And it isn't just about street performance. Long before the Mazda RX-8 hit our streets, the technology had powered the rotary-engined Mazda 787B to a stunning victory at the 24 hour Le Mans challenge, beating out the two nearest rivals by more than three hours. That was in 1991 and to date that Mazda victory remains the only Japanese win at Le Mans. The Record will reflect a ban hastily slapped on the engine to protect the traditional naturally aspirated cylinder-driven sport, thereby dashing Mazda's hopes of popularizing an engine so different and advanced that it became iconic, captivating true motoring enthusiasts ever since.