Rotary enginess

so rotary engines... i was thinkin the rx-8 gets pretty bad mpg(i think like 15/20) and it only has like 230 hp. why? doesn't it have like 12 power strokes per 2 turns of the flywheel, that accounts for the mpg but why so low on power. is thats how its engineered? i mean doesn't an rx-8 have the same number of powerstrokes as as a v12 per 2 turns of the flywheel, shouldn't it have more than 230 hp with all that potential?
and i was thinkin to improve mpg could you just turn off like 2/3rds of the injections while like on the freeway or idling, i mean like not spray any gas on two of the three power strokes. i guess it would take some engineering but didn't cadillac do it on one of their v8s? is it feasible to do that?

Each power stroke doesn't produce much power because rotary engines don't have very high compression and don't have a long power stroke.

The rotaries are IMO the lowest form of engine. Sure they can rev out okay to give reasonable power numbers, but their efficiency is terrible.

As DrDisque said they have low compression which hurts efficiency, but they also have a poorly shaped combustion chamber which has a lot of exposed wall area to lose heat into which should be expanding air for the power stroke.

I know Mazda worked very hard to make the RX8 hit emissions targets, it's possible they already cut fuel and spark on some of the strokes. The extra air is needed to burn the unburnt fuel that makes it through to the cats.

However you guys forget that they are easily the coolest engines out there, and by that sheer fact make them better than anything. And RX-7's better than anything. In fact, i'll share some of its sheer awesomeness with you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1BWv7iPFUg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13FsSGvhI-k

Bow and pray that the rotary gods dont smite you for your INSOLENCE!

However you guys forget that they are easily the coolest engines out there, and by that sheer fact make them better than anything. And RX-7's better than anything. In fact, i'll share some of its sheer awesomeness with you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1BWv7iPFUg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13FsSGvhI-k

Bow and pray that the rotary gods dont smite you for your INSOLENCE!

Meh, the Audi R10 would spank that easily.

Don't forget the high quality women too. The slappers with rotor tattoos on their backs.:grinyes:

the r10 is in a different class so it would obviously beat that thing.