For many years now, Polyphony Digital’s Sony PlayStation 4 (PS4) driving simulation title, Gran Turismo SPORT, has attracted the interest of a number of carmakers who have developed concept models for it. The Gran Turismo Sport title is certified and promoted by the FIA (the world motorsports governing body) as an official platform of digital motorsport.
From this May 22, a new addition will be the Mazda RX-Vision GT3 Concept virtual racing car. This new model will automatically grant 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.
The RX-Vision GT3 Concept is based on the Mazda RX-VISION which was displayed in 2015. It is modified in accordance with FIA GT3 vehicle regulations. The RX-VISION took on the challenge of achieving the most beautiful front engine rear wheel drive (FR) sportscar that Mazda could conceive, based on the ‘KODO -Soul of Motion’ design theme.
The RX-VISION was selected as the ‘Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year’ in the 33rd Festival Automobile International held in France in January 2016.
At that time, Mazda said it could be equipped with a next-generation ‘SKYACTIV-R’ rotary engine (RE) which naturally excited rotary fans and enthusiasts who await the return of the ‘RE’. Mazda has not ruled out the possibility and said the concept represented ‘the vision of a sportscar that Mazda hopes to make a reality in the future’.
The GT3 project started in the fourth quarter of 2019 and an image sketch was released at the venue for the world final of the FIA Gran Turismo Championship held in Monaco in November last year. It was announced that the racing car would be added to the 2020 update of Gran Turismo SPORT. From then on, the teams at Polyphony Digital and Mazda Design worked to refine the model using 3D modelling.
Taking advantage of the original concept’s long-nose/short-deck form, the RX-Vision GT3 Concept has a wider tread. The front midship and transaxle rear wheel drive configuration achieves an ideal 48:52 weight distribution, with excellent aerodynamic characteristics optimized for handling performance and tyre management.
Like the RX-VISION, the RX-Vision GT3 Concept will use a SKYACTIV-R 4-rotor rotary engine with a maximum output of 570 ps (the output and weight may change due to balance of performance (BoP) adjustments depending on the race). Its suspension consists of a double wishbone front and multi-link type rear layout.
Each function within the cockpit is 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 layouts of all Mazda models are developed in the pursuit of superior ergonomics. Similarly, the RX-Vision GT3 Concept prioritizes aspects such as seat shape, driving position, pedal arrangement and visibility during driving as essential items to providing a ‘human-centered’ cockpit.
SPECIFICATIONS
Length x Width x Height (mm) : 4590 x 2075 x 1120
Wheelbase (mm) : 2700
Front / rear tread (mm) : 1720 /1760
Vehicle weight (kgS) : 1,250
Engine displacement (cc) : 2600
Maximum output (ps/rpm) : 570/9,000
Maximum torque (Nm/rpm) : 540/7,500
Tyres and Wheels : Michelin – 310 / 700 – 18
Michelin is the Official Tyre Technology Partner for Gran Turismo
