Mazda RX-VISION Concept Turns Into GT3 Racer In Gran Turismo Sport

The Mazda RX-VISION concept car has turned into the Mazda RX-VISION GT3 CONCEPT virtual race car for Gran Turismo Sport. The digital concept car is jointly developed with Polyphony Digital Inc. and is Mazda’s newest virtual race car in Sony Interactive Entertainment’s PlayStation 4 renowned driving simulation title. Gran Turismo Sport players from around the world will be able to drive the car on all of the game’s set courses from 3:00pm (JST; Japan Standard Time) from 22 May 2020.

The Gran Turismo Sport Playstation 4 game is certified and promoted by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) as an official platform of digital motor sport**. Players who use Mazda vehicles, such as the RX-Vision GT3 Concept, in Gran Turismo Sport will automatically be granted seed rights to participate in the FIA certified Gran Turismo Championship (World Tour) that will be held in various locations around the world in the 2020 season.

Overview Of The Virtual RX-VISION GT3 CONCEPT Race Car

The Mazda RX-VISION GT3 CONCEPT virtual race car is based on the existing RX-VISION concept. The virtual car has been modified in accordance with FIA GT3 race car vehicle regulations. The Mazda RX-VISION is a concept car that was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2015. This vehicle took on the challenge of achieving the most beautiful front engine rear wheel drive (FR) sports car that Mazda could conceive of based on the “KODO – Soul of Motion” design theme. It is equipped with a next-generation SKYACTIV-R rotary engine. The model represents the vision of a sports car that Mazda hopes to make a reality in the future.

RX-VISION GT3 CONCEPT Main Features

• Taking advantage of the original vehicle’s beautiful long nosed / short deck form, it goes further by employing a wider tread.
• The front midship and transaxle rear wheel drive configuration achieves an ideal 48:52 front / rear weight distribution.
• Its excellent aerodynamic characteristics are optimized for handling performance and tire management.
• It is mounted with a “SKYACTIV-R” 4-rotor engine that generates a maximum output of 570 PS*.
• It has double wishbone front and multi-link type rear suspension.
• Within Gran Turismo Sport, it is certified as a FIA GT3, or category Gr.3, vehicle which is for conceptual models with similar specifications and performance.

Specifications

• Length x Width x Height (mm) 4,590 x 2,075 x 1,120
• Wheelbase (mm) 2,700
• Front and rear tread (mm) 1,720 / 1,760
• Vehicle weight (kg) 1,250
• Front and rear weight distribution 48:52
• Engine type SKYACTIV-R Naturally aspirated 4-rotor engine
• Displacement (cc) 2,600
• Maximum output (PS / rpm) 570 / 9,000 *
• Maximum torque (Nm / rpm) 540 / 7,500 *
• Drive system Front engine / rear wheel drive (FR)
• Tyres and Wheels Michelin 310 / 700 – 18

*The output and weight may change due to balance of performance (BoP) adjustments depending on the race.

The RX-VISION GT3 CONCEPT Design

The RX-VISION GT3 CONCEPT is the result of a collaboration by Mazda’s designers and Polyphony Digital’s digital modelers. It is based on the Mazda RX-VISION which was named the “Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year” at the 33rd Festival Automobile International in January 2016 and has been highly praised globally.

This design project started in the fall of 2019. An image sketch was released at the venue for the world final of the FIA Gran Turismo Championship held in Monaco in November where it was announced that the vehicle would be added to the 2020 update of Gran Turismo Sport. From then on, the design was steadily polished, with frequent back and forth between Polyphony Digital and Mazda Design, and the modeling work progressed from there.

The RX-VISION GT3 CONCEPT complies with the FIA GT3 rules and performance requirements for race cars. While the original cabin and door shape are maintained in accordance with GT3 vehicle regulations, the front / rear tire treads have been expanded and it has received a wide fender. It is also equipped with a large engine hood outlet that improves both aerodynamic performance and cooling in the engine room. A front lower spoiler that controls cooling performance and front downforce, along with a rear spoiler and under diffuser that increases rear downforce and ensures rear wheel traction have been added.

The front projection area is minimized to improve aerodynamics. Its proportions were also revised to reduce vehicle height and set it lower. Unnecessary parts in the interior and replacing heavy materials helped with weight reduction and lower the center of gravity. An ideal 48:52 front-rear weight distribution was also achieved, as a result.

Each function within the cockpit was arranged with an emphasis on ease of operation during the race. In particular, the steering wheel uses a special design that improves operability. The interior layout of all Mazda models are developed in the pursuit of superior ergonomics and have earned the cars a high reputation. Similarly, the RX-VISION GT3 CONCEPT prioritizes aspects such as seat shape, driving position, pedal arrangement and visibility during driving as essential items. Whether a road car or a virtual race car, Mazda cars all share the philosophy of being human-centric.

Similar to mass production vehicle development, the RX-VISION GT3 CONCEPT began with design sketch work for each component, followed by 3D digital modeling, and then completion of a detailed final design. This Gr.3 virtual race car, designed to achieve a high level of competitiveness, was made possible through Polyphony Digital’s state of the art modeling technology.

Mazda aims to acquire more Mazda fans through conveying the joy and pleasure of driving to a wider range of people who love Digital Motor Sport. The company is also considering projects that will enable individuals to jump from the virtual world to the real (participatory motorsports, etc.) in an effort to attract fans who hope to enjoy driving a real car in the future and would like to participate in actual world motorsports.

** Mazda adopts the name “Digital Motor Sports” advocated by FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) and Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

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