Published: Nov 14, 2012

Leno Spools Up the Mazda Cosmo

The rotary engine may seem like cutting-edge technology, but Mazda has been making them since the '60s.

Despite having low torque, high fuel consumption and regular maintenance issues, the Wankel rotary engine is something special. Mazda is famous for developing the rotary engine over the course of decades, and it's hard not to talk about the history of the Japanese automaker without bringing up this unique, aerospace-derived engine. Despite the recent discontinuation of the RX-8, it's only a matter of time until a next-gen Wankel appears in a Mazda sports car. But Jay Leno is not about to wait around until then.

Today the Denim Chin is showing off his old Mazda Cosmo 110S. Despite having to replace the original engine with a newer Wankel during its restoration, Leno's Cosmo 110S was in decent shape overall when he bought it. Although it's far from perfect, it's an interesting piece of Japanese automotive history.

by Jay Traugott
Leno Spools Up the Mazda Cosmo

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Leno Spools Up the Mazda Cosmo

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