meant changing all their facilities, factories, etc.
Matter-of-Factly, the only reason Mazda didn't pull out was because it had invested TOO MUCH into it. It's kinda odd to read of Mazda's "Love" of the rotary, when you know in the back of your mind that they only stayed with it because they couldn't afford not to in the beginning...
#17
[quote name='Jeff20B' date='Mar 14 2005, 03:37 PM']I doubt the reasons conjectured above are the full story. What about the big one; emissions?
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Wow, you doubt it was the full story? How'd you guess?!?!? I mean, i thought most novels/books were 1-3 paragraphs long too!
Haha, J/M. Yes, emissions too. I left that out because....I forgot.
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Wow, you doubt it was the full story? How'd you guess?!?!? I mean, i thought most novels/books were 1-3 paragraphs long too!
Haha, J/M. Yes, emissions too. I left that out because....I forgot.