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Mazda Reveals RX-Vision GT3 Concept, A Rotary Powered Race Car

Following in the footsteps of plenty of other manufacturers, Mazda has produced a Gran Turismo concept called the RX-Vision GT3. The car was quickly shown during the World Final of the FIA World Tour for Gran Turismo Sport which was held in Monaco.

The virtual concept will be making its debut in the next Gran Turismo game so we’ll have to wait until then for the full spec low-down, but we know for sure that it’s going to be powered by the all new SkyActiv-R engine. It’s a Rotary-based engine which, at the moment, Mazda is planning on being used as a range extender. However, there have been rumours of Mazda building a Rotary-only sports car, but this is yet to be confirmed.

RX-Vision GT3 retains much the same layout and design as the original RX-Vision in which it shares its engine. But of course, we’ve only been given a sketch to ponder over, and much of this will surely be changed for the final design that will make it to the game. For example, small wheels and higher profile tyres, plus a lower beltline and more cockpit height for the virtual driver.

There is a copious amount of aero and downforce-producing wings on this concept which we’re sure will be mostly removed for its debut, but it’s very difficult to not love a large diffusor and a wing that stretches wider than the car itself. And the splitter that extends from the front bumper looks sharp enough to cut a spectator in two, but it’s balanced perfectly with the sword-like sideskirts and muscular haunches.

It apparently has a weight distribution of 48:52 front to back thanks to its mid-mounted engine location, and the styling is thanks to the hand of Ikuo Maeda, Mazda’s head of design. Maeda is also the son of the man who penned the original RX-7, Matasaburo Maeda.

Mazda is building a partnership with Polyphony Digital so expect to see more of Mazda in the Gran Turismo series in the future.

Alex Harrington

Alex started racing at a young age so certainly knows his way around a car and a track. He can just about put a sentence together too, which helps. He has a great interest in the latest models, but would throw all of his money at a rusty old French classic and a 300ZX. Contact: [email protected]

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