This Mazda Concept Uses a Wankel Engine Pushing Out 360 HP. In Theory

It’s called the Mazda FRX, and is a concept rendering created by Stefano Airoldi, a designer from Torino, Italy. Coming from such a cultural center for speed, we’re sure to get a taste of some pretty neat looks to say the least. That’s not to mention some of the technological ideas the car expresses.

What we see from the start is a design like other roadster concepts we may have seen. The Burov Art Union Type-C is another vehicle with a similar design. But obvious differences do exist.

One thing we know for sure about this concept is that it’s meant to include a certain type of engine, a three-rotor engine, or Wankel, you know, the one that’s been a part of Mazda heritage since the 60s. This engine might be the reason why the make of this virtual car is Mazda, or maybe it was the other way. Whichever way you look at it, this motor and Mazda have almost always been one.

For this concept, however, this engine is found at the rear of the car, offering awesome handling, if you know how to work the lines, that is. To help you maneuver better, the FRX includes airfoils to offer braking ability at high speeds, but also to act as a suspension component, something we rather see on Formula cars.

The body does sort of have a slight Formula look, with that massive front wing and visible struts jutting out of the chassis. The long front end also brings the Mazda feel to the mix. The actual body or fuselage for the car is rather thin and narrow, but the wide body look we see is offered by the incorporation of the airfoils.

These braking airfoils can be seen in one of the photos in the gallery as the car is in a turn. At the front, two silver foils rise out of the hood, while at the rear two black foils can be seen.

The cockpit too gives off a track feeling with its one seat and air intake right above the driver's head. Roll-over protection is also offered by the air-intake and solid looking rear. Oh, which is supposed to be composed completely of carbon fiber. Actually, the designer mentions that the entire frame of the FRX is to be composed of honey-comb carbon tubing. Meaning it’s supposed to be light and strong enough for the Gs you could experience without falling apart.

The rear shows even more carbon fiber work. This time on the underbody or diffuser. A nice little personal touch from the designer was to turn the brake light horizontally. I just feel it tapers off the rear end better.

Looking at it, the car just works, even with those fat racing slicks. Make no mistake about it. If this car is to ever be seen on planet Earth, it will most certainly be found on a racetrack, as you might never even get it into third if on urban streets.