A standard Mazda MX-5 has completed a 1000-mile journey, lapping race tracks in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, powered by fossil-free sustainable fuel.
The Sustain fuel from British firm Coryton – which powered a Jaguar E-Type that Hagerty drove earlier in the year – is made from agricultural waste and powered the MX-5 on the road trip, which took in tours of the Trac Mon circuit in Anglesey, England’s Oulton Park, Knockhill in Scotland, and Kirkistown in Northern Ireland.
There was no loss in performance on road or track and the MX-5 achieved an average fuel consumption of 45.6 mpg. “This is a brilliant demonstration of how sustainable fuels can play a part in reducing automotive CO2 emissions if they became widely available” said Mazda Motors UK, Managing Director, Jeremy Thomson.
“It’s especially appropriate to highlight how they have the potential to make the enjoyment of driving sustainable whether on the road or on track for fun or in competition” he added.
Mazda is exploring a variety of alternative fuels in its bid to keep the combustion engine alive. It was the first car maker to join Europe’s eFuel Alliance, is supporting the development of e-fuel from microalgae with Japanese academics, and is using biofuels to power a Mazda2 race car in Japan’s Super Taikyu Endurance Series.
You could argue that one reason for this focus on e-fuels is that Mazda is miles behind when it comes to electrification. But we prefer to think it’s because of the brand’s passion for driving – and really maximising the potential of all the combustion engines still out there, which will still be the predominant motive force for years to come.
This article was originally published on Hagerty US.
Read more
First drive: This Jaguar E-type is running on sustainable fuel – how soon before your classic is too?
Porsche doubles down on e-fuels with £57 million investment
Will synthetic fuels ride to the rescue of classic cars?
