Detroit '08 Preview: Mazda Furai breaks cover!
by Drew Phillips on Dec 27th 2007 at 11:06PM 
We got a small preview of the Furai Concept with a teaser photo released by Mazda a few weeks ago, but Inside Line has let the cat out of the bag with a full set of photos and more details about the car. The Furai, which translates to "sound of wind", is built on a Courage C65 chassis that was campaigned by Mazda in the 2005 ALMS season. It features a fully-running three-rotor Mazda 20B rotary engine that runs on E100 ethanol and produces around 450 horsepower. The flowing shape of the Furai was co-designed by Mazda and Swift Engineering at Mazda's design studio in Southern California. Expect the full details and tons of photos when we see the car in person at the Detroit Auto Show in just a few weeks. Until then, fix your eyes on the gallery of photos below.
[Source: Inside Line]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
dustandechoes91 11:33PM (12/27/2007)
Nice, that looks awesome, although im guessing a lot of people wont like it. It would also be great if it makes GT5.
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Kevin 11:50PM (12/27/2007)
One of the most amazing sports car designs I have seen. Its very modern, futuristic and flowing, but beautiful at the same time. Bravo Mazda!
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Temple 8:36AM (12/28/2007)
The car has actually already been shown on this month's issue of Automobile magazine. The article talks specifically about Mazda's unique and futuristic design language. Its designed by Franz von Holzahausen's team in Irvine (von Holzahausen may be best known for penning the Pontiac Solstice.
Taylor 11:51PM (12/27/2007)
I like the lines, but the only problem I have with it is the headlamps, they just seem, odd. But the car has a sleek wide stance to it. Very nice.
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Dustin 9:09PM (12/30/2007)
I think they're incredible. It's the bold design and flowing lines that makes this thing both beauty and a beast.
Brian 11:54PM (12/27/2007)
It got too hot and melted.
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David 12:32PM (12/28/2007)
I came here to post the same thing. The car looks like it's melting. Flowing lines is one thing, but this is too much...
Spider 11:58PM (12/27/2007)
Looks like what the batmobile should look like :)
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Maestro1 12:08AM (12/28/2007)
I was thinking EXACTLY the same thing! lol!
seoultrain 12:22AM (12/28/2007)
wow, that makes 3 of us.
3seriesisking 12:26AM (12/28/2007)
4........I was about to post the same thing.
Prolab 12:52AM (12/28/2007)
5th, i was gonna post the same thing. Something that Batman would bring if he was running with the Stig at the track.
3seriesisking 12:55AM (12/28/2007)
Ha. I'm not sure the dark knight could hold a flame to the almighty Stig.
Ethan 2:12AM (12/28/2007)
6th! The general shape reminds me of a Zonda... not saying that's bad of course...
DJ 9:11AM (12/28/2007)
Maybe it IS the new Batmobile. Afterall, Ford has the vehicle product placement rights for the Dark Knight (Bruce Wayne's new civilian ride is the Lincoln MKS) and they do own Mazda (more or less).
John R 9:27AM (12/28/2007)
+7. Except I was thinking that "Batman Beyond" cartoon from back in the day.
@DJ
Seriously, a Lincoln? That is kind of a step down from a Murcielago (Bat in espanol).
Randy 10:00AM (12/28/2007)
Make that 4 of us!
I love that car and totally agree about the headlamps too! They are kind of odd! I don't have Photoshop at work but if someone wants to, add some Glass to that area to see what it looks like! Then post to AutoBlog with it? :)
David(Postal) 10:35AM (12/28/2007)
OMG yeah the Batmobile goes to the race track! I almost busted out laughing
KL 11:57PM (12/27/2007)
This had design cues from the other recent Mazda concepts. If theycan make a production version seems like it would be a worthycompetitor for the Nissan GT-R and the next Supra. Mazda just needsto stop teasing viewers, and go ahead and build a suitable sportscar. Mazda bring back the MX-6 or produce the Kabura!
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DJ 11:29AM (12/28/2007)
John R -Seriously, a Lincoln? That is kind of a step down from a Murcielago (Bat in espanol).
You have to remember, he burned down his house in the first movie, spent billions to buy back his own company and probably faced some pretty heavy lawsuits. I'm guessing his budget only allowed for the Lincoln. Then again, maybe the Lincoln is being driven by someone else.