We all know that Mazda's Kodo design language looks superb on a range of different body styles, with the all-new CX-5 the latest model to feature the Japanese brand's signature styling. The new Mazda RT24-P race car you see here in all its giant-winged glory is evidence that it also works in top level motorsports. Set to make its racing debut at the 2017 Rolex 24 at Daytona early next year, the new prototype is made up of a radical, yet sleek body developed by Mazda designers.

Kodo design cues include the five-point grille and sleek body contours, while the Prototype has also been aerodynamically honed by Multimatic who worked to ensure it slices through the air like a samurai's katana. Riley Technologies developed the new Riley Mk. 30 chassis, while power will come from Mazda's MZ-2.0T engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit rated at around 600 horsepower. Put all that together and you can decipher the racecar's name – RT (Riley Technologies), 24 (2-liter 4-cylinder engine), P (prototype). "This is a huge moment for Mazda Motorsports and the entire Mazda family," said John Doonan, director of Mazda Motorsports North America.

"To have a car which features Mazda design language at the top level of our motorsports program is meaningful for us as a brand. We believe we have the right team, the right drivers and the right chassis to win races and championships." Florida-based SpeedSource Race Engineering will manage two of these prototype racers when it makes its racing debut at Daytona at the end of January.