RodsterinFL

My father, a mechanic, and I have been discussing the RX8 and some of the discussions on the forum regarding MPG, performance, etc. He came up with an idea that I thought would make an interesting thread both for general discussion and even technical debate. Here goes:

Since the rotary fires on each rotor at every turn, the engine runs hotter and fuel consumption is more of a challenge. Turbos and Superchargers pose a problem to engines by adding more heat per se but of course discussions have been toward this solution for even more power than the car already has to make it a SUPER car, again per se.

Now, contemplate this, a third rotor - that should add about 110 hp or so with minimal weight BUT...

Apply a management strategy to the rotors similar to General Motors is using with their V-8 engines to increase fuel efficiency and any overheating issues. The rotory engine should actually be better equipped to handle alternating firing sequence or even individual rotor shutdown if need be. There would have to be experiments but just think of it. We would have nearly 350HP in our RX8 with natural aspiration and high reliability.

RotorMotor04

The Dodge Magnum Hemi also has that same idea. Seems logical but I doubt it will every happen. Although with one of the rotors not being used, that would just be extra weight for the remaining rotors to turn. With that extra weight comes less horsepower. But, then of course when the third rotor kicks in the car would surge forward like a turbo spooling up.

By the way, where in FT. Myers do you live? I live in Naples.

RodsterinFL

Off of Daniels Parkway in the south.

May not ever hapapen but it is something that could make the rotary a predator sucking up those Infiniti's, WRX's and even those domestic ponies in the intake.

Of course it is probably not the original intent of Mazda but with such exotic car looks as the RX-8 has, people think it is really fast and are actually surprised when I have compared it to a G35 C (not slow at all but not corvette-like). It is fun to speculate and of course consider modifications for betterment.

Twinturbo2800

sounds like a winner to me Rod, anything to give our 8's more GO

MyRxBad

iTrader: (1)

If the rotary engine didn't fire on every side of the rotor then you "really" wouldn't have any torque in the engine. Plus if you did that, you'd also have to modify the oil injection as oil that is placed on each face of the rotor wouldn't be burned and leave deposits on the rotor housing. This idea could be a possible with a 3-rotor regarding the torque issue, but a lot more devolpement would need to be placed into the engine and engine management.

zoom44

this has been discussed here before. search for posts on displacement on demand and DOD. look at wakeech and mine and bugers posts. also after our discussions here rotarynews.com was kind enough to put the question to the president of Mazda who said they will not be doing any kind of DOD on the rotary. they are looking in a completly different direction. hydrogen burning and hybrid electric.

RotorMotor04

Are there alot of 8's in Ft. Myers? maybe we could organize a small meet.

Genom

Also remember the difficulties of even making a 3 rotor renesis with the current placement of the exhaust ports.

RodsterinFL

MyRX8Bad,

The concept though is that you would not need torque if you were cruising along and alternating the firing sequence would keep all sides of the rotor active. A three rotor would have about 230 ft lbs. of torque (est) when needed and at other times it would lope along - just like theGM V-8's do.


Thanks for the links on tech stuff. This "DOD" is a great concept and well implemented by GM from what I understand. Lots of great minds on this board. I am sorry to hear that Mazda is not looking that direction because it would possibly solve just about every challenge issue we discuss - power, torque, mpg, heat. Although hydrogen and electric are great energy saving concepts, they just do not seem to be sports car options.