AUTONEWS

Mazda Mazda 3 ''Mad Mike'' will compete in Pikes Peak competition with four-rotor Wankel engine

Pikes Peak Hill Climb, or the Pikes Peak ramp, is a North American race that has the power to make local car lovers passionate, but which reveals a curious ability to attract European, Japanese and South Korean manufacturers alike. The fact that it mixes very powerful cars with a dangerous track, where death is always lurking due to large precipices, makes it a race that everyone wants to win.

This year, on the 26th of June, the 100th edition of the popular ramp will be held and there will be no shortage of cars and drivers to try to beat the competition in what is known as the “race to the clouds”, since the finish line is an altitude of 4302 meters, more than double that of Serra da Estrela. The majority of those registered for this race with 19.9 km and 156 corners are not yet known, but it is known that a very curious Mazda will be leaving.

The vehicle in question is a Mazda 3 of the latest generation, but this time with rear-wheel drive, unlike all the others. The “father” of the project is New Zealander Michael Widdett, a drift car specialist, who also has a lot of experience in Wankel-type rotary engines, technology that Mazda is trying to bring back into the spotlight.

The concept behind Mad Mike's Mazda 3 is to design a four-door, four-seater racing car with a Wankel engine with four rotors and 1217 hp.

The model will participate in the “rear-wheel-drive prototypes” category, which in the hands of a drift expert is a guarantee of a show up the mountain. Aerodynamic appendages to increase front and rear support, gluing the Mazda 3 to the road, will increase efficiency.