The Mazda RX500 '70 stands out in automotive history as one of the most striking and futuristic concept cars ever to emerge from Japan in the early 1970s. Unveiled at the 1970 Tokyo Motor Show, the RX500 was developed to celebrate Mazda’s 50th anniversary, and it exemplified the company's innovative spirit by embodying advanced design and technology, particularly Mazda’s pioneering use of the rotary engine. Styled with dramatic, wedge-shaped bodywork and gullwing doors, the RX500 was a true showcase car meant to capture the imagination of the public and the automotive industry.
At the heart of the Mazda RX500 was a mid-mounted 982cc 10A rotary engine, delivering approximately 247 horsepower. This powerplant, paired with the car’s lightweight yet robust plastic-reinforced body, allowed the RX500 to achieve impressive performance statistics for its time, with a top speed reportedly reaching 150 mph (241 km/h). Beyond its mechanical prowess, the car’s design was aimed at maximizing high-speed safety and efficiency, boasting features like electronically operated color-coded rear lights to indicate acceleration, deceleration, or steady speed to drivers behind—an early precursor to modern safety communication systems.
Despite its breathtaking presence and daring engineering, the Mazda RX500 '70 never went into production and remained a concept vehicle. However, its enduring impact on the automotive world is significant. The RX500 not only highlighted the potential of Mazda's rotary engine technology but also underscored the company's willingness to stretch creative and technical boundaries—qualities that later led to Mazda’s success in motorsport, including their historic 1991 victory at Le Mans with the rotary-powered 787B. Today, the sole surviving RX500 is a cherished museum piece and a beloved icon in car culture, inspiring both enthusiasts and gamers through appearances in media like Gran Turismo 7.
