| Make
|
Mazda |
| Model |
RX-01 |
| Concept
year |
1995 |
| Production
year |
- |
| Engine |
1.3
litre Wankel rotary |
|
The RX-01 concept could have become
the next RX-7 |
 |
|
Unveiled at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show the Mazda RX-01
was a proposal for the next generation Mazda RX-7 sports
car.
Power for the RX-01 came from a 220 horsepower, 1.3 litre
Wankel rotary engine which was mounted up front. However
due to the engines compact size Mazda's engineers were
able to position the powerplant further back and lower
than in a conventional front engined car. This location
meant that the weight distribution was more balanced and
the handling improved.
The styling of the RX-01 carried over the same flowing,
rounded curves found on the third generation RX-7. But
the RX-01 incorporated some extra features such as slim
LED headlights and an integrated front spoiler which helped
increase downforce over the front axle while also helping
to channel air into the engine.
Despite outside appearances the interior of the Mazda
RX-01 concept actually featured four seats, although the
rear seats were practically useless. The seats and centre
console were trimmed in black leather and contrasting
red trim was used heavily throughout to enhance the sporting
feel - although by todays standards it looks rather dated.
In the end the Mazda RX-01 never went into production
and the RX-7 was discontinued in 2002, the RX-01 did pave
the way for the Mazda
RX-Evolv concept which would eventually become the
RX-8.
Similar and related vehicles:
Mazda Furai
Mazda Kabura
Mazda Ibuki
Mazda RX-Evolv
Mazda Kusabi
Mazda Sassou
Mazda Nagare
Mazda Ryuga
Mazda Hakaze
Mazda Taiki
Mazda Kazamai
Mazda Kiyora
Mazda Kaan
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