Could be a typo, but consider:
The rotary engine is quite compact. Given enuf room any two of just about any
kind can be joined. Simplest is one behind the other. Fancy machinists make it
look easy. In other ways that are far more complex, the motors can be side by
side with a common crank or two cranks and
a gear set.
654cc rotaries are tiny and could concievably be one at each front wheel and
the ignition and fuel systems shared. This sixe motor is very highly developed,
since the Japanese laws make special provision of that as maximum size for the
Kei car class.
Having 2 trannys seems a bit much, though. If they were variable ratio boxes
and governed by one source, why not? The roadway would act as differential.
Sitting here typing this speculation seems fanciful indeed, but technology
leaps fast and far these inovative days. Not
every clever-jack idea works, but the try seems most interesting.
They thought Issigonis was mad to put the tranny in the sump of the Mini. Well
he was, but an awful lot of fun's been had with that setup. Virtually every
other manufacturer was inspired by the Mini and went from there. My Civic Si
might never have been developed without the
Mini concepts.
Captain Rapture
===============================================================
cdsorkin@ix.netcom.com wrote:
> Hello list:
>
> Since a few folks have mentioned rotary engine swaps for Spridgets (often
>with positive results) I thought that the following news item sounded
>interesting. Maybe I don't understand rotary engine technology all that well,
>but... how does one fit two engines in a single car?
>
> _____________________
> HIROSHIMA (Nikkei)--Mazda Motor Corp. (J.MZD or 7261) will reintroduce -
>after a six-year absence in the U.S. - by 2003 a sports car featuring its
>unique rotary engine technology, company sources said, The Nihon Keizai
>Shimbun reported in its Friday edition.
> The move is seen as an attempt by the carmaker to clearly distinguish
>itself from other brands in a group led by U.S. partner Ford Motor Co.
> Mazda plans to release a four-door front-wheel drive model with two 654cc
>rotary engines. Company President Mark Fields says the model is symbolic of
>the Mazda brand.
> A prototype vehicle will be on display at an international auto exhibition
>in the U.S. from Jan. 9.
> The automaker also intends in 2003 to sell the sports car in Japan, Europe,
>Australia.
>
> (END) DOW JONES NEWS 12-28-00
> 03:32 PM- - 03 32 PM EST 12-28-00
> ___________________________
>
> Regards,
>
> Charles
> '74 Midget
> '68 Sprite
> Bloomfield, NJ
> cdsorkin@ix.netcom.com
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