Audi Wankel

[Mike Arman]

Article in "Epitrochoid", newsletter for Wankel engine motorcycles (UK Norton, RE-5, Hercules W2000) 
talks about a Wankel engine in the Audi A-1 E-tron hybrid.

The 254 cc single rotor Wankel engine runs at a steady 5,000 rpm, drives a generator to re-charge 
the batteries. Makes 15 KW (about 20 hp, sounds about right for this displacement), total weight of 
engine and generator is 70 kg +/- (154 lbs) including intake, exhaust, cooling system, subframe.

It is a range-extender, the E-1 is driven by an electric motor, does 0-60 in 10.2 seconds.

According to Audi UK, Audi itself makes the engine, it isn't bought out. This makes sense, all that 
NSU Spyder and RO-80 tooling, etc., just been sitting around for years . . .


I'd like to see/drive this car, and I'd like to see what Audi will be doing along these lines in 
five or ten years from now.


Of course what I'd really like to see is a Wankel R-8 convertible with say a four or six rotor 
engine and 750 hp ;-)


Best Regards,

Mike Arman
Round pistons? Who uses ROUND pistons any more?