TOP-3 - Japan stands proudly as a hub of automotive excellence, boasting a rich history of manufacturing reliable and innovative cars. However, not every Japanese car commands the same level of admiration from automotive enthusiasts. Amidst the plethora of high-performance vehicles, only a select few have etched their names in history as the epitome of sports car perfection.
The three iconic Japanese sports cars, Honda NSX, Toyota 2000GT, and Nissan 240Z that have left an indelible mark. (Picture from various sources, mixed by EKA)
These iconic Japanese sports cars are not merely celebrated for their technological prowess; they stand out with distinctive designs that set them apart from the typical sports car aesthetics. Moreover, their association with renowned figures from various walks of life further elevates their status. Let's delve into the annals of automotive history to explore three iconic Japanese sports cars that have left an indelible mark.
1. Honda NSX: A Timeless Marvel
Enthusiasts worldwide are undoubtedly familiar with the Honda NSX, a sports car that earned its stripes in an era long past. So significant was its impact that Honda recently decided to unveil a new generation. Crafted with the assistance of F1 world champion Ayrton Senna, the NSX rolled off the production line between 1990 and 2005, leaving a legacy with around 18 thousand units produced.
Honda NSX. (Picture from: CariImages)
The NSX's design drew inspiration from the F16 fighter jet, renowned for its 360-degree visibility cabin. Pioneering the use of aluminum and monocoque technology in production cars, Honda NSX not only showcased performance but also pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering.
2. Toyota 2000GT: Where Elegance Meets Performance
Enter the Toyota 2000GT, a historic sports car that diverged from the typical Japanese sports car aesthetics of its time, embracing a European elegance often likened to the 'Japanese E-Type.' Collaborating with the famed Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Yamaha, Toyota produced a limited run of 351 units, enhancing the car's exclusivity.
The 2000GT's reputation soared after making a prominent appearance in the James Bond sequel, 'You Only Live Twice.' In this cinematic endeavor, the suave 007 agent navigated the streets in the only convertible version of the 2000GT, solidifying its place in the realm of iconic sports cars.
3. Nissan 240Z: Pioneering Elegance and Performance
Introduced in 1969, the Nissan 240Z heralded a new era of sports cars with its coupe-style design, laying the foundation for its successor, the current 370Z. The 240Z not only showcased an aesthetically pleasing design but also marked Nissan as the first Japanese automaker to captivate automotive enthusiasts in the western hemisphere successfully.
The positive reception and sales impact of the Nissan 240Z reverberated, making it one of Japan's most influential sports cars globally during its time. As a forerunner to modern Nissan sports cars, the 240Z played a pivotal role in shaping the brand's identity in the automotive world.
In essence, these three Japanese sports cars—Honda NSX, Toyota 2000GT, and Nissan 240Z—have transcended mere machinery, leaving an indomitable legacy in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
In the upcoming video, we showcase the aforementioned three sports cars along with several other models, perfect for enthusiasts of Japanese sports cars.
Their fusion of performance, design, and historical significance cements their status as timeless icons in the world of sports cars, showcasing Japan's unwavering commitment to automotive excellence. As we navigate the lanes of automotive history, these iconic vehicles continue to revitalize our fascination with the artistry of Japanese engineering. *** [EKA [26042015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | EXPRESS | HEMMINGS | CARIMAGES | LAREVEUAUTOMOBILE ]
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Red-Hot Hatch - The 1980s stand as a golden age for car enthusiasts, particularly those captivated by the audacious world of tuner vehicles. This era witnessed an explosion of creativity, with daring designs and groundbreaking modifications dominating the automotive scene. Among the remarkable creations of that time is the enigmatic Sbarro Super Eight—a car that blends performance, ingenuity, and eccentricity into a singular, unforgettable package.
The Sbarro Super Eight, with its striking fiberglass body and bold 1980s-inspired design, perfectly captures the daring spirit of that era's automotive trends. (Picture from: Motor1)
To truly appreciate the brilliance of the Sbarro Super Eight, we must first understand its visionary creator, Franco Sbarro. Known for his unconventional approach to automotive design, Sbarro had a penchant for pushing boundaries. His earlier masterpiece, the Sbarro Super Twelve, unveiled in 1982, showcased his ambition. By coupling two six-cylinder Kawasaki Z1300 engines, he produced an impressive 240 horsepower in a vehicle weighing just 800 kilograms.
The cherry-red Sbarro Super Eight hatchback, built on a shortened Ferrari 308 GTB platform, is poised to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike.(Picture from: BringATrailer)
This lightweight powerhouse set the stage for the debut of the Sbarro Super Eight in 1984. The Super Eight, though equally distinctive, took a slightly different route. Like its predecessor, it remained a one-off marvel, designed not for mass production but as a testament to Sbarro's innovative spirit. The compact dimensions of the car—just 3.15 meters in length—belie its powerful core. Its striking fiberglass body, adorned with bold 1980s-style design elements, encapsulates the audacity of that decade's automotive trends.
The Sbarro Super Eight's ribbed side air intakes enhance its aggressive design while efficiently channeling air to the V8 engine for peak performance.(Picture from: BringATrailer)
This isn’t just a visual statement; the Super Eight’s aesthetics have a
functional edge, with air intakes designed to channel airflow to its
Ferrari-derived heart. At the core of the Sbarro Super Eight lies the engineering brilliance of Ferrari. Built on a shortened platform of the Ferrari 308 GTB, it incorporates the iconic Italian marque's 2,927cc V8 engine. Producing 240 horsepower, this mid-mounted powertrain is paired with a five-speed manual transmission in Ferrari's signature gated shifter style.
The Sbarro Super Eight's interior retains many original Ferrari 308 components, featuring brown leather upholstery with cloth inserts on the seats and door panels, complemented by wood accents on the dashboard and door caps for a sophisticated touch.(Picture from: BringATrailer)
The rear-wheel drive system, double-wishbone suspension, and disc brakes at all four corners ensure that the Super Eight delivers performance as thrilling as its appearance. The ribbed side air intakes not only enhance its aggressive design but also serve a crucial purpose—feeding air to the V8 engine for optimal performance.
The Sbarro Super Eight, equipped with a three-spoke MOMO steering wheel wrapped in brown leather, seamlessly integrates Veglia Borletti instrumentation and a steering column retaining its original VIN.(Picture from: BringATrailer)
Step inside the Sbarro Super Eight, and you're immediately transported back to the 1980s. The interior retains much of the Ferrari 308's original components, from its switchgear to the steering column, complete with its original VIN.
The Sbarro Super Eight featured a mid-mounted 2,927cc V8 engine from the Ferrari 308 GTB, paired with a five-speed manual and Ferrari's iconic gated shifter.(Picture from: Motor1)
Brown leather upholstery with cloth inserts covers the two seats and door panels, while wood accents on the dashboard and door caps add a touch of sophistication. Features like power windows, a gated shifter, and a Clarion stereo system with a cassette player provide a blend of luxury and nostalgia. The three-spoke MOMO steering wheel, wrapped in brown leather, pairs seamlessly with Veglia Borletti instrumentation, offering precision readouts for speed, RPMs, and essential engine metrics.
The Sbarro Super Eight hatchback, a one-of-a-kind creation, stands as a rare and highly coveted piece of automotive history.(Picture from: Motor1)
Beyond its engineering and design, the Sbarro Super Eight’s exclusivity and rarity amplify its allure. With only one example ever built, it has become a coveted piece of automotive history. Currently up for auction in Paris, the vehicle has resurfaced after its previous listing in Belgium four years ago, where it was priced at $183,000. With just under 19,000 miles on the odometer, this cherry-red hatchback remains in remarkable condition, poised to capture the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts alike. | uUrcWDWoSlc |
The Sbarro Super Eight is more than just a car; it’s a symbol of unbridled creativity and innovation in an era defined by daring experimentation. Its combination of Ferrari performance, unique design, and the audacity of Franco Sbarro makes it a masterpiece of 1980s automotive culture. Whether you're drawn to its one-of-a-kind charm or its historical significance, the Super Eight is a reminder that the most extraordinary creations often come from those willing to defy convention and dream big. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SBARRO.PHCALVET.FR | RADICAL-MAG | MOTOR1 | BRINGATRAILER ]
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Electric Origins- In today’s fast-paced world, electric vehicles seem like a futuristic leap—quiet, sleek machines that glide through traffic without leaving a trace of pollution. But what may surprise many is that the electric car isn’t a 21st-century invention at all. Its roots go way back, deep into the early 1800s, long before smartphones or even light bulbs became common. The real story of electric vehicles begins in an era of gas lamps and steam engines, with a handful of pioneering minds who dared to imagine a different future.
1896 Riker Electric Tricycle. (Picture from: BlogCarlist)
As early as the 1830s, inventors such as Robert Anderson from Scotland and American Thomas Davenport began experimenting with electrically powered vehicles. Though their creations were primitive and short-ranged, they sparked a wave of innovation. Around the same time, Dutch inventor Sidbrandus Stratingh, Hungarian engineer Anyos Jedlik, and American Christopher Becker were also developing early concepts of electric transport. Each played a role in shaping what would become a growing obsession among inventors across the globe.
By the 1840s, things began to accelerate. Robert Davidson of Scotland and Thomas Davenport in the United States built some of the first practical electric vehicles using non-rechargeable electric cell batteries. These were still limited by the short life of their power source, but they marked an important shift: from theory to tangible, moving machines. Then came a game-changing moment in 1859, when Gaston Planté, a French physicist, invented the first rechargeable lead-acid battery. His discovery laid the foundation for the electric vehicle’s evolution, finally offering a power source that could be reused rather than replaced.
1896 Electric Construction Corporation's electric dog-cart.(Picture from: ElectricVehiclesNews)
The next big leap came in 1865 with the refinement of rechargeable batteries, and in 1881, Camille Faure—also from France—took the technology further by improving battery capacity and durability. Working alongside engineers Charles Jeantaud and Nicholas Raffard, they created an electric vehicle powered by these upgraded batteries. This wasn't just experimental anymore—electric cars were starting to look like a serious alternative to traditional vehicles.
The first electric car to exceed the speed of 100 kph was referred to as "Jamais Contente" and was built in Belgium in 1899. It was equipped with Michelin tires and adopted as a torpedo. (Picture from: NewTechnology22)
By 1882, the electric movement gained serious momentum in England with the formation of Elwell-Parker Ltd., founded by engineer Thomas Parker and financier Paul Bedford Elwell in Wolverhampton. The company focused on building high-capacity rechargeable batteries, based on Parker’s designs. Having previously worked together on early accumulators, Parker and Elwell expanded their scope to include motors, controllers, and dynamos. Their collaboration helped drive the electric vehicle concept closer to reality.
One of Thomas Parker's early electric cars. Thomas is in the middle and on the back seat is possibly his son Alfred. (Picture from: ElectricVehiclesNews)
Their efforts were soon amplified when Elwell-Parker Ltd. merged with several other firms to form the Electric Construction Corporation in 1889. This new enterprise produced a vast range of electrical equipment, from arc lamps and switchboards to powerful motors used in electric cranes and pumps. They weren’t just dreaming of an electric future—they were building it, one component at a time.
Electric vehicles reached a peak of popularity during the late 1800s. Even Thomas Edison joined the movement, creating a successful electric car in 1889 using nickel-alkaline batteries. That same year, Thomas Parker’s battery-powered trams were already operating in Birmingham, England, while his earlier trams had been running in Blackpool since 1884. Parker also claimed to have driven an electric vehicle as early as 1884, and by 1896, he introduced the "electric dog-cart," featuring advanced features like four-wheel steering and hydraulic brakes on all wheels—technologies still praised in today’s vehicles.
The New York city Electric Carriage Cabs in 1897. (Picture from: ElectricVehiclesNews)
As the idea of electric vehicles gained traction, their role in society began to evolve. In 1897, electric taxis hit the streets of New York, marking one of the earliest uses of electric transport in public service. Just a few years later, in 1901, the French postal service began using electric delivery vehicles produced by Levallois-Perret. These trucks could carry up to 1.5 tons, travel as far as 50 kilometers, and reach speeds of 15 kilometers per hour—solid performance for the time.
1897 Bersey electric cab, the London’s first self-propelled taxi. (Picture from: Blog.ScienceMuseum)
The electric vehicle’s growing influence was perhaps best symbolized by a groundbreaking achievement in 1899. That year, a Belgian-built electric car called La Jamais Contente—which means “The Never Satisfied”—became the first vehicle in the world to break the 100 km/h speed barrier. Designed by Camille Jenatzy, this bullet-shaped car stunned the world and proved that electric power could deliver not just clean transportation, but high performance too. It didn’t just set a record—it set a new standard for what electric cars could aspire to.
Thomas Edison's electric car in 1913. (Picture from: Carmudicoid)
But the electric car's promising rise faced a major obstacle: the rapid advancement of gasoline-powered engines. Everything changed in 1908 with the arrival of the Ford Model T. Cheap to produce, affordable to fuel, and easy to maintain, it reshaped the entire automotive industry. Compared to gas-powered cars, electric vehicles were more expensive and offered less range, causing their popularity to quickly fade.
Now, more than a century later, the world has come full circle. With rising fuel costs, growing environmental awareness, and rapid advances in battery technology, electric vehicles are not just making a comeback—they're becoming a symbol of tomorrow. What began in workshops powered by candles and curiosity has grown into an industry driving the global shift toward cleaner, smarter mobility. *** [EKA [18072013] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SEPTI | PIKIRAN RAKYAT 18072013 | BLOGSCIENCEMUSEUM | ENVIRONMENT911 | ELECTRICVEHICLESNEWS | NEWTECHNOLOGY22 | ]
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Retro Swagger - In the ever-evolving world of automotive design, few creations manage to blend the audacity of custom car culture with the prestige of a luxury brand quite like the Cadillac Eldorado Show Car, also known as the EldoRODo Concept. For enthusiasts who appreciate bold expression on four wheels, this one-off masterpiece stands as a dazzling reminder of a time when carmakers weren’t afraid to break the mold and go all-in on creativity.
GM’s "EldoRODo" 1999 Cadillac Concept Show Car is believed to have been developed by GM designers and customized by California Street Rods’ Chuck Lombardo. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
Commissioned by General Motors at the turn of the millennium, this isn’t just another show car—it’s a full-throttle tribute to the vibrant Southern California custom car scene. Debuting in style at the Los Angeles and Detroit auto shows, the EldoRODo wasn’t built to forecast the future of Cadillac’s design language. Instead, it was designed to celebrate the roots of American car customization: lowriders, chopped tops, bold colors, and attitude to spare.
GM’s "EldoRODo" 1999 Cadillac Concept Show Car is a full-throttle tribute to the vibrant Southern California custom car scene, and made its debut in style at the Los Angeles and Detroit auto shows. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
Finished in a vivid creamsicle orange, this Cadillac Eldoradoreceived the full SoCal treatment at the hands of California Street Rods in Huntington Beach. The customization is extensive and deliberate. Every exterior panel was modified. The roof was chopped for a sleeker profile, while the windshield and rear window were given a sharper rake, creating a more aggressive stance. Gone are the factory trim pieces, replaced with smooth, uninterrupted lines that make the car appear even lower than it already is—about four inches lower than a stock Eldorado Touring Coupe.
GM’s 1999 “EldoRODo” Cadillac Concept Show Car, finished in vivid creamsicle orange, featured fully modified body panels, a chopped roof, and sharply raked glass for a sleeker, more aggressive stance.(Picture from: BringATrailer)
And then there are the rear wheel skirts—massive extensions that nearly engulf the custom 18-inch wheels. They add a level of drama that’s rare even among high-end concept cars. Despite its radical appearance, the mechanical heart of the vehicle remains largely factory-spec. Under the hood lies a 4.6-liter Northstar V8 engine that pumps out 300 horsepower, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. It’s a nod to Cadillac’s commitment to performance, even in a car designed for show rather than the open road.
The cabin of GM’s 1999 “EldoRODo” Cadillac Concept features Neutral Shale leather seats, Bose audio, multi-format stereo, dual-zone climate, power accessories, and carbon fiber trim throughout.(Picture from: BringATrailer)
What makes this concept especially unique is how convincingly it marries classic hot rod aesthetics with modern Cadillac luxury. It doesn’t just wear its custom look—it owns it. From every angle, it shouts personality and craftsmanship. It’s a car that doesn’t just turn heads; it sparks conversations.
GM’s "EldoRODo" 1999 Cadillac Concept Show Car powered by a 4.6-liter Northstar V8 engine that pumps out 300 horsepower, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
Interestingly, the EldoRODo Concept later found its way into the garage of Tyler Hoovie, the YouTube personality behind Hoovies Garage. However, despite its road-worthy appearance, driving it on public streets presents challenges. General Motors sold the car with a junk title during its bankruptcy period, essentially preventing future legal liability—but also complicating registration for everyday use. That said, it’s still a showstopper on the car show circuit, even if it has to arrive on a trailer.
The GM’s 1999 “EldoRODo” Cadillac Concept features massive rear wheel skirts that nearly engulf the custom 18-inch wheels, adding a dramatic flair rarely seen even in high-end concept cars.(Picture from: BringATrailer)
Today, the EldoRODo represents more than just a concept car. It’s a time capsule of early-2000s optimism and design experimentation—a rolling slice of Y2K nostalgia with chrome, curves, and charisma to spare. And for those who’ve ever dreamed of owning a one-of-a-kind Cadillac unlike anything else on the road, now’s the time to act. | DDgLGzwc-CI |
For those with a love for custom culture and Cadillac luxury, the EldoRODo Concept is more than a car. It's a bold statement, frozen in time, ready to make its next appearance in the spotlight. This remarkable piece of automotive art is currently up for grabs on Bring a Trailer, with the auction wrapping up on April 16. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BRINGATRAILER | CARANDDRIVER | ]
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Radical Transformation - It’s not every day that you see a supercar that completely defies convention. Many exotic cars push the boundaries of design, but few go as far as transforming an already legendary model into something almost unrecognizable. That’s exactly what happened with a Lamborghini Diablo in Japan, which has been reborn as an aggressive, over-the-top machine known as The Beast.
The Beast is an extreme transformation of the Lamborghini Diablo into something that looks straight out of a futuristic anime, crafted by Value Progress. (Picture from: Carscoops)
At first glance, you might think it’s another supercar knockoff, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Unlike most extravagant builds that simply add wild body kits to standard cars, this creation retains its prestigious roots. The Beast is not built on a common sports car platform—it’s still a Lamborghini underneath. However, the team at Value Progress, the Japanese company behind the transformation, took the original Diablo and reshaped it into something that looks like it came straight out of a futuristic anime.
The Beast features a long, pointed nose with vertically stacked headlights, high-mounted fog lights, and an aggressive splitter at the front. (Picture from: Carscoops)
The goal was simple: create a Japanese-made supercar that would leave people in awe. The final result certainly delivers. Every single body panel of the Diablo was replaced, except for the windshield. The new design is an explosion of sharp angles, exaggerated wings, and vents, heavily influenced by Japan’s bosozoku car culture. It looks like a Lamborghini Veneno taken to an extreme level, with styling so intense that it borders on the surreal.
The
Beast's design is an explosion of sharp angles, exaggerated wings, and
vents, heavily inspired by Japan’s bosozoku car culture, resembling a
Lamborghini Veneno taken to an extreme, surreal level.(Picture from: Carscoops)
At the front, The Beast sports a long, pointed nose with vertically stacked headlights, high-mounted fog lights, and an aggressive splitter. But even that pales in comparison to the rear. The back end is a masterpiece of excess, featuring widened fenders, an intricate diffuser, and a towering central fin that connects to a massive wing. The eight round taillights and four high-mounted exhaust pipes add even more drama, making it clear that subtlety was never part of the plan.
The Beast's back end is a masterpiece of excess, with widened fenders, an intricate diffuser, and a towering central fin that connects to a massive wing.(Picture from: Carscoops)
In terms of size, The Beast dwarfs the already imposing Diablo. It’s a full 570 mm (22.4 inches) longer and 360 mm (14.2 inches) wider, giving it an even more menacing presence. Measuring 5,030 mm (198 inches) in length and 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) in width, this machine demands attention from every angle. The roof itself is just 1,100 mm (43.3 inches) tall, making the car look even more dramatic, thanks to its towering wing structure.
The Beast's eight round taillights and four high-mounted exhaust pipes add even more drama, making it clear that subtlety was never the goal.(Picture from: Carscoops)
Despite its radical design, the heart of The Beast remains familiar. It still runs on the Diablo’s 5.7-liter V12 engine, paired with a manual transmission. Depending on the original model, it could produce anywhere from 485 to 595 horsepower, ensuring that this machine is just as powerful as it looks. While the team at Value Progress hasn’t disclosed details on performance upgrades, they emphasize the car’s advanced suspension and braking system, suggesting that it’s not just for show. | N3fu9gsZ2K0 |
The Beast made its public debut at the Osaka Auto Messe 2025, where it instantly became a highlight of the event. Whether or not it will be made available for purchase—or if it even remains street legal after its extreme modifications—remains a mystery. But one thing is certain: this outrageous creation is impossible to ignore. It’s a bold statement in the world of custom supercars, proving that when it comes to pushing boundaries, Japan always finds a way to take things further than anyone else. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | AUTO YAHOO ]
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Rotary Reverie - In an era where the automotive industry is accelerating toward electrification and self-driving technology, it’s often the unseen, the unrealized, and the never-produced that leave the most lasting impressions. While showrooms today are dominated by practical innovations and efficiency-driven design, the world of concept cars continues to captivate our imagination. These vehicles, untethered from the constraints of mass production, allow designers and engineers to dream boldly—pushing the limits of what’s possible and hinting at what’s to come.
Mazda’s RX dream cars never made it to the streets, but they sparked the creation of legendary model like the RX-8. (Pictures from: Carbuzz and Wikipedia, Generated by ChatGPT)
For Mazda, that spirit of exploration was vividly expressed through its RX Concept series. These rotary-powered visions, spanning decades of development and innovation, weren’t just design exercises—they were emotional statements tied deeply to the brand’s heritage. Though none of these stunning machines made it to the production line, their presence still resonates. They symbolize a philosophy of passion over practicality and stand as powerful reminders of Mazda’s relentless commitment to its unique identity and engineering legacy.
1. Mazda RX-01: A Return to Simplicity
Back in 1995, Mazda unveiled the Mazda RX-01 at the Tokyo Motor Show, a sleek and modestly-sized coupe designed to deliver fun without frills. It was created in response to a tough economic climate and fading enthusiasm for luxury sports cars. Inspired by the philosophy behind the original RX-7, the RX-01 focused on pure, lightweight performance.
The Mazda RX-01 Concept, a sleek and modestly-sized coupe built to deliver pure driving fun without the frills, was developed in response to a challenging economic climate and declining interest in high-end sports cars. (Picture from: Carbuzz)
Under its hood was the improved 13B-MSP Wankel rotary engine, offering not just more power, but also better fuel economy and cleaner emissions. Everything about the RX-01 screamed “driver’s car”—affordable, straightforward, and genuinely exciting. Still, despite its promise and the hope of rotary fans worldwide, the RX-01 never made it into production.
The Mazda RX-01 Concept was powered by an improved 13B-MSP Wankel rotary engine, delivering not only increased power, but also better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.(Picture from: Carbuzz)
Mazda’s financial constraints and market trends at the time leaned heavily toward SUVs, leaving this gem to exist only as a concept. However, its engine laid the groundwork for the RENESIS unit that would eventually power the RX-8.
2. Mazda RX-Evolv: Performance with a Practical Twist
Mazda’s rotary ambitions didn’t stop there. Four years later, at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show, they introduced the Mazda RX-Evolv—a striking and unconventional four-door coupe. This wasn’t just a sports car; it was a fresh take on what a performance vehicle could look like.
The Mazda RX-Evolv Concept, a striking and unconventional four-door coupe, offered a fresh take on what a performance vehicle could look like.(Picture from: Carbuzz)
Mazda wanted to appeal not just to lone drivers, but to groups of friends who could enjoy the ride together. At its heart was the Renesis rotary engine, still under development but already projected to hit up to 280 horsepower with a screaming 10,000 RPM redline. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, it embodied everything Mazda stood for.
The Mazda RX-Evolv Concept was powered by the Renesis rotary engine—still in development at the time, but already projected to deliver up to 280 horsepower with a high-revving 10,000 RPM redline.(Picture from: Carbuzz)
Despite its radical looks and strong engineering, the RX-Evolv also never made it past the concept stage. Yet, many of its ideas—especially the engine and layout—would shape the eventual RX-8 that debuted just a few years later.
3. Mazda RX-Vision: Beauty in Motion
Fast forward to 2015, and Mazda once again stole the spotlight at the Tokyo Motor Show with the Mazda RX-Vision. If the RX-Evolv was bold, the RX-Vision was breathtaking. It showcased Mazda’s most refined design philosophy, KODO—or “the soul of movement”—blending elegance and aggression in a package that looked ready to race.
The Mazda RX-Vision Concept embodied Mazda’s most refined design philosophy, KODO—'the soul of movement'—seamlessly blending elegance and aggression in a form that looked born for the track.(Picture from: Carbuzz)
Beneath the sculpted bodywork was the Skyactiv-R engine, a modern take on the rotary powertrain focused on lighter components and improved efficiency. While specifics on the engine’s configuration were limited, its GT3 Concept counterpart later revealed a four-rotor setup designed for racing in 2020.
The Mazda RX-Vision Concept was powered by the Skyactiv-R engine—a modern interpretation of the rotary powertrain, designed with lighter components and improved efficiency in mind.(Picture from: Carbuzz)
The RX-Vision wasn’t just admired by fans—it was voted “Most Beautiful Concept Car” in 2016 at the International Automobile Festival in Paris. Still, it too remained a dream, never progressing beyond the show floor or video game simulators like Gran Turismo Sport.
The Mazda RX-Vision GT3 Concept featured a four-rotor setup engineered for racing, but it remained a dream—never advancing beyond the show floor or virtual tracks in games like Gran Turismo Sport.(Picture from: CintaMobil)
The RX-01, RX-Evolv, and RX-Vision may never have reached dealerships,
but their stories continue to inspire. Each car represented a unique
moment in Mazda’s journey to keep the rotary engine alive—not as a relic
of the past, but as a symbol of identity and innovation. These were
more than just concepts; they were bold statements in an industry that
often plays it safe.
Through their creativity and courage, Mazda reminded the world that cars can still be emotional, personal, and thrilling. While these RX concepts may not have become tangible realities, they live on as the embodiment of what makes driving—and dreaming—so powerful. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARBUZZ | CARMEMMORIES | CLUB.SHANNON.COM.AU | WIKIPEDIA | CARSTYLING.RU ]
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Their fusion of performance, design, and historical significance cements their status as timeless icons in the world of sports cars, showcasing Japan's unwavering commitment to automotive excellence. As we navigate the lanes of automotive history, these iconic vehicles continue to revitalize our fascination with the artistry of Japanese engineering. *** [EKA [26042015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | EXPRESS | HEMMINGS | CARIMAGES | LAREVEUAUTOMOBILE ]
