The 24 Hours of Le Mans has figured in some of the most iconic stories in the history of motorsports. Japanese carmaker Mazda celebrates its chapter, 31 years after its win at the endurance race achieved by the Mazda 787B with car number 55.
The winning Mazda 787B Le Mans car
It isn’t just another win, as Mazda was the first Japanese manufacturer to emerge victorious at the 1991 edition of the famed endurance race. Not only that, the Mazda 787B was the only entry that won using a rotary or Wankel engine which the brand has been known for. Unfortunately, the feat could not be replicated as rotary engines were banned the following year due to changes in regulations.
Nevertheless, Mazda proved that rotary engines can be reliable, winning the race with a total distance of 4,933 km traveled, at an average speed of 205 km/h. One of the most celebrated Mazda road cars that used a Wankel engine is the RX-7, a rear-wheel-drive sports car that was later succeeded by the rotary engine-powered RX-8.
Mazda celebrates a significant milestone in its history
Propelling the iconic Mazda racecar is a 2.6-liter R26B naturally-aspirated rotor-4 engine with 700 horsepower and 608 Nm of torque. The power unit originally was capable of delivering 900 horsepower, but the power output had to be limited to favor reliability over performance. It is connected to a Porsche 5-speed manual gearbox.
Locally, Mazda Philippines has been imparting the brand’s spirit for racing to Filipinos with various tournaments including the Mazda MX-5 Miata Spec. It is a one-make sports car racing series that features Mazda’s 2-door roadster, the MX-5.
2022 Miata Cup
“There are a variety of ways for drivers to interact, to enjoy cars, and to take on the challenge to achieve even more. We, at Mazda Philippines, support a variety of desires that people wish to achieve through their cars,” said Mazda Philippines President and CEO Steven Tan.
“Whether it be as a hobby, as a source of pride, a way to interact with family, or even realize their dreams, motorsports show the ‘never stop challenging spirit’ of people who celebrate driving,” he added.
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