Introduction
The 1970 Mazda RX 500 Concept was a concept car produced by Japanese car manufacturer Mazda. It was unveiled at the 1970 Tokyo Motor Show as a prototype of a new rotary-powered sports car. The RX 500 Concept was a two-seat, mid-engined sports car with a sleek, aerodynamic body and a Wankel rotary engine that developed a whopping 500 hp. It was one of the earliest examples of Mazda’s rotary engine technology, and it marked the beginning of the RX line of cars. The RX 500 Concept is a rare piece of automotive history and a symbol of Mazda’s commitment to innovation.
Design
Exterior
The exterior of the RX 500 Concept was designed to be aerodynamic and lightweight. It had an angular, wedge-shaped body with a long, low nose and a sloping roofline. The front featured a wide grille with two small headlamps and two large, rectangular air intakes. At the rear, there were two taillights and a large spoiler. The RX 500 Concept was painted white and had a set of alloy wheels.
Interior
The interior of the RX 500 Concept was designed with comfort and performance in mind. It featured two bucket seats with integrated headrests and adjustable seatbelts. The dashboard was made out of wood, and it featured a variety of gauges and controls. The steering wheel was adjustable, and there was also a center console with a storage compartment.
Engine
Power
The RX 500 Concept was powered by a Wankel rotary engine that developed 500 hp and 500 Nm of torque. The engine was mated to a five-speed manual transmission and drove the rear wheels. The engine was capable of propelling the RX 500 Concept from 0 to 100 km/h in just over five seconds and could reach a top speed of 250 km/h.
Fuel Economy
The RX 500 Concept had an impressive fuel economy for a car of its size and power. The rotary engine was capable of delivering up to 20 km/l on the highway and 15 km/l in the city. The car also had an impressive range of 800 km on a single tank of fuel.
Performance
Handling
The RX 500 Concept was designed to be a nimble and agile sports car. It had a fully independent suspension system and disc brakes on all four wheels. The car was capable of reaching high speeds quickly and cornering with ease. The steering was accurate and responsive, and the car had excellent grip on the road.
Braking
The RX 500 Concept had a powerful braking system that allowed it to stop quickly and safely. The car was equipped with ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, and the brakes had a progressive feel and good stopping power.
Gallery of 1970 Mazda RX 500 Concept
Front View
The RX 500 Concept had a low, angular nose with two small headlamps and two large, rectangular air intakes.
Rear View
At the rear, there were two taillights and a large spoiler. The car was painted white and had a set of alloy wheels.
Interior Dashboard
The dashboard was made out of wood and featured a variety of gauges and controls. The steering wheel was adjustable, and there was also a center console with a storage compartment.
Engine Bay
The RX 500 Concept was powered by a Wankel rotary engine that developed 500 hp and 500 Nm of torque. The engine was mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
Cockpit
The RX 500 Concept had two bucket seats with integrated headrests and adjustable seatbelts. The interior was designed with comfort and performance in mind.
Wheels
The RX 500 Concept was equipped with a set of alloy wheels and had excellent grip on the road.
Rear Spoiler
At the rear, there was a large spoiler that gave the car a sporty look.
Front Grille
The front featured a wide grille with two small headlamps and two large, rectangular air intakes.
Rear Taillights
At the rear, there were two large taillights that gave the car a distinctive look.
Exhaust
The RX 500 Concept had a dual-exhaust system that gave the car a sporty sound.
