Yahoo Autos Crighton CR700W motorcycle brings the rotary engine back into production
The automotive world hasn't seen a rotary engine in production since the Mazda RX-8 was axed in 2012. However, the Crighton CR700W is bringing it back in spectacular fashion in a machine billed as the "ultimate track bike."
In fact, the engine claims to have one of the highest specific power outputs of any naturally aspirated engine in the world. The dual-rotor mill displaces just 690cc, but generates 220 horsepower at 10,500 rpm (and 105 lb-ft at 9,500 rpm), which translates to 319 horsepower per liter. By comparison, the company says, most MotoGP race bikes make around 300 hp.
There are many advantages to a rotary engine. For one, it's extremely compact and needs fewer parts than a conventional piston motor, and the one in the Crighton is comprised of just three moving parts. Due to its simplicity, the entire assembly weighs just 53 pounds. Even with its six-speed gearbox attached, the unit comes in at just 95 pounds.
