Best ever convertable mazda concept

New Mazda Furai


Taking centre stage on Mazda's stand at the British International Motor Show is the stunning Furai concept, first shown at Detroit earlier this year. Apparently 'the embodiment of zoom-zoom' this amazing looking convertible mazda car is intended to bridge the gap between road car and racer like no other before it.

A familiar boast from the supercar makers perhaps. But from Mazda? Well, basing the concept on a Courage LMP2 race car certainly shows it means business. And an ethanol powered 450bhp rotary engine means it's got the firepower too. Unlikely to see production, Mazda hopes some of the design influence will rub off.

Back in the real world the three-door version of the Mazda 2 will be joining its comrades on the stand. There was also a chance to see the newly facelifted RX-8 convertible range. The changes aren't dramatic - concentrating on suspension and other minor tweaks - but are intended to give the coupe a new lease of life. Outside the show hall visitors could take to a specially designed test track for the Mazda Zoom-Zoom challenge. Free to enter, you'll get the chance to drive a MX-5 and Mazda 2 against the clock, the fastest time of the show earning the winner a year behind the wheel of a Mazda 2.

  • ENGINE: 1962cc, three-rotor rotary
  • POWER: 460bhp @ 8800rpm
  • TORQUE: 278lb ft @ 8800rpm
  • TRANSMISSION: Six-speed manual
  • FUEL: 2.3mpg (at race speed)
  • CO2: n/a
  • PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph: 3.2sec
  • TOP SPEED: 172mph/275km/h
  • PRICE: n/a

    • new mazda car | furai revealed

  • VERDICT: This Mazda Car will put the wind up you

    • author: Dan Trent, July 22 2008

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