when we hear Shaky Felix Wankel, the German engineer and inventor of the rotary motor mounted on famous vehicles such as the RX-7 of the Japanese brand.
Know that Mercedes-Benz also had its moment of glory with the Wankel engine during the 60s.
The Wankel Engine
The Wankel type engine also known as rotary, unlike the combustion engine, uses rotors instead of pistons Therefore, its movement already allows direct transmission to the wheels, gaining effectiveness. In addition, since it does not have pistons, it is lower and more compact, which allows vehicles that mount it to have a Much lower center of gravity and better engine roll balance.
The Mercedes-Benz C 111 and the rotary engine
Although it was an experimental platform, the Mercedes C 111 was the first Mercedes vehicle that appeared in 1969 and featured a Wankel-type engine. for its propulsion.
Su body made of fiberglass Together with its engine, mounted in a central rear arrangement, it allowed it a power-to-weight ratio that was more than enough to reach speeds that were hardly seen at that time. Speeds that approached 270 km/h in speed tests.
It is said that this vehicle could have reached exceed 290 km/h in these tests, although for this version with a Wankel engine it was never tested.
Were built 4 versions of the C 111, two with engines Wankel (with 3 and 4 rotors) and two more with gasoline and diesel engines.
The objective of creating these test units was to test the advances in terms of engines, aerodynamics and suspension components that Mercedes-Benz had done so far with the aim of introducing these components in its series production sports vehicles.
In the last ten years, being Mercedes C 111 with a Wankel engine mounted three direct injection rotors that provided a power of 280 HPHowever, it was never mass produced due to the restrictive pollution regulations of the time, which directly affected this vehicle.
But the story of the Mercedes-Benz Wankel engine did not end here, At the end of the 60s, Mercedes was investigating with several mules that mounted this engine arrangement in a Mercedes-Benz SL, Yeah!! You read correctly, it was an SL. Specifically in the W133 which they called W 33-29.
This experimental project produced 203 HP at 5600rpm which allowed it to reach a maximum speed of 205 km/h, 10 km/h faster than the well-known Mercedes-Benz 280 SL of the time.
Although an SL had never been conceived to house this type of engine, the truth is that The Mercedes-Benz engineers at that time managed to do it.
Why aren't Wankel or rotary type engines manufactured today?
Although everything may seem beautiful, the reality is different, The Wankel engine is an engine that requires constant attention. Being an engine in which the engine brake is practically non-existent, it needs to compensate with a better braking kit, which, as a general rule, increases its price and maintenance.
It is an engine that consumes oil unlike the conventional engine, so we should be constantly reviewing the level, not to mention the polluting emissions...
On the other hand, the parts that make up said engine have much greater wear than in a conventional engine and must be replaced. These parts are usually much more expensive than in a conventional engine.
In short, although the Wankel engine is a true work of engineering, the truth is that it would not be comfortable to equip vehicles with this type of engine for today's user.
