Next Year's Pikes Peak Hill Climb Will Be Tackled By A 1,200 HP Mazda3 With A Rotary Engine

Pikes Peak Hill Climb, which will mark its 100th edition next year, does not shy away from the oddly modified. One of the most unusual is the Mazda3 hatchback vehicle, which is expected to have a rotary engine and rear-wheel drive with over 1,000 hp.

Drifter Michael Widdett of New Zealand is behind the rotary-powered Mazda3, and he's expected to use his expertise with previous rotary-powered cars for the Mazda3. He intends to use a four-rotor Wankel rotary engine with a claimed output of 1,200 hp (1,217 PS / 895 kW), despite the substantially reduced air pressure encountered at Pikes Peak's high altitude.

Mazda3 seen on Widdett's Instagram drawings will include a big chin splitter, a chassis-mounted wing, two rear hatch spoilers, side skirts, and a large rear diffuser in terms of aerodynamics.

In addition to the striking white-and-blue Red Bull livery, it seems to have new wheels and tires, a reduced suspension, and a hood-exit exhaust. Despite the hill climb's restrictions prohibiting passengers or co-drivers, the teaser suggests Mazda3 will still feature four seats and four doors.