The Mazda Wankel is a type of internal combustion engine that uses a rotary design instead of traditional pistons. Developed by German engineer Felix Wankel in the 1950s, this engine features a triangular rotor that spins in an oval chamber, allowing for a compact and lightweight design. Mazda became well-known for its use of the Wankel engine in various models, particularly the Mazda RX-7 and Mazda RX-8. The engine is celebrated for its smooth operation and high power-to-weight ratio, although it has faced criticism for fuel efficiency and emissions compared to conventional engines.