The electric revolution may one day replace the crankshaft, but it hasn’t happened quite yet. And yet the reciprocating piston Otto cycle internal combustion engine has not enjoyed the monopoly over the market that many amateur historians would like to assume. History is littered with several attempts to usurp the status quo – some of which were more successful than others.
Arguably the best remembered of these is the rotary engine – originally developed by Felix Wankel and named after him, but heavily revised in subsequent years by Mazda. Unlike a conventional engine, the rotary lacks pistons – combustion chambers feature a rotor which in its movement allows combustion to occur and expand. The rotary has many advantages over the standard piston engine – it is inherently smoother, higher-revving and has greater potential power to weight ratio. However, its success is dependent upon assiduous maintenance and the quality of its rotor tips, the repeated failures of which were what prompted scores of NSU Ro80 owners in the 1970s to abandon the technology completely and fit a Ford V4 in its place.
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Staff Classics
REPORTING ON: Alfa Romeo GTV
Rootes Group - The Golden Years
The Rootes Group’s finest years commenced immediately after the end of the Second World War with the launch of a handful of brand-new models and lasted until the company was absorbed into the Chrysler empire in the middle of the following decade
MG ZT
The MG ZT was more than a Rover 75 in sports shoes. Much, much more. It was a performance saloon par excellence and today makes for a superb classic sporting bargain
MG Display Controversy
A classic vehicle insurer met with a mixed response at the Classic Motor Show when its display stand depicted a 1998 MGF apparently crushed by a WW2 Hellcat tank. But was this a sacrilegious act against a classic car, or an inspired promotional display?
Extra Ordinary
Exotics are usually the go-to classic investments, but a recent trend in everyday cars means more common street sights could be the way to go
Alternative Go
As the internal combustion engine’s fate seems in question, we look back at its past challengers
Death Of The Sports Car?
Another manufacturer belies its heritage to switch to SUVs
Cool Coupes
Every manufacturer was in on the ’90s coupe trend, stylish two-doors in abundance. But nearly three decades on, which are worth investing in?
Classic Scenes
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500 Not Out
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SECOND ACT
MAZDA'S NEW U.S.-BUILT COMPACT SUV OFFERS MANY OF THE BEST TRAITS OF THE 10BESTWINNING CX-5 WRAPPED IN A NICELY SHAPED WAGON-ESQUE BODY.
Get Out of Dodge!
SINCE DODGE CITY WAS FOUNDED 150 YEARS AGO, THE KANSAS COWTOWN IS STILL THE REIGNING QUEEN OF THE WEST.
Curve Appeal
File this story about a floating falsie under D, for Disaster.
Does It Work? Lymphatic Drainage
Some products are meant to ease puffiness and bloat-here's which claims hold water.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Mazda's 1991 Le Mans victory is a fairy tale of fortitude and fortuitousness. Against the superpowers of sportscars, they stood no chance... allegedly
SEVENTY YEARS OF CHRYSLER HEMI DOMINANCE AT THE TRACK AND ON THE STREET
While many manufacturers have toyed with building engines with hemispherical combustion chambers, only Chrysler has wed itself to the technology to the extent that the name "Hemi" has become synonymous with Chrysler.
French Flair Gets Muddy
Peugeot re-enters the pickup space, but can it be more than niche?
Are We There Yet?
Decades after his first journey, editor and car aficionado Steve Smith recalls the seminal road trips of his life, measured out in cars and padkos
MASSACRE at FLOWERTOWN
2.5 MILLION DEAD BEES, AND AN UNLIKELY TEST OF PUBLIC HEALTH POWERS
MUSCLE CAR FIGHT
Modern and classic Pro Touring muscle battle on the track at Optima’s Ultimate Street Car race.