1985 Mazda MX-03 Concept

Article

Mazda introduced its MX-03 Concept at the 1985 Tokyo Motor Show. It was a technologically sophisticated vehicle with a futuristic interior, a three-rotor turbocharged engine, a full-time four-wheel-drive system, and four-wheel steering. The low frontal area, sleek and chiseled design, integrated rear wing, single side mirror, and wheels that were positioned within the bodywork helped it achieve a low drag coefficient of 0.25.

The Mazda MX-03 was a 2+2 coupe powered by a 1962cc tri-rotor turbo rotary engine developing 315 horsepower, which helped it go from zero-to-sixty mph in 4.7 seconds. The top speed was reported to be achieved at 180 mph. The engine was backed by a four-speed automatic transmission that delivered power to all four wheels with an electrically controlled torque-spit mechanism. In front of the driver was an air-craft inspired (or possibly Knight Rider-inspired) steering wheel, which controlled the vehicle's four-wheel steering system. In front of the steering wheel was a digital dashboard that had a HUD (heads-up display).

The Mazda MX-03 Concept had a wheelbase that measured 106.7 inches and a length of 177.5 inches.

Mazda described the MX-03 Concept as 'The 1985 Mazda MX-03 was a radical-looking concept car, but this time it was a defy convention sports car that was powered by a triple rotor 315ps engine. Conceived purely as a concept, this low-slung coupe, was pure futuristic exuberance, with a cabin that featured an aircraft-style yoke rather than a wheel, plus digital displays and a head-up display, its technology tally also including four-wheel steering and all-wheel drive, while the long low body delivered an aerodynamic Cd figure of just 0.25.'

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2020