Mazda 717C | |
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Race Car | |
Category | Group C |
Constructor | Mazda |
Designer | Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort) |
Predecessor | {{{Predecessor}}} |
Successor | {{{Successor}}} |
Chassis | |
Suspension (front) | |
Suspension (rear) | |
Engine | 13B, 1.3 litre, 2 Rotary |
Electric_motor | {{{Electric motor}}} |
Battery | {{{Battery}}} |
Power | N/A hp @ N/A rpm N/A lb-ft. of torque @ N/A rpm |
Transmission | |
Weight | {{{Weight}}} |
Fuel | |
Brakes | {{{Brakes}}} |
Tyres | |
Notable entrants | |
Notable drivers | |
Debut | pending (if not yet introduced) |
Races competed | |
Race victories | |
Podiums | {{{Podiums}}} |
Constructors' Championships | |
Drivers' Championships | |
Pole positions | |
Fastest laps |
Mazda 717C was a prototype racing car built for Mazdaspeed for the 24 Hours of Le Mans under the Group C Junior formula. It was the first sportscar built by Mazda since the ending of their running in GT with the RX-7 in 1982. It used a 2-rotor 13B Wankel engine similar to the production engine in the Mazda RX-7. The bodywork and chassis were actually built by Mooncraft with assistance from Mazda.
Two 717Cs were entered at 1983 24 Hours of Le Mans, being the only finishers in the C Junior class, and finishing 12th and 18th overall.
The following year the car would be replaced by the 727C.
24 Hours of Le Mans (1983)[]
The 717C was the first Mazda car specifically designed for racing. It sported the 13B rotary engine with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injectors and easily qualified for the 1983 Le Mans 24 hour race.
Soon after the start, one car burst its right rear tire midway along the 300 km/h Mulsanne straight. The burst tire damaged the rear cowling and led to a one-hour pitstop. After suffering two tire punctures, the second car gradually began to work its way up through the field. The two Mazdas found themselves racing together soon after midday, and crossed the finish line together. The lead car took twelfth position overall, winning the Group C Junior class in its inaugural year. The other Mazda finished second in its class. 717C car number 60 also recorded the best fuel economy throughout the race (3.2km/L) and the hardworking team earned the trophy for Best Mechanic.