Yahoo Autos Mazda Unveils Stunning New RT24-P Daytona Prototype International
Mazda has given sports car fans the first look at IMSA's brand-new Daytona Prototype international formula with today's unveiling of the stunning RT24-P challenger.
Set to make its competition debut in 2017, the prototype's 600 hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder heart is the only carryover from the previous model. The rest of the cutting-edge machine represents a clean sheet approach to the concept of manufacturer-based prototype racing.
Revealed at the LA Auto Show, the RT24-P will soon leave California and head to Florida for multiple tests at Daytona International Speedway where IMSA's season opener takes place Jan. 26-29.
Through IMSA's DPi formula, Mazda has taken a stock 2017 LMP2 built by Multimatic/Riley and commissioned the Canadian-American firm to create custom bodywork with frontal design cues directly tied to its road cars while using its bespoke racing engine to propel the lightweight machine.
Improved power and aerodynamic efficiency is expected to see the Mazda RT24-P (and other DPis that have yet to break cover) smash lap records at Daytona, Sebring, Road Atlanta, and the rest of the venues on the 11-race calendar.
"This unveil at the LA Auto Show is a huge moment for Mazda Motorsports and our entire Mazda family," said Mazda Motorsports Director John Doonan. "To have a race car which features Mazda design language at the top level of our motorsports program is so meaningful for us as a brand. It is a direct story telling opportunity as soon as the car hits the track."
Positioned next to a 2017 Mazda CX-5 carrying the same grille treatment at the show, the shared "KODO" design ethos is evident with the forward styling on the RT24-P.
"To be able to unveil the Mazda RT24-P alongside the all-new 2017 Mazda CX-5 makes this extra special," Doonan added. "Immediately the story becomes a Mazda design story with the two vehicles side-by-side in the display.
"Throughout its history, Mazda has explored various design themes of motion in our entire production car line-up. The 'KODO – Soul of Motion' design direction, with its dynamic style and premium presence, is the inspiration for the new Mazda RT24-P prototype race car. From the five-point grille, defining body lines and stable stance all express our design philosophy in action. In this case, 200 MPH action for up to 24 hours in the grueling environment of top level sports car racing."
The two-car Mazda Motorsports IMSA program will continue to be led by Florida's SpeedSource Race Engineering, and all four its existing full-time drivers-Jonathan Bomarito, Tristan Nunez, Tom Long, and Joel Miller-will pilot the cars in 2017. Additional drivers for the long-haul endurance events will be named at a later date.
"Heading into 2017, we believe we have the right team, the right drivers and the right chassis and engine package to win races and championships in IMSA," Doonan said. "Our driver line-up is a direct reflection of our investment in the driver development scholarship programs: The Mazda Road to Indy and the Mazda Road to 24. We are so proud that we have been able to offer these unique programs to the industry and to young drivers around the world and, in the case of our Prototype effort, promote the cream-of-the-crop from within. Nothing like the Mazda Road to Indy or the Mazda Road to 24 scholarship programs exists anywhere in the world. We have proven the system works and we want to cap it off with big race wins and a championship."
Compared to the European LMP2s that will compete with spec bodywork and spec V8 engines at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the FIA World Endurance Championship, IMSA's DPis have given auto manufacturers an affordable alternative on a domestic level. Faced with spending hundreds of millions to fight Porsche and Toyota at Le Mans in LMP1, or making a comparatively tiny investment to lead the IMSA series in North America, Mazda chose the value offered in its biggest market.
"The strategic vision of IMSA to give auto manufacturers this opportunity to integrate our branding into the Prototypes – in order to better engage with our passionate fans - is very unique and we are proud to be the first to unveil what is possible," Doonan explained. "Mazda and IMSA have been partners since 1970 when we first started selling road cars in the U.S. We have a tremendous record of success in IMSA championships and all of us are focused on bringing back those winning ways. We threatened wins several times in 2016 and we look forward to 'closing the deal' with several victories in 2017 and beyond."
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