AIE Rotary Returns to its Origins for Engine Expo 2017

Lichfield, Staffordshire:

The Wankel Rotary engine proudly returned to its origins in Germany last week, as AIE (UK) Ltd attended Engine Expo 2017 in Messe Stuttgart to showcase the advantages of the modernised engine.

Developed by German engineer Felix Wankel in the 1950’s, the Wankel rotary engine was originally viewed as a radical breakthrough for powertrains with its lightweight and compact size. Uptake however, was hindered due to inefficiencies that could not be addressed with existing technology. Since then, patented UK innovations available to AIE have revolutionised the Wankel rotary, allowing it once again to be seen on its home turf as the future for next-generation power units.

Rotary Transforming the Future of Hybrid

As the premier event in Europe for powertrain development and procurement, and the home of the prestigious Engine of the Year awards, Engine Expo 2017 is an exhibition that brings with it a wealth of opportunities from manufacturers across the globe.

This year, AIE exhibited their rotary engine technology on the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) stand within the UK Pavilion, which housed the best of British innovation.

The 650S rotary engine that AIE chose to promote at Engine Expo, has been developed with support from the APC and has already proven its worth as a light, compact power unit for niche vehicles following its debut in a Westfield sports car. However, where the 650S really shines is an efficient power source and range-extender for hybrid vehicles.

The German-born Wankel rotary engine, with its advanced technologies, is now ready to shape the future of powertrain options for hybrid low-carbon vehicles; rightly claiming its place alongside the latest powertrain breakthroughs and state-of-the-art engine components at Engine Expo 2017.