Samenvatting
This article gives an account of the development of the wankel engine (a rotating combustion engine), together with details of its operation, compared to that of a conventional four-stroke piston engine. The advantages and disadvantages of this type of engine are discussed in terms of exhaust emissions, thermal efficiency (including fuel consumption) manufacturing costs, size, weight, reliability, serviceability and noise levels. The article also describes how the smaller and lighter wankel engine could be used to redesign a typical car, with particular reference to space saving, reduced rolling resistance, improved handling, and increase in life of tyres and brakes.