An inverse displacement asymmetric rotary engine is provided which includes a chamber. The chamber includes a stationary island having an island outer surface. The outer surface is an elongated convex shape. The island includes a crankshaft port spaced from a center of the island. The chamber includes a front-plate attached to a front surface of the island. A concave shaped movable contour is include, which is biased toward the island outer surface and which revolves about the island. A working volume is defined between an inner surface of the contour and the outer island surface. At least one front-plate engaging bearing is provided, which extends from a front surface of the movable contour and over a guide edge of the front-plate. The front-plate engaging bearing engages the guide edge during a combustion cycle.