DescentBB

Interesting article

and no "Mr. Fusion"! (bummer)

Rotary engines are nothing new at all, there are many older ones dating to the 1960's (I think).
The problem with them is the wear-out time. The wankel rotary engine for example, had much more power than an equivalent size/mass engine, less vibration etc, but the contact between the rotor and the casing had to be nearly air tight, so when they wore even a bit it drastically reduced the efficiency.

this isn't your standard rotary engine.

No, but it's a new variation on an old theme, and will probably still have some of these effects

I thought for sure this thread would be about this motor:

Why not just run a generator off of a turbine, and then use traction motors?

right now, the weight would be prohibitive. but give it ten years with advances in both engine and generator technology, it could happen.