A new Mazda RX-8 and a 450bhp concept supercar are set to take the Detroit Motor Show by storm.

Mazda is remaining tight-lipped on the looks of the replacement for its rotary-engined sports coupe, but it’s widely expected to take styling ideas from the wacky Taiki concept car.

And although first details are sketchy the new RX-8 is said to take the current formula of a unique four-seat sports car further - through a revitalised design, improved handling, stronger acceleration, improved quality and new features.

The Mazda Furai concept joins it on the stand at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit on 13th January.

The Furai (meaning ‘sound of the wind’) takes inspiration from Mazda’s race cars.

It is a car aimed at environmentally conscious sports car fans. Its 450bhp three-rotor rotary engine runs on synthetic fuel created by BP.

The Mazda Furai is based on the chassis of a racing car in the American Le Mans series, which competed two seasons ago but features a completely bespoke body.

Its designer says: “Historically, there has been a gap between single-purpose racing cars and the sportiest street-legal production models. Furai bridges the gap like no car has ever done before.”

Also appearing on the Mazda stand is the Mazda Taiki concept which received praise at the Tokyo Motor Show 2007. It follows the same ‘Nagare’ design language as the Furai.

“Mazda’s critically acclaimed Nagare design language describes the flow of water, air, people or things moving in one direction. Mazda’s Furai invokes a raw unfettered desire to possess everything this car represents,” said designer Fraz von Holzhausen.