Tag Archives: Kenichi Yamamoto

Kunio Matsuura, Mr. Rotary Racing, led Mazda motorsports for 27 years to its 1991 Le Mans victory

Today marks the 30th anniversary of Mazda’s historic win at Le Mans with the iconic rotary-powered 787B. We have explored Mazda’s journey in this and other endurance racing events over the years, yet were only scratching the surface. The people … Continue reading

Posted in motorsport | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

VIDEO: These Mazda at 100 videos are pretty nifty

Mazda is now 100 years old, and it’s done a lot over the past century. To prove it, the company has dug into its archives to put together some videos, mixed with newer footage, showing their highlights and imparting their … Continue reading

Posted in Video | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

100 YEAR CLUB: Mazda, Part 01

Exactly 100 years ago today, on January 30, 1920, Toyo Cork Kogyo was founded. This company, whose name translates to Oriental Cork Industries, would go on to build cars under the name Mazda. Thus, today marks the 100th anniversary of … Continue reading

Posted in 100 Year Club | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

KEI HERO: Mazda R360 Coupé

Of all the mainstream carmakers, Mazda puts the most stock into the driving experience and the sportiness of their vehicles. However, this is not just a recent occurrence. Mazda’s had drivers’ cars in their blood since their first post-war passenger car. Let’s take … Continue reading

Posted in kei | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments

RIP Kenichi Yamamoto, Father of the Mazda Rotary Engine, 1922-2017

Kenichi Yamamoto, who famously led Mazda’s “47 Ronin” team that brought the rotary engine into reality, passed away on December 20, 2017. His family made public his passing to the Japanese press on Christmas Day. Yamamoto was 95. A bona fide legend in … Continue reading

Posted in Legends | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

50 YEAR CLUB: Mazda Cosmo Sport and Rotary Engine

Like it or not, the automotive industry is a highly conservative one. Advances are incremental, radical innovations few and far between. Amidst this seemingly depressing state, however, genuinely novel and creative ideas that challenge convention catch our attention and imagination … Continue reading

Posted in 50 Year Club | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

25 YEAR CLUB: Celebrating The Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B, Part 02

The 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans is now underway — a perfect occasion to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the historic victory of the Mazda 787B. If you’re listening to or watching the race live, join us on a … Continue reading

Posted in 25 Year Club, motorsport | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment