click above to enlarge

The photo above looks too cool not to be a future RX-8 incarnation, but the rendering merely represents one Mazda fan's interpretation of the next Rotary-powered sports coupe. Forum poster Rhoadwh over at Fomoconews concocted the sweet-looking coupe after picking up on the most sensible parts of the Taiki and Furai concepts from this past year's auto circuit. Rhoadwh chose the front engine layout of the Taiki and the overall design theme of the completely badass Furai to make a race-ready RX-9 for the future.

Sure, this rendering is just one guy having fun, but we're with him in hoping that Mazda takes into account the outstanding design language used in the Taiki concept, and even more so the Furai. It's amazing what someone with Photoshop and a healthy dose of talent can do. Thanks for the tip, Mbuku!

[Source: Fomoconews]

Episode 85 of the Autoblog Podcast finds us reminiscing about the North American International Auto Show that recently invaded Detroit. It was perhaps not as thrilling as past shows, but the new F-150 and Ram hauled and herded some excitement into Cobo. Both pickups are newly spiffed and bristling with new features and engineering. While the trucks are no doubt big news, the CTS Coupe stokes our fires far more. We hope to see it visited by the V-series gnomes, too.

There were a passel of diesels at the show, too. Audi's V12 TDI R8 concept was filled with design gumdrops for us to chew on, besides the 12-pot 500-hp diesel that returns mileage in the 20s. BMW had its 335d and some X5 alphabet soup thing, and Honda showed its clean diesel. Beyond oil burners, we took an IRL look at the Hyundais Genesis and found it surprising beyond what pictures convey. The Lancer Ralliart turned out to be a charmer, while we question the very existence of VW's Passat CC, and Fisker's bestickered Karma was certainly software-worthy vaporware. Mazda had the best car in the show with its racy Furai, and the Lincoln MKT threatens Cadillac not one whit. Ford's Verve is a bright spot, though, and it can't get here fast enough. We had a lot more to say, but ran out of time to say it this time around. Watch this space for more, but for now, enjoy all 33 minutes of #85.

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click above for new live shots of the Mazda Furai

We were looking forward to seeing the Mazda Furai, but nothing could take away from the experience of actually seeing it in person. The car simply just doesn't have a bad angle. What's really incredible is that it's not just a show car. Under that sleek body is a Mazda 20B rotary engine pushing 450 horsepower and a Courage C65 race car chassis. While you may not be personally at the show, we've done our best to bring you the high resolution photos. You can check out the new live pictures in the Furai Concept gallery, along with the 60 press shots that were added earlier today.

click above to view 61 high-res images of the Mazda Furai Concept

We're eagerly awaiting the moment when we get to see the Mazda Furai in person tomorrow, but until we must be satisfied with more high-res pics of the automaker's ALMS-inspired concept. Mazda just released dozens more photos of the Furai, and based on what our eyes see, it's already a Best of Show contender. Now, following the release of on-track video of the Furai (click here to view), we're that much closer to giving it the nod sight unseen. How come? The Furai is as audibly evil as it looks. Still not 787B evil, but this is close. Mazda, Autoblog wants a ride. Check out the video after the jump, you won't regret it.

[Source: AutoTau via Jalopnik]

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]