A
rotary engine is an ideal powerplant for a sports car. Compared
to a conventional engine of similar displacement, the Mazda
RX8's rotary engine is lighter since there is no need for pistons,
connecting rods or a camshaft.
The
new 2013 RX8's lightweight, closed-section powerplant frame
is made of steel and locks the entire powertrain (engine, transmission
and final drive assembly) into a single, rigid unit. This mechanism
improves responsiveness and shifting operation while reducing
driveline lash and windup.
2013 Mazda RX8's rotary engine is substantially smaller in size
than a conventional engine, which enables optimal positioning
of the drivetrain. This results in increased space that can
be designated to driver and passenger comfort. It
produces less vibration – all of the new 2013 parts in
the rotary engine spin continuously in one direction, rather
than violently changing directions, like the pistons in a conventional
engine. RX8 Rotary engines are also internally balanced, minimizing
vibration levels. And the
new rotor, which is smoother than the back-and-forth action
of a piston, delivers power during three-quarters of each rotation
of the output shaft. A conventional engine delivers power during
only one-quarter of each rotation of the output shaft.
The
2013 Mazda RX8 rotary engine has far fewer moving parts
than a comparable four-stroke piston engine. A new 2013 2 rotor rotary engine has three main moving
parts: the two rotors and the output shaft. Even the simplest
4 cylinder piston engine has at least 40 moving parts, including
pistons, connecting rods, camshaft, valves, valve springs, rockers,
timing belt, timing gears and crankshaft.
