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By Charles Bradley –  July 03, 2026

Watch a Unique Le Mans 24h Winner at Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

The raucous sound of one of motorsport’s most iconic machines will soon echo across California’s Monterey Peninsula. Mazda will dazzle at the 2026 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion with an extraordinary gathering of its historic race cars, led by the legendary 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B – the rotary-engined machine that rewrote endurance racing history. Arriving from Japan, the Mazda 787B will give many American enthusiasts their first opportunity to experience the unmistakable Renown-liveried Group C prototype in person. More than a race car, the 787B represents a rare intersection of engineering achievement, design, sound and sporting heritage – the qualities that have transformed select competition vehicles into automotive icons. The #55 787B was driven to victory at Le Mans by Volker Weidler, Johnny Herbert, and Bertrand Gachot, making Mazda the first Japanese manufacturer to win the twice-around-the-clock French classic. It set a trend that has been followed by rivals Toyota, who have since won six editions of the world’s most famous sportscar race. The centerpiece of Mazda’s JDM Mazda Exhibit, located in the paddock courtyard at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the 787B will serve as the hero race car of the collection. Powered by a 2.6-liter four-rotor Wankel engine, the prototype will take part in demonstration laps and live engine fire-ups throughout all four days of the Reunion, bringing its legendary high-pitched rotary soundtrack to fans in attendance. “What a thrill to have the 787B joining us in Monterey,” said Mazda Motorsports Senior Manager Jonathan Applegate. “That sound and that livery are synonymous with Mazda’s victory at Le Mans. It is such a treat for fans to be able to see and hear it in person in the U.S. Added alongside our Mazda Heritage Collection and others, we’ll truly have a panoramic view of Mazda’s racing history.” A Celebration of Mazda’s Racing Legacy The Mazda 787B will anchor an impressive display spanning six decades of motorsport innovation. Surrounding the Le Mans winner will be a collection of significant Mazda racing machines that trace the evolution of the brand’s performance philosophy, from the origins of its rotary technology to its modern prototype racing efforts. The lineup includes the 1967 Cosmo Sport – the vehicle that launched Mazda’s rotary legacy – alongside the 1989 767B-002, 1990 787-002, 1991 RX-7 GTO (pictured above), 1992 RX-792p and the 2019 RT24-P, Mazda’s most recent prototype race car. Together, these machines tell the story of one of motorsport’s most distinctive engineering journeys, showcasing Mazda’s decades-long pursuit of innovation, endurance and performance. From early rotary-powered road cars to championship-caliber race machines, the collection represents a legacy built around unconventional thinking and technical ambition. Tristan Nunez and Tom Long will pilot the 767B (pictured above) and 787 in Group C competition, while Japanese endurance racing icon Yojiro Terada will drive the 787B during Friday and Saturday’s Japanese Cars Exhibition Sessions. IMSA racing legend Tommy Kendall will also join the celebration alongside his own 1986/1987 IMSA GTU Championship-winning Mazda RX-7. The combination of historic machinery and legendary drivers creates a rare opportunity to experience Mazda’s motorsport heritage as it was meant to be seen – and heard – on the racetrack. The 2026 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion offers a rare chance to witness that philosophy through the lens of competition – where engineering creativity, emotional design and racing achievement converge. The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion takes place August 12–15 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, followed by the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 16, where the 787B will also be displayed. Images by Mazda Motorsports & Charles Bradley

By Edward Jones –  October 02, 2018

Official: Mazda is Bringing Back the Rotary Engine

It's been rumored for some time now, but I can now say it's official: Mazda is bringing back the Wankel rotary engine. However, it's coming back in a way you wouldn't expect. The Japanese automaker has announced that the rotary engine will be used as a range extender for electric vehicles (EVs). How Does the Hennessey Venom F5 Make 1,600 Horsepower? Two Mazda EVs are currently in the works, one being powered solely by electricity and the other utilizing a battery paired with the rotary engine. For the latter, the rotary engine will kick in to recharge the battery when the driving range needs to be increased. Mazda says this will eliminate "range anxiety" that comes with driving an EV. The reason Mazda is using the rotary engine for this application is that they're small, light and quiet, so you'll barely notice it.Mazda will be releasing their first EVs in 2020 as part of their new "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030" development program.Related Video

By Andrew Nabors –  October 28, 2015

Mazda RX-VISION Concept Revives the Rotary Engine

If you ever thought the heyday of Japanese motoring was behind us, think again. Yesterday we received the amazing final specifications of the 2017 Acura NSX, and today, at the Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda formally revealed their latest concept.As part of their press kit for the show, the RX-VISION is a graceful coupe concept powered by an all-new rotary engine. The design embodies their recent KODO design language, which is described as the "Soul of Motion." Influences from the RX-7 and RX-8 can be seen in the rear bodywork, and the front fender vents are a throwback to their first rotary, the 110 Cosmo.(Also Read: Nissan GT-R NISMO Attack Package Available for US Customers)We thought we had seen that last rotary-powered car when they ended production of the RX-8 in 2012, but Mazda kept a dedicated team of engineers working on updating the unique design.Instead of pistons, rotary engines use triangle-shaped rotors, which allow them to safely reach over 9,000 rpm. This rev-happy nature made them notorious for less than stellar fuel economy ratings, and an inability to meet emissions regulations.To change how we think of the rotary engine, Mazda has re-engineered it to improve fuel economy and durability. They have christened this new engine the SKYACTIV-R.Get your apex seals ready, because technical highlights should be available soon.Gallery More Concept Car News

By Caitlin Duffy –  September 30, 2015

Mazda Announces New Sports Car Concept

Many auto manufacturers decided to unveil their newest projects at the Frankfurt International Motor Show earlier this month, but Mazda has decided to wait for a show a bit closer to their home.The Japanese marque announced in a press release today that the Tokyo Motor Show will see the unveiling of their newest sports car concept. From Oct. 30 to Nov. 8, the concept will sit next to 13 additional Mazda vehicles, including their crossover KOERU concept.(See Also: Porsche Mission E Concept Interior Video)"The design of the sports car concept to be unveiled in Tokyo is modern but maintains a sense of lineage and authenticity, appearing almost to condense Mazda's entire history of sports car development into a single model," describes the release. It included only one image of the car, which barely shows an illuminated silhouette of a coupe body, long front and Mazda logo placed squarely in the middle on the rear.Mazda's press conference is scheduled for 8:30 am local time on Oct. 28, which is 7:30 pm on Oct. 27 for those of us in the Eastern Atlantic time zone. Undoubtedly, we will learn much more about this upcoming concept before then, so stay with us for more updates as they are released. In the meantime, find your own Mazda from our listings below.Mazdas For Sale (Source: Mazda) See More Concept Car News

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