It's got wings, but no Red Bull
Rotary engines and weird doors are a Mazda hallmark, and they both feature prominently in the innovative Senku concept unveiled recently at the Tokyo motor show."Senku" is a Japanese term meaning "pioneer", and it's entirely appropriate for the mould-breaking design study, which is billed as a "four-seater rotary sports car for adults". Presumably this means you have to leave the kids at home whenever you fancy going out for a fang.
The existing RX-8 uses a novel suicide-door arrangement to provide access to the rear pews, but the Senku's cabin is accessed via a pair of massive electric-powered 'flying wing' doors that slide rearwards -- a bit like a Toyota Tarago van, but sexier.
The super-futuristic interior takes the simplicity theme to the extreme, but it's more showcar fantasy than a realistic pointer to what we can expect from Mazda in its upcoming models.
Senku's powertrain is no less interesting than its offbeat exterior -- it's propelled by a direct-injection 13B–DI two-rotor hybrid that is claimed to provide more power, yet better fuel consumption than a conventional rotary (perhaps just as well, as the RX-8 doesn't mind frequent drinks at the bowser). Another interesting fact is that the battery is charged by solar panels on the roof.
How does it handle? Who knows, but the fact that Senku offers a perfect 50:50 weight distribution suggests it shouldn't fare too badly. It has double-wishbone front suspension with rear multi-links, and rolls on monster 22-inch Yokohamas.
The car's ultra-long wheelbase and minimal overhangs are designed to lend the Senku a 'floating' appearance... in contrast to some concepts that leave you with a sinking feeling.
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