The Mazda Furai: A Flame that Flickered and Died

As some of you might know, the Mazda Furai was a concept race car that was introduced to the world in 2008 at the North American International Auto Show. Deriving its name from the sound of wind this striking concept boasted a new 20B 3-rotor Wankel engine, producing approximately 450 hp and attained its spark from 100% Ethanoyl fuel (E100). The body was build upon the Courage C65 racing chassis and unlike many concepts of the time period, was fully functional.

Upon the release, the rumor mills swirled with excitement at what this concept could symbolize. Wearing the famous number 55 of the only Japanese car to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, many speculated a return to the famous endurance race, running a rotary engine. Others speculated that there could be a rotary powered supercar in the works, to slot above the RX-8, but after a few private events the car disappeared.

The Final Chapter of the Furai

After the disappearing in 2008, the Mazda Furai made several appearances in video franchises including Gran Turismo and Forza. This perpetuated the mystery of the Furai even further as fans tried to seek out what happened to one of their favorite cars .

It wasn’t until November of 2013 that we would get our answer.

On August 19, 2008 Top Gear Magazine was doing an exclusive with the Furai when the rear of the car went up in flames.

And just like that, the car lived up to it’s name, diminishing to the sound of wind and fire.

Gone before it even had a chance to say hello

Thank you for reading!

If you want some more information, check out the Top Gear article above!

—Unknown