Tokyo Auto Salon: Track-focused Mazda MX-5 and Mazda3 on way

Mazda is making a concerted effort to return to the performance car sector, announcing a new ‘Mazda Spirit Racing’ division – a successor for the old MazdaSpeed sub-brand – and showing off a pair of focused concepts based on the current MX-5 and Mazda3.

The vehicles in question are the 2024 Mazda Spirit Racing RS and Mazda Spirit Racing 3 concepts, both of which debuted at the Tokyo Auto Salon last week wearing a striking pastel grey and black colourway accentuated by red trim highlights on the nose, mirror caps and brakes.

Carbon splitters, side skirts and diffusers inject another element of menace to the ensemble, as does a hunkered-down stance for each model brought about by the reworked suspension and black six-spoke alloy wheels.

At the same show, Mazda also revealed that a new “rotary engine development group” will be launched soon – widely tipped to be a catalyst for a new flagship rotary-powered sports car based on the 2023 Mazda Iconic SP concept.

Specific details of the two new Mazda Spirit Racing (MSR) cars are yet to be announced, but the Japanese car-maker has referenced modifications to the engines, suspension and aerodynamics intended to “provide more control on the circuit and a high-quality ride in everyday life”.

If this recipe sound familiar to some readers it’s because Mazda already offers the MX-5 GT RS in our market, which features lightweight forged alloys, a Brembo braking package, firmer Bilstein dampers and a strut brace to help sharpen things up.

However, these upgrades are far milder than what’s in store for the full-fat MSR cars – think of it like a Hyundai N-Line model versus dedicated N Performance car.

Case in point is the fact that the MSR concepts’ cabins have also been given a major pull-through to match the more aggressive exterior and chassis set-ups, with the MX-5 flaunting grey suede upholstery, one-piece bucket seats, harnesses, red stitching and embossed Mazda Spirit Racing logos.

Neither model has a firm release date and are not yet confirmed for the Australian market.

carsales has contacted Mazda Australia to gauge interest in the upcoming portfolio, however it’s safe to assume the local operation will be hoping to secure them for our market given it’s been campaigning for years to secure performance models such as the Mazda3 Turbo and the related CX-30 Turbo.

Indeed, the prospects are brighter for the Mazda Spirit Racing models given it’s a Japanese initiative and therefore right-hand drive, whereas the aforementioned Turbo hot hatch and SUV are North American cars.

Mazda Spirit Racing will undertake a variety of motorsport endeavours starting soon – primarily in Japan – which will in turn feed into the road car development program.

Related: Mazda Iconic SP rotary sports car heading for production

Related: Mazda3 Turbo hot hatch still possible for Oz

Related: Mazda MX-5 GT RS 2021 Review

Related: Mazdaspeed MX-5 M’z Tune 2007 Review

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