The 1991 Mazda 787B is a Le Mans Grand Touring Prototype race car that was used by the Mazda Racing Team in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. It was the first and only Japanese car to win the race, making it a historical milestone in motorsports. It was powered by a four-rotor R26B Wankel engine, which was capable of producing over 700 horsepower, giving it the capability to reach speeds in excess of 300 km/h. The car was designed with aerodynamics in mind, and featured a low coefficient of drag which helped it to achieve its impressive speed. The car also featured a unique chassis design, which allowed for a low center of gravity and improved handling.
Design and Development
The design of the Mazda 787B was a collaboration between Mazda’s design team and the Japanese carmaker’s racing division, Mazdaspeed. The car was developed from the ground up with the specific purpose of competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. The car featured a lightweight aluminum chassis and aerodynamic bodywork, which allowed it to reach speeds of up to 300 km/h. The car was also designed with an advanced suspension system, which allowed it to handle the high-speed corners at Le Mans with ease.
Engine and Performance
The Mazda 787B was powered by a four-rotor R26B Wankel engine, which was capable of producing over 700 horsepower. This gave the car the capability to reach speeds in excess of 300 km/h. The engine was also designed to be very efficient, as it was able to achieve a fuel consumption rate of just 6.5 liters per 100km. The car also featured a six-speed manual transmission, which allowed the driver to make quick shifts when needed.
Racing History
The Mazda 787B made its racing debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1991. The car was driven by Johnny Herbert, Volker Weidler, and Bertrand Gachot, and managed to finish the race in first place. This made it the first and only Japanese car to ever win the race, and it was also the first time a car with a Wankel engine had won. The car also managed to set a new record for the fastest lap time in the race, with a time of 3:28.454.
Legacy and Popularity
The Mazda 787B has become a legendary race car and is still remembered fondly by motorsport fans today. The car has been featured in numerous video games, including the Gran Turismo series. It has also been featured on the cover of several magazines and books, and it is still regarded as one of the most iconic race cars of all time.
The Future of Mazda Racing
Mazda is still heavily involved in motorsport today, and the company is currently competing in the World Endurance Championship with the Mazda RT24-P. The car is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, and it is capable of producing over 500 horsepower. It is also designed with aerodynamics in mind, and features a lightweight chassis and advanced suspension system.
Gallery of ‘1991 Mazda 787B’
Mazda 787B at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
The Mazda 787B was the first and only Japanese car to ever win the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1991.
Mazda 787B in the Gran Turismo series
The Mazda 787B has been featured in numerous video games, including the Gran Turismo series.
Mazda 787B on the cover of magazines
The Mazda 787B has been featured on the cover of several magazines, such as Autosport and Motorsport.
Mazda 787B on display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed
The Mazda 787B has been featured at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it was displayed alongside other legendary race cars.
Mazda 787B at the Mazda Museum in Hiroshima
The Mazda 787B is also featured at the Mazda Museum in Hiroshima, Japan, where it is displayed alongside other iconic Mazda race cars.
Mazda 787B Racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans
The Mazda 787B was driven by Johnny Herbert, Volker Weidler, and Bertrand Gachot at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1991.
Mazda 787B in the World Endurance Championship
Mazda is currently competing in the World Endurance Championship with the Mazda RT24-P.
Mazda 787B with its four-rotor R26B Wankel engine
The Mazda 787B was powered by a four-rotor R26B Wankel engine, which was capable of producing over 700 horsepower.
Mazda 787B with its distinctive aerodynamic bodywork
The Mazda 787B featured a low coefficient of drag and aerodynamic bodywork, which allowed it to reach speeds of up to 300 km/h.
Mazda 787B with its advanced suspension system
The Mazda 787B was designed with an advanced suspension system, which allowed it to handle the high-speed corners at Le Mans with ease.
