OK, so the redline is 9000 RPMs. If we assume this speed is taken from the engine's output shaft then the rotors are turning at 3000 RPMs at redline. That would make the ratio of shaft to rotor speed about 3:1. Does anyone know what the actual ratio is?

This is my first rotary engine car and aside from having great fun driving it I find its engineering very interesting. Right now I only have about 3000 miles on the car and have the usual 'issues' many others seem to be having, CEL, Oil Light, AC Cycling, and MPG of only about 18 around town (what I expected at purchase). I'm sure Mazda will address these issues, and already have some I hear, but in the mean time I'm having such fun!!

Thanks Mazda

Check out www.rotaryengineillustrated.com - there are some good explanations and stuff there. The rotors do "spin" at 1/3rd the e-shaft speed, but their motion is more complicated than simple rotation. There are some good animations on that website.

Simon.

Excellent site suggestion - thanks