I’m a car person, but not really a car geek. From my knowledge I understand that a rotary engine can be damn fast, but I don’t recall ever hearing of a rotary powered super car. That is exactly what Mazda have shown off, with the super car prototype of the Mazda Furai.
The Furai, which means “sound of wind” (insert fart joke here), should be viewable at the 2008 Detroit Motor Show, and is going to be 100% E100 ethanol fuelled. The E100 will be running through the veins of its three-rotor 20B rotary engine, pushing out a massive 450 horsepower.
It does look very hot, but it is definitely an extension of you know what. Look at the side, it is even ribbed for your pleasure.
For more info and pics, check out Autoblog.
I have to say, for a small car sedan, the 2008 Mazda 2 sedan is very attractive. At the 2007 Guangzhou International Auto Show in China, Mazda have revealed the upcoming Mazda2 sedan, which is built by a partnership between Mazda, Ford and the Chinese automaker Changan Automobile Group. At the moment it will only be available in the Chinese market, but it wouldn’t take a genius to predict its success and eventual spreading of markets. All that is known currently is, it will be 168 inches long, 66.73 inches wide and 58.26 inches high, making it 16 inches longer (152.95 inches) the same width the same height as the Mazda2 hatch. Price is not yet know, but I will try and get an update when there is one. For now you can enjoy the pretty pictures.
For more info, click over to the Jalopnik Blog.
Looks like Mazda is doing a refresher on the Mazda 3 Series of small sedans and hatch backs. There are a few changes coming to the series which include the next-generation Ford Focus C1 platform. With this comes a little extension in length and width, and some new engine sizes.
The new engines will include a 2.0L and a fatter 2.5L which will replace the current 2.3L 4-cylinder engine. Both models will now feature dual exhausts, which will “expel exhaust gases from either a 148 HP 2.0L four, or an upgraded 2.5L”. You can also expect a power increase from the new 2.5L, of about 20-30HP.
Visually the car will look more aggressive, but the pictures of the hacked up body doesn’t give away too much. Expect an update as we approach the 2009 release.
For more shots, and info, drive over to the AutoBlog and Edmunds Webpage.