Mazda celebrates 50 years of rotary power

The Cosmo 110S kicked off Mazda's rotary revolution 50 years ago, and its emphasis on athletic driving still powers the company's driving-focused mission today.

In 1991, Mazda won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a 2.6-liter, four-rotor Wankel. The 787B isn't just the only nonreciprocating engine design ever to win the legendary race -- it's the only overall win for an Asian automaker.

Mazda's first-generation RX-7 was a global hit.

Mazda's third-generation RX-7, known as the FD, was its highest-performing iteration. It exited production in 2002.

Mazda's unusual RX-8 wasn't a true coupe -- it had a pair of small secondary doors that were rear-hinged like on an extended-cab pickup truck.

Look ma, no pistons!

Mazda's Cosmo 110S was the first production two-rotor Wankel, and it jumpstarted the automaker's interest in producing driver's cars.

The RX-8 was Mazda's last production rotary-powered offering. It exited production in 2012.

Mazda's REPU -- Rotary Engine Pick Up -- was offered from 1974 to 1977.

Yep, Mazda's rotary engine even made it into a commercial bus.

Mazda's rotary-powered family is nothing if not diverse.

Continue clicking or swiping through this gallery to see more of Mazda's half century of rotary history.

Mazda last tempted rotary fans in 2015 with the debut of this stunning RX-Vision concept. It never saw production.