Which cars have rotary engines?

The most recognizable rotary-powered cars are Mazda’s RX-7 and RX-8, and today the Mazda MX-30 e‑Skyactiv R‑EV keeps the technology alive by using a compact rotary as a range-extending generator in select markets. Earlier standouts include the NSU Ro 80 and Citroën GS Birotor, which helped popularize the Wankel rotary design before Mazda made it a performance icon.

What “rotary engine” means in cars

In automotive contexts, “rotary engine” refers to the Wankel rotary: a compact unit where a triangular rotor spins inside an epitrochoid housing to create combustion chambers, instead of pistons moving in cylinders. The layout is smooth and high-revving, with excellent power density, but historically has faced challenges with fuel economy, emissions, and durability of apex seals.

Rotary power you can buy new today

Only one mainstream production car currently uses a rotary engine, and it does so as a generator rather than driving the wheels directly.

• Mazda MX-30 e‑Skyactiv R‑EV (2023–present, Europe and Japan): A plug-in hybrid with an 830cc single-rotor engine that acts solely as a range-extender for the battery-electric drivetrain. The rotary never drives the wheels; it generates electricity to maintain charge and extend total driving range.

This approach leverages the rotary’s compact size and smoothness at steady RPM, helping address past efficiency and emissions drawbacks in daily use. Availability varies by market; Mazda has not offered the R‑EV in the United States.

Iconic rotary-powered production cars (past)

While Mazda is most closely associated with the Wankel, several automakers built rotary production cars—some widely sold, others limited or experimental.

• NSU Spider (1964–1967): The first production Wankel-powered car, with a single-rotor engine.
• NSU Ro 80 (1967–1977): A technologically advanced sedan with a twin-rotor engine and aerodynamic design.
• Mazda Cosmo Sport (110S) (1967–1972): Mazda’s first rotary sports car, establishing its performance reputation.
• Mazda Luce R130 (1969–1972): A Bertone-styled, front-wheel-drive rotary coupe (13A engine).
• Mazda RX-2, RX-3, RX-4 (early–late 1970s): Rotary variants of mainstream models that broadened adoption.
• Mazda RX-5/Cosmo AP (1975–1982): Grand touring focus with rotary power.
• Mazda Cosmo (HB, 1981–1989): Offered 12A/13B rotaries, including turbocharged versions.
• Mazda Eunos Cosmo (JC, 1990–1996): Luxury coupe with the 13B-RE or rare 20B-REW three-rotor—first mass-produced triple-rotor car.
• Mazda RX-7 (1978–2002): The best-known rotary sports car across three generations (SA/FB, FC, FD); the FD’s 13B-REW twin-turbo is legendary.
• Mazda RX-8 (2003–2012): Four-door “freestyle” sports car with the Renesis (13B-MSP) rotary; discontinued as emissions rules tightened.
• Citroën M35 (1969–1971): Limited customer trial coupe with a single-rotor Comotor unit.
• Citroën GS Birotor (1973–1975): Twin-rotor compact; launched into the oil crisis and quickly withdrawn.
• VAZ/Lada rotary specials (1970s–1990s): Limited-production Soviet-era models (e.g., VAZ‑21018/21059/21079) used primarily by state services.

Mazda sustained rotary production longer than any other manufacturer, evolving the design through performance and luxury applications before pivoting to range-extender use decades later.

Racing and prototypes that shaped the rotary’s reputation

Beyond road cars, rotary engines made indelible marks in motorsport and experimental programs, showcasing unique strengths at high RPM and in compact packaging.

• Mazda 787B (1991): Quad-rotor R26B powered the 787B to overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans—the only win by a rotary-powered car.
• Mercedes-Benz C111 prototypes (late 1960s–1970s): High-speed testbeds initially fitted with multi-rotor Wankels before later diesel experiments.
• General Motors rotary concepts (early 1970s): Including the Corvette Two-Rotor and Four-Rotor prototypes; program canceled before production.
• AMC Pacer rotary plan (1970s): Designed around a planned GM-sourced rotary that never entered production; the Pacer launched with piston engines instead.

These projects cemented the rotary’s image as innovative and high-performing, even as practical hurdles kept it niche in mass-market cars.

Why rotary cars are rare today

Regulatory pressure on emissions and fuel economy, plus durability and oil-consumption concerns, curtailed widespread use of rotaries by the 2000s. Mazda’s RX-8 ended in 2012 amid tightening standards. The MX-30 R‑EV’s series-hybrid layout revives the architecture in a role better suited to its strengths: a compact, smooth generator that runs efficiently at steady load. Mazda has also teased future possibilities—such as the two-rotor “Iconic SP” sports-car concept—but has not announced a new rotary-driven sports car for production.

Summary

If you’re looking for a car with a rotary engine today, the Mazda MX-30 e‑Skyactiv R‑EV is the only new model using one (as a generator) in regular production, and it’s sold in select markets outside the U.S. Historically, the rotary’s best-known road cars are Mazda’s RX-7 and RX-8, with significant contributions from NSU and Citroën. The technology remains a niche hallmark—innovative, compact, and smooth—most viable now as a range-extender rather than a direct-drive powerplant.

Does any car still use a rotary engine?

Yes, some cars still use rotary engines, though very few. Mazda is the main manufacturer, and they have recently reintroduced a rotary engine in the Mazda MX-30 e-SKYACTIV R-EV as a range extender for its hybrid-electric system. While rotary engines were once abandoned by most manufacturers due to issues with emissions, fuel economy, and durability compared to piston engines, Mazda has found them a good fit for their hybrid applications, providing a compact and reliable power source.
 
The Mazda MX-30 e-SKYACTIV R-EV 

• Function: The rotary engine in the MX-30 serves as a generator to recharge the battery and extend the vehicle’s driving range, rather than directly powering the wheels. 
• Benefits: Mazda considers a rotary unit to be well-suited for this role due to its compact size and ability to provide smooth, reliable performance. 
• Market: The Mazda MX-30 e-SKYACTIV R-EV has been introduced in Japan and Europe. 

Why Most Car Manufacturers Don’t Use Rotary Engines

• Emissions and Fuel Economy: Rotary engines historically struggled to meet modern emissions standards and were less fuel-efficient than traditional piston engines. 
• Durability and Complexity: They can also be less durable and more expensive to manufacture than piston engines, making them less attractive to most automakers. 

The Future of Rotary Engines

• Hybrid Technology: Opens in new tabMazda’s strategy is to leverage the advantages of the rotary engine within a hybrid system, where it can operate at a more constant speed for greater efficiency. 
• Potential for Sports Cars: Opens in new tabWhile the current production rotary engine is for range extension, Mazda has also patented concepts for future rear-wheel-drive sports cars that use a rotary engine with hybrid technology. 

What brand uses rotary engines?

Mazda
Mazda Wankel engine

Wankel rotary engines
Manufacturer	Mazda
Also called	“RENESIS” (RX-8 engine)
Production	1967–present
Layout

Why were rotary engines banned?

The rotary has never been explicitly banned, the alignment to F1 was the only reason it wasn’t allowed, much like many of the piston engines that had been racing at the time were no longer allowed.