Why no 21st century cars with Miller cycle engine?

[BSJ]

One of the reasons I have always held Mazda in high regard is there company is prepared to think outside the box, and try new concepts. Mazda don't just 'talk the talk they walk the walk'.

And it was so a decade (2 decades?) back Mazda introduced a model with a "Miller cycle" engine. The concept seemed sound. Today the "Miller cycle" engine is alive and well in stationary engine applications. GE uses it in locomotives.

So, at Mazda, what went wrong?

[hansgruber]

Same could be said about the rotary engine.

[VocalNeal]

Same could be said about the rotary engine.

I believe Mazda is set to unveil a new RX model, the rotary is dead, long live the rotary.

With the advent of cheaper superchargers ( VW has them) the miller cycle may stage a comeback in hybrids?

[Ace of Pop]

Maybe because the similar Atkinson Based design is better suited than the Miller , as used in Fords and a few other Eco / Hybrid Yawns . .Good Question BSJ , the sure pushed the power out in V6 Form.

[wilcopops]

Same could be said about the rotary engine.

rotary engine had mechanical draw-backs - the Miller's are largely costs

[hansnl]

If an engine, how good as it may be, threatens to use less petrol/diesel/gas or engine oil, it will die.

The rotary did not use less of the consumables, but had it's drawbacks.

[paxidajai]

Nissan Micra DIG-S 1.2 supercharged engine have Miller cycle engine.

[Ace of Pop]

Same could be said about the rotary engine.

rotary engine had mechanical draw-backs - the Miller's are largely costs

Largely Costs and Ford use it in the Fiesta .? Funny that. .......Perhaps thats why they are overpriced compared to the new City that uses an old motor.

[VocalNeal]

Nissan Micra DIG-S 1.2 supercharged engine have Miller cycle engine.

24 k/l not bad. For users of interstates that is 57mpg

[wjhall]

I had a Xedos 9 with the Miller cycle engine. Excellent car and brilliant engine!

[qdinthailand]

No market! At least big enough to expand production. Plus, as American auto companies decided, they needed to sell big honking cars and trucks to make enough to pay labor costs and benefits, and cover their retirement obligations.

[khrab]

Same could be said about the rotary engine.

You mean the Wankel motor?

[chuenyongman]

Mazda's with rotary engines I have driven are not very good on economy. You can watch the petrol gauge actually drop whilst driving. I would like to drive a Miller engine powered car though.

[hansgruber]

Same could be said about the rotary engine.

You mean the Wankel motor?

Wankel was the inventor of the rotary engine.

[BSJ]

Nissan Micra DIG-S 1.2 supercharged engine have Miller cycle engine.

I didn't know that. I'll have to look that one up to see how well it's doing.

[BSJ]

Same could be said about the rotary engine.

You mean the Wankel motor?

Wankel was the inventor of the rotary engine.

NSU built the Ro80 with the Wankel engine. My dad was chomping at the bit to get one after he saw one in the local Rambler/Triumph/Volvo dealer way back when....until he found out the price! I think not buying it saved him a lot of pain!

[Loles]

Same could be said about the rotary engine.

You mean the Wankel motor?

Wankel was the inventor of the rotary engine.

Guys, the Wankel engine is pretty died, not question at all.

You have to find in Japanese history why did the Mazda (Toyo Kogyo) endeavor with it? Others who bought license from NSU for Wankel engine have given up in time.

[rakman]

Most likely cost of tooling up for production, certification and warranty costs. Since electronic direct injection is moving into gas and diesel engines, with mechanical and / or turbo superchargers are making great strides in fuel efficiency, the need isn't there at this time.

Emission certification and durability testing is a long term and expensive cycle, plus the various jurisdicitons that have different specs that have to be met. Easier to evovle than be revolutionary.

Wankle rotary engines are great power/weight producers, but the emssions are a major problem. Plus Mazda had a "carbon lock" issue where once in while an engine would "sieze". The fix was to take out the starter, bolt in a gear torque multiplier and a long breaker bar and pop the rotor free. Then reinstall the starter and all was well.

[wanabeexpat]

Plain and simple, the total engine including super charger costs toooooo much. Great concept, but $$$$$$. The Adkins cycle engine, on the other hand, completes the same short stroke job at a much lower cost. It is in more cars today than I can remember...expect to see them in Toyota Prius this year or next.

[thhMan]

Back a few years ago.. people used to get around on horse and buggy...

Who gives a damn why a company chooses to do this or that... Are you one of those people like Grandpa Simpson that write to companies and complain all day/evening and night ?

[wilcopops]

the wankel was as it's name suggests, simply too full of drawbacks. The IDEA was nice but the practicalities were too many....the rotor tips etc......with any problem Masda would simply put another engine in and sort out the other at their leisure. Of course you got that incredibly low front body profile as the engine was so "flat" - the Ro80 was one of my favourite cars of all time)

[VocalNeal]

My dad was chomping at the bit

BSJ you'll have to come with me on stage as my straight man

[VocalNeal]

Plain and simple, the total engine including super charger costs toooooo much.

VW seem to manage it with their TSI engine. They have a 1.2l a 1.4l and a 1.8l.

[BSJ]

My dad was chomping at the bit

BSJ you'll have to come with me on stage as my straight man

Well that might not be so bad.

Do I have to wear a dress....or do anything you may later regret?