Mazda's Research and Development department has unveiled its entry in the LA Auto Show Design Challenge, presenting a car that competes in the fictional 'E1' race series.

E1 is the pinnacle of motor sport in 2025, involving roads resurfaced with a 'sub-level electro-conductive polymer' that charges competing vehicles with electric power via the tyres. The Kaan can reach 250mph in silent, emissions free splendour.

Unlike some of the other entrants in this year's LA competition, Mazda hasn't forgotten to pen its concept with childlike awe; the Kaan features a sweeping, aerodynamic shape constructed with plenty of carbon. The centre-less wheels look strangely like beer bottle openers from the side - though not many bottle openers have light beams running across their centres.

Also unique among all the entrants is the idea that Kaans don't compete alone, but rather in a peloton - a close knit pack of cars in formation like cyclists in a race. According to Mazda, the closer the pack sticks together, the more aerodynamic and thus faster it becomes. A lightning bolt inspired all that, allegedly.

Grid Position: 4/9

Early Retirement or Podium Finish: Finishes just outside the top three when one of the peloton gets too close and clips another during the final lap, causing a multiple comedy tankslapper among the entire pack.

Mark Nichol - 21 Oct 2008