Alongside the reveal of the new Mazda CX-5, the Japanese automaker introduced a new prototype racecar that will compete in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Finished in a gorgeous shade of red similar to the Soul Red Crystal that the CX-5 debuted with, this new prototype racecar is simply gorgeous. Called the Mazda RT24-P, it will debut in the 2017 Rolex 24 race at Daytona in late January.
Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine making around 600 horsepower. The chassis is an all-new one, called the Riley Mk. 30. It’s designed by Riley Technologies and features suspension from Multimatic. Thanks to the new design language, Mazda says that the RT24-P is more aerodynamic than the old race car.
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“This is a huge moment for Mazda Motorsports and the entire Mazda family,” said John Doonan, director of Mazda Motorsports North America. “To have a car which features Mazda design language at the top level of our motorsports program is meaningful for us as a brand. We believe we have the right team, the right drivers and the right chassis to win races and championships.
“Mazda has good, long-standing relationships with Riley and Multimatic, and is happy to be the first to test their new chassis. We look forward to seeing it make its racing debut at Daytona with Mazda bodywork and the Mazda MZ-2.0T engine. The strategic vision of IMSA to give auto manufacturers this opportunity to integrate our branding — to better engage our passionate fans — is unique and we’re proud to be the first to unveil what is possible.”
Interestingly, the name RT24-P has a few interesting meanings. Mazda says it stands for its Mazda Road To 24 driver development program. The 24 also stands for the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine.
