The 2008 Mazda Furai Concept

A Le Mans concept car that had a 3 rotor, and Top Gear ended its life. it is the majestic Mazda Furai. A very cool car with a very sad story.

The Mazda Furai came out as a concept car in early 2008. Mazda had one mission with this car. Win Le Mans with a rotary engine for the second time. They were so confident that they were going to win. People loved the design of the new Mazda, and they were also rooting for the Furai at Le Mans.

When the Furai came out it had a naturally aspirated 3 rotor putting out 450 horsepower and 278-pound feet of torque. That’s a lot considering it only weighed just under 1500 pounds. The reason they used the number 55 is that in 1991 Mazda won Le Mans with there 787B which also had the Wankel Rotary.

On August 19, 2008, Mazda gave the Furai to Top Gear to do a review. They were ripping the car around when the engine caught on fire. The driver was able to get out but the car was not okay. It burned for 8 minutes, resulting in the end of the Furai. In 2013 Top Gear finally admitted that they ended the Furais life.

The Fuari was a great car. But we don’t have it now. I think Mazda should try their luck again and make another Le Mans car. Maybe make it a rotary with 700 horsepower. That would be so cool. This is a good idea and Mazda should do this. Just don’t give it to Top Gear this time!