The Lost Legend of the Mazda Furai

The Mazda Furai, unveiled in late 2007 and officially debuting at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, was a striking concept car representing the culmination of Mazda’s “Nagare” design philosophy and a tangible link to its racing heritage. The name “Furai,” meaning “sound of the wind,” hinted at its fluid, aerodynamic design, a collaborative effort between Swift Engineering and Mazda. As the fifth and final concept in the Nagare series, which began in 2006, the Furai was unique as a fully functional machine with aspirations for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Nagare design philosophy, developed by Franz von Holzhausen and Laurens van den Acker, aimed to capture the essence of natural motion in automotive form, drawing inspiration from the way wind shapes sand or water moves. While earlier Nagare concepts focused primarily on aesthetics, the Furai emphasized functionality, integrating the flowing lines with real-world performance demands. Preceding concepts included the Nagare (2006), Ryuga (2007), Hakaze (2007), and Taiki (2007), each exploring different facets of the “flow” concept. The Nagare era ultimately paved the way for Mazda’s subsequent “Kodo” design language.

The Furai's design was a blend of artistic vision and aerodynamic necessity, featuring sleek lines inspired by motorsport. The front boasted aggressive headlamps flanking Mazda's signature grille, with headlamp trim designed to counteract aerodynamic lift. Strategic relief of high-pressure zones above the front wheels and an airflow package for engine cooling were incorporated. Nagare-inspired textures on the sides directed airflow to the rear brakes, oil cooler, and transmission cooler. Butterfly doors provided access to the cockpit, and the car's low stance (under 40 inches tall) and wide track (nearly 80 inches) contributed to its aggressive posture. A rear under-car diffuser further optimized downforce. The dark matte finish with red and orange accents paid tribute to Mazda’s 1991 Le Mans-winning 787B, complete with the number 55. Inside, the focus was on weight reduction and driver ergonomics, featuring carbon-fiber bucket seats, racing harnesses, and a Sparco motorsport-derived steering wheel with an electronic display and shift paddles. A slightly wider greenhouse offered improved visibility.

Under the hood, the Furai featured a mid-mounted 2.0-liter R20B RENESIS three-rotor Wankel engine, producing approximately 450 horsepower. Developed by Racing Beat, the engine ran on 100% ethanol (E100) biofuel, showcasing the adaptability of Mazda’s rotary technology. Power was channeled through an X-trac six-speed semi-automatic gearbox. The Furai was built upon a Courage Compétition C65 LMP2 chassis, the same platform Mazda used in the American Le Mans Series. The monocoque structure was made of aluminum alloy and carbon fiber, and the suspension featured an independent setup with double wishbones, pushrods, and horizontally mounted shock absorbers. The car had a wheelbase of 2,790 mm, a length of 4,563 mm, a width of 1,956 mm, and a height of 977 mm, with a remarkably low curb weight of 675 kg (1,488 lb). The collaboration with Swift Engineering was crucial for refining the car’s aerodynamic characteristics using CFD software, even resulting in a joint patent for a “Turbo Tongue” device.

The Furai served as a vibrant homage to Mazda’s motorsport history, particularly its 1991 Le Mans victory. The use of the number 55 and the iconic livery directly linked it to the Mazda 787B. The Courage C65 LMP2 chassis connected it to Mazda’s recent participation in ALMS, where B-K Motorsports had achieved success. Head designer Laurens van den Acker expressed aspirations for the Furai to one day compete at Le Mans, underscoring Mazda’s serious intentions for the concept.

Unlike many static concept cars, the Mazda Furai was fully functional and rigorously tested on tracks like Laguna Seca and Buttonwillow. It boasted an estimated top speed of 172-180 mph and a 0-60 mph acceleration of around 3.2-3.8 seconds. Reports from those who drove it described it as incredibly noisy, remarkably fast, and agile, delivering a thrilling driving experience.

Tragically, the sole Furai prototype was destroyed by fire in August 2008 during a road test by Top Gear magazine at Bentwaters Parks in England. While works driver Mark Ticehurst escaped, the fire, fueled by the ethanol, completely incinerated the car. The incident was not publicly revealed until September 2013.

Despite its destruction, the Mazda Furai has left an enduring legacy through its appearances in numerous video games and as a Hot Wheels die-cast toy, keeping its memory alive for enthusiasts. While Mazda has no plans to recreate the Furai, its influence can be seen in subsequent Mazda designs. The Mazda Furai remains a symbol of innovative and ambitious spirit, captivating imaginations with its blend of design, performance, and lost potential.