Sunshine Airport from “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” has always captivated me. Just imagine zipping around an airport on a personal go-kart. This dream almost became a reality thanks to a Mazda concept from the 1990s. According to Industrial Equipment News, Mazda designed a go-kart that cleverly fit inside a standard Samsonite suitcase. In just a minute, the suitcase could transform, allowing you to travel at 19 mph. While it may not be speed-demon fast, it’s undoubtedly quicker than sprinting to catch your flight.
The early ’90s were a golden era for Mazda. They were riding high on the success of the original Miata and had just won Le Mans with the pioneering rotary engine car, the 787B. To keep that innovative spirit alive, Mazda held internal competitions like Fantasyard, where different departments were encouraged to brainstorm creative transportation ideas, as noted by Mazda UK. One idea involved fitting a pocket bike into a suitcase to aid airport travel, leading to the creation of a three-wheeled go-kart with a suitcase as its shell. Just think—if we had these Suitcase Cars, airport travel could be a thrilling race to your next gate.
Sadly, our dreams of karting through the terminal didn’t pan out. The FAA doesn’t allow gasoline in luggage, and the suitcase’s size means it wouldn’t fit under a seat or in an overhead bin. It would need to be checked in. When Mazda showcased the Suitcase Car on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” a Mazda engineer revealed the idea came from his frustrations waiting for a taxi. The Suitcase Car was meant for easy last-mile transportation, not for racing down the airport concourse. Watching this video, it’s amusing to note how they discussed the technologies we now take for granted in 2000, like laptops and cell phones.
Fast forward to today, and technology has come a long way. The original issues with a gas engine could easily be solved with electric options. A lightweight battery could power an upgraded version of the Suitcase Car. With a few design tweaks, these cars could even accommodate some luggage. Picture this: a compact version that fits in a carry-on bag. With modern advancements, a Mario Kart-style race at Sunshine Airport might not be far-fetched after all. Perhaps we could even use 3D printing to customize and create these speedy little rides.
