Mazda will display an eclectic mix of 11 past, present and future vehicles at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (22-24 June) as it celebrates the 40th anniversary of the ground-breaking rotary engine.

Visitors to the retro-themed Mazda stand can discover the evolution of rotary‑powered Mazda models over four decades – from the 1967 Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S, through to the Le Mans winning 787B and Mazda RX-7, to a special edition Mazda RX-8 40th Anniversary Concept.

“At Goodwood we will celebrate Mazda’s heritage and offer a unique perspective into our evolving model range, including yet-to-be-launched production models, exciting design and engineering concepts,” commented Rob Lindley, managing director of Mazda Motors UK.

The all-new Mazda2 due on sale in September will also be on display. Approximately 100 kilograms lighter than the current model, the all-new Mazda2 will be one of the most fuel efficient vehicles in its class when it arrives in the UK. As well as substantially improved occupant and pedestrian safety performance, the all-new Mazda2 offers stylish design and the promise of excellent manoeuvrability and exhilarating driving dynamics.

Future fuel – hydrogen power for RX-8

Mazda’s commitment to building lighter, more fuel efficient vehicles is further demonstrated at Goodwood in the form of the ‘Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE’ incorporating a dual-fuel system enabling it to run just as well on hydrogen as on petrol. Mazda has a goal to protect the environment without sacrificing its Zoom‑Zoom values of dynamism and driving pleasure; hence the decision to choose the route of a hydrogen-powered rotary engine in a sports coupe model.

In 2006 Mazda delivered RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicles to its first two corporate customers – the world’s first leasing of an internal combustion engine passenger car that can use both hydrogen and petrol.