Mazda will be unveiling the Furai concept vehicle and the revamped Mazda RX-8 at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), in Detroit from Sunday, January 13 through Sunday, January 27, 2008.

Mazda has been fast and furious with edgy concepts over the past year. Many of these offerings are showcasing the next generation rotary engine. As discussed in a previous post, the new 16X motor sports a host of improvements as well as increased displacement. The most exciting new prize in the development of these new powerplants is the addition of a 450 horsepower three rotor version fueled by ethanol (E100).

Furai takes Mazda’s unique Nagare (Japanese for “flow”) design language a step further as it is translated into a concept car based on an American Le Mans Series (ALMS) racing car. The car utilizes the Courage C65 chassis the company campaigned in the ALMS series only two seasons ago, and the 450-hp three-rotor rotary engine that distinguishes it from anything else on the track.

These developments bode well for a manufacturer whose passion is driving enjoyment. I, like many, am excited to see what parts of these exciting new technologies will see the streets first. With so much focus on sports cars and rotary engines in the past year, can the next generation RX-7 be far behind? Lets hope not.