Skip to main content

"It should look better": Why the production car never matches the concept

The Eleventh Concept Car from the Top 17: Mazda Furai

Welcome, gearheads, to an exhilarating journey through automotive history as we unveil the Mazda Furai—the epitome of innovation, speed, and sheer adrenaline. Strap in as we delve into the dynamic world of the Mazda Furai, where passion meets precision and craftsmanship reigns supreme.

Mazda Furai Concept Car front

Unveiling the Masterpiece

On a fateful day in December 2007, automotive enthusiasts were treated to a sight unlike any other—the Mazda Furai. Derived from the Japanese word meaning "sound of the wind," this concept car was more than just a vehicle; it was a symphony of design and engineering. Officially introduced at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Furai marked the culmination of Mazda's relentless pursuit of automotive excellence.

Mazda Furai Concept Car

A Racing Legacy

Drawing inspiration from its illustrious ancestor, the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning 787B, the Mazda Furai was destined for greatness on the track. Adorned with striking red and silver aero work and proudly sporting the number "55," reminiscent of its Le Mans predecessor, the Furai embodied the spirit of competition. Powered by a formidable three-rotor Wankel engine, churning out 450 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, this beast was built to dominate the American Le Mans series.

Mazda Furai Concept Car side

A Tragic End

Despite its promising future on the track, fate had other plans for the Mazda Furai. In a tragic turn of events, the prototype met its untimely demise during a photo session at Bentwaters Park Air Force base in the U.K. A plume of smoke emanating from the engine bay signaled impending doom, and within minutes, the Furai was engulfed in flames. While driver Mark Ticehurst emerged unscathed, the beloved prototype was reduced to ashes, leaving behind a legacy tinged with sorrow.

Mazda Furai Concept Car burning

Legacy Lives On

Though the Mazda Furai may have met a premature end, its legacy continues to reverberate through the annals of automotive history. A symbol of innovation and ingenuity, the Furai remains etched in the memories of enthusiasts worldwide. From its appearances in popular video game series to die-cast toy replicas, the spirit of the Furai lives on, inspiring future generations of automotive aficionados.

Mazda Furai Concept Car back

Embrace the Passion

As we bid farewell to the Mazda Furai, let us remember not just the car, but the passion and dedication that went into its creation. In the face of adversity, Mazda's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design remains unwavering. Stay tuned, for the journey continues, and the best is yet to come.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

【中継】日産モータースポーツファンイベント

Red Bite | SRT Viper GTS

2020 Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America At Michelin Raceway Road Atl...

Cute girl drifting in rally car unfastened

SUV comparison VW T-Cross vs T-Roc vs Tiguan (Allspace) vs Touareg vs At...

Triple Threat | Challenger | Dodge

New 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye: Possessed by the Demon New Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye and Its 797-horsepower Supercharged HEMI® High-output Engine Drive 2019 Challenger Lineup Dodge launches most powerful SRT Hellcat lineup ever The new 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye is the most powerful, quickest and fastest muscle car Most powerful production V-8 engine with 797 horsepower and 707 lb.-ft. of torque Quickest production muscle car with 0-60 miles per hour (mph) acceleration of 3.4 seconds Fastest grand touring (GT) production car with a ¼-mile elapsed time (E.T.) of 10.8 seconds at 131 mph; and reaches a new top speed of 203 mph 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat boasts new rating of 717 horsepower and 656 lb.-ft. of torque A new dual-snorkel hood on all Hellcat models pays homage to the distinctive Dodge design themes from some of its most famous muscle cars, including the 1970 Dart Swinger and 1971 Demon  Challenger R/T Scat Pac...

All-New Ford Escape Brings Style and Substance to Small SUVs with Class-Leading Hybrids, Flexibility and Exclusive Technology

DEARBORN, Mich., April 2, 2019 – With today’s reveal of the stylish new Escape, featuring the small SUV’s best-ever performance, flexibility and smart new technology, Ford is reinventing the model that helped drive the popularity of the segment. Escape, which debuted the world’s first hybrid SUV in 2005, brings back two hybrid choices for 2020, a standard hybrid and a plug-in variant, and introduces technologies ranging from drive modes and driver-assist features to electric vehicle ingenuity and on-board connectivity. “This all-new Escape brings a sleeker, sportier design with the capability to take you on just about any of your life’s adventures,” said Kumar Galhotra, Ford’s president, North America. “With our class-leading hybrid powertrains, customers will spend less time at the gas station and more time on the road.” To create a sportier look for the all-new Escape, designers turned to some of the most high- profile sports cars in the Ford showroom. The shield-shaped ...

Gnite | BMW M Coupe (E36)

Giugiaro Clipper Official Video

HotMc - With Riley Reid | Most Wanted ReRun

Labels

Show more