When we think of Mazda classics, we often  to the MX-5 (Miata / Eunos) as the world’s most popular 4-cylinder roadster ever. However, it is worth mentioning that the engineering excellence shown in the 1990’s is but a compilation of decades of effort and experimentation, including limited engagements with the Wankel rotary engine. Starting with the Cosmo in the 1960’s, a two-rotor design, this engine was perfected and carried well into the 1990’s under the Cosmo (Japan only) and RX-7 guise. By the early 2010’s, Mazda discontinued rotary-powered cars with the RX-8, citing poor compliance to emissions standards and a reputation for oil consumption issues, largely due to lack of user experience with this design.