Rev.Chuck

The rotary is a port valved motor much like a two stroke and there are issues with comprimising on effeciency and power as well as not getting optimum cylinder filling and scavenging at all rpm's. There was also the need to protect the apex seals that do not like lean running (heat) or detonation. There is also the need to inject oil into the chamber to lube the apex seals. The rich running, esp. carbed cars, combined with oil injection not always at optimum gave the cars a reputation for being smokers. As most people were used to piston motors where smoking indicates worn rings or valve guide seals, the average person figured the motors wore out easy when they were just doing what they were supposed to.
The new motor in the RX8 uses an altered port setup, on the side of the chamber rather than in the area swept by the apex seals, to give room for a better shape (This has been a hotrod trick on the exhaust port for a long time.). The engine is also fuel injected so the precise amount of fuel is entered for that rpm.