Racing to the clouds - Mad Mike's crazy RWD, 1,400 PS rotary-powered Mazda 3
Arvind · Jun 20, 2023 09:00 AM
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A screaming rotary will once again try to conquer Pikes Peak
The hills will be alive with screams of a rotary engine at this year’s Pikes Peak when New Zealander Mad Mike Whiddette races to the clouds in his custom-built 4-rotor rotary-engined Mazda 3.
Best known for his insane drifting skills and one-of-a-kind rotary-powered racecars. This Mazda 3 is the latest of a line of high-powered cars built for Mad Mike, only this time he will be swapping lurid slides for ultimate grip as he tackles one of the most grueling sprint races on earth next weekend (25-June 2023).
Starting off with a stock Mazda 3, Japanese tuner TCP Magic then set to work reinforcing the body before almost completely redesigning the Mazda 3’s original front-wheel drive chassis to adapt the 4-rotor rotary engine and rear-wheel drive powertrain.
At the heart of the beast is a custom-built ‘R26B’ four-rotor rotary Mazda engine supplemented by two Garett turbochargers. The powertrain is controlled by a Haltech engine management system.
At full boost – circa 1.3 bar – the Mazda 3 develops a whopping 1,400 PS.
Twin-turbo 4-rotor rotary engine with exhaust pipes exiting the front hood! Image
Power is sent to a manual six-speed Hollinger transmission. From there power is supplied via a carbon prop-shaft to a Winters 'quick-change' rear differential.
Surprisingly, the suspension is the same as the standard car. With front double wishbones and rear torsion beams, although now upgraded with a top-shelf coilover kit from KW. The massive braking forces needed are supplied by an Endless brake system.
To manage the immense heat generated by the engine, a large PWR radiator fed by ducts in the rear window and roof is installed in the trunk. The main radiator is further supplemented by smaller sub-radiators in the front of the Mazda 3.
Providing grip are specially designed ‘Pikes Peak spec’ Toyo slick tyres mounted on RAY’S 18-inch wheels measuring 10- and 11 inches at the front and rear respectively.
Of course, weighing in at 1,250 kg with 1,400 PS on tap, the Mazda 3 also requires a specially designed aerodynamic kit for ultimate downforce.
Awaiting to take on the hill
Following shakedowns in Japan, Mad Mike’s Mazda 3 has now made its first runs up the hallowed Pikes Peak hills where it finished 1st in class and 7th overall in preliminary testing.
If he can tame the 19.99 km hillclimb course, Mad Mike hopes to set a new record in the Mazda 3 for the fastest rotary to ever race at Pikes Peak.
Arvind can't remember a time when he didn't wheel around a HotWheels car. This love evolved into an interest in Tamiya and RC cars and finally the real deal 1:1 scale stuff. Passion finally lead to formal training in Mechanical Engineering. Instead of the bigger picture, he obsesses with the final drive ratio and spring rates of cars and spends the weekends wondering why a Perodua Myvi is so fast.
