In the late 1960s, a Japanese automaker took a bold leap with an unconventional engine that defied traditional design.

This engine is the basis of the modern “Wankel” rotary engine. Piston powered engines, chiefly the Otto and Diesel cycle, are current kings of the internal combustion mountain. Piston powered ...

In a rotary engine the typical Otto cycle takes place in an oval-shaped chamber in which a triangular rotor rotates, effectively taking the place of the pistons in a traditional engine.

A rotary engine uses rotational movement of triangular rotors to turn the wheels, as opposed to a conventional engine, which converts piston movement into rotary movement of the wheels.