The Mazda RX500: When Mazda Build a Rotary Supercar
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- čas přidán 24. 07. 2024
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When Going thru the archives of motorsport , certain cars emerge not just as feats of engineering but as radical visions of what could have been. The Mazda RX500 is one such car. With a design that seems to blend classic supercar aesthetics with a touch of futuristic spacecraft, it remains one of Mazda's most innovative creations, even though it never made it to series production. The RX500 was a rotary-powered concept car that left its mark on both the automotive world and popular culture.
The story of the RX500 began in the late 1960s when Mazda embarked on a daring quest: to create a mid-engine sports car that could challenge the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati. This ambitious endeavor was spearheaded by a team of five dedicated individuals, including the visionary designer Shigenori Fukuda. And this car was a passion project as These employees volunteered their spare time to work on this groundbreaking project.
After extensive research in aerodynamics and countless hours of sketching, the team produced five different design models. Among these concepts, Fukuda's stood out for its remarkable aerodynamics, boasting the lowest drag coefficient. This design ultimately became the chosen blueprint for the project.
In January 1969, a detailed clay model of Fukuda's design was unveiled. It was decided that a fully functioning prototype would be constructed to commemorate Mazda's 50th anniversary. Two years later, at the Tokyo Motor Show, the world was introduced to the breathtaking RX500. This striking concept car was an instant sensation at the show, which also showcased innovative concepts from other manufacturers, such as the Toyota EX 7 which I also made a full video on, Nissan 270X and 126X, and the Isuzu Bellett 1600MX.
Compared to Mazda's production models at the time, the RX500 looked like something from the future. Its front end bore a striking resemblance to the iconic Lamborghini Miura, while its rear design seemed to be inspired by a spaceship. The taillights, in red, yellow, and green, would change color to indicate whether the car was accelerating, cruising, or slowing down. Fukuda later revealed that he drew inspiration for this design from Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film "2001: A Space Odyssey."
The RX500 featured innovative elements such as air intakes under the side mirrors to channel fresh air into the cabin. Equally impressive were the butterfly swing doors and two gullwing opening engine covers, which concealed a compact 1.0-liter (982 cc) engine capable of revving up to an astonishing 15,000 rpm. This was higher than the rev limit of most race cars of that era. The twin-rotor 10A engine generated 247 horsepower, and coupled with the car's light weight of 1,874 pounds (850 kg), it achieved an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 7.5 pounds (3.4 kg) per horsepower.
The RX500 continued to garner international media attention, generating significant buzz in the automotive world. This attention attracted the British toy car manufacturer Matchbox, who included a scaled-down version of the RX500 in its Superfast series, introduced in response to Mattel's Hot Wheels, which made its debut in 1968. Released in 1971 as the MB66, this Matchbox model was painted in yellow to mirror its real-life counterpart. It faithfully replicated the car's design, including its numerous vents and wrap-around windshield. Although it couldn't employ the gullwing system due to manufacturing constraints, the engine cover also opened, adding to the authenticity.
The Matchbox model of the RX500 became a global sensation, captivating the imagination of toy car enthusiasts, and children all around the world. In 1975, the model was given a red Streaker makeover, making it even more iconic. Although it was discontinued a year later, it resurfaced in local markets between 1978 and 1985.
But lets talk about the real life car.
Regrettably, the real-life RX500 never made it into series production. The oil crisis of 1973 played a significant role in this, among other factors. Nevertheless, it embarked on a tour of select dealerships around the world, enduring some minor damage in the process and undergoing yet another repaint, this time in silver. It eventually underwent a thorough restoration and now resides in pristine condition at the Numaji Transportation Museum in Hiroshima, Japan.
For fans who can't make the journey to Japan, there's still a chance to own a piece of the RX500 legacy. Original 1:59 scale Matchbox models from the 1970s, in excellent condition, can be found for as little as $45 on websites like eBay.
#Rotary #Wankel #Mazda
The Miura is still one of the 10 best looking cars ever. Jaguar E is also up there.
Gosh, I wish I would have had one of them...such beauties. But what the Japanese did was also astonishing.
You have the best South African accent! Excellent video too.
Nice! Have you seen the Vauxhall XVR? It was a joke of a concept except it had a striking, one of a kind design with some odd proportions. Not ugly nor beautiful, just sporty in it's own unique way.
Another one that never made it. Where do you find these gems Chris, great research you do!
👍💪✌
Thanks man😂😂. I does take some digging
I've said it before, but I'll say it again: I love your channel! Another fascinating concept car. I wonder how this one handled- given the layout and powerplant. I bet it was very light- and with that low drag coefficient, probably would have been a great sports car in a super car body (think perhaps Honda S2000 with rear mid-engine layout and a lambo body ). :)
Just bought my first rx500 in GT7, bois. It handles poorly, looks and sounds wierd but i still like it. I just can't help but support all of Mazda's rotary ventures, even though i know its gone the way of the Dodo 🦤
Stop lying