| Motorshow Preview | Detroit Auto Show 2008 | Mazda Furai concept & RX-8 update |

Most of us might already be thinking about winding down to the holidays, but the car manufacturers are busy preparing their exhibits for 2008's first important event, the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. Today, Mazda revealed details of its plans for the US exhibit and they include an all-new concept sports car, as well as a significantly revised Mazda RX-8 coupé.

Few details are yet available for the new RX-8, but it is known to be an update of the successful existing four-door, four-seat formula. Apparently, the styling will be freshened up, but most of the changes will take place under the unique skin. Mazda tells us that the enhancements will mean 'improved handling, stronger acceleration, enhanced quality and extra features' though of course the rotary engine will remain at the heart of the car.

Rotary power also features prominently on the new concept car. The latest show stopper will be called the Furai, meaning 'sound of the wind' in Japanese, but if you ever hear wind making the same noise as the 450bhp three-rotor race engine will then you better start saying your prayers. This unit, and indeed the concept's chassis, come straight from an American Le Mans Series racer and are utilised here in a bid to blur the divide between road and racecars. In a token nod to environmental consciousness, the engine now runs on synthetically produced ethanol, made by BP.

Shane O' Donoghue - 12 Dec 2007