Mazda may be saying goodbye to the RX-8 sports car, but they're not exiling the rotary engine with which it's fitted. This is something Liberty Mazda Suzuki and Mazda enthusiasts in the Libertyville area and beyond can rejoice. For, the distinctive powertrain, formerly known as NSU-Wankel, helped put the Mazda brand on U.S. consumer radar when it first arrived about 40 years ago.

The feature setting Mazda's NSU-Wankel apart from other engine types is unique, triangular rotor housing. The three chambers between the rotor and inner wall of the rotor housing expand and contract in a seamless cycle.

When Mazda first announced plans to retire the RX-8, many thought that it would inevitably be the end of the rotary engine, too...especially with pending legislation, mandating higher fuel economy standards. We cannot deny the NSU-Wankel rotary engine is a gas guzzler. However, senior officials at Mazda support the development of a more fuel efficient variant and indicate that elements from Mazda's advanced, fuel-efficient SKY ACTIV TECHNOLOGY could help.

When does Mazda plan to introduce a new, more fuel-efficient rotary engine? They actually have yet to set a date in stone. Kiyoshi Fujiwara, Global Product Design Chief, Mazda has, however, has said he would like Mazda to bring the next-generation rotary engine into production, within six years.

Interested in more Mazda news? Be sure to stay tuned. Liberty Mazda Suzuki, located at 1000 East Park Avenue ( RT.176), is dedicated to keeping you informed on everything from the discontinuation of models to the introduction of new Mazda models to the evolution of iconic technologies.