Mazda 3 2.5 turbo, hardcore MX-5 concepts launch Spirit Racing sub-brand

At the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, Mazda had a selection of vehicles on its stand including an MX-5 and turbocharged Mazda 3 tuned by the marque’s new Spirit Racing sub-brand – and they could end up on the menu for Australia.

Mazda is at pains to point out that these are both concepts and that it’s still studying the introduction of Sprit Racing in Japan first, with CEO Masahiro Moro enthused by the new direction.

“For the first time in 25 years since MazdaSpeed we have established a factory motorsports division – Mazda Spirit Racing”, said Moro-san. The brand will initially focus on Japan’s Super Taikyu racing series, which spans tin-top production cars to GT3 and TCR-spec racers.

7

Inspired by the racing series, Spirit Racing’s goal is to create “a car that people can enjoy driving in the city as well as in the circuit.”

As the Mazda Spirit Racing concept develops, the brand will consider overseas expansion – demand will be up to Mazda’s biggest markets, with North America and Australia two of the strongest – though there are no further plans to share now, according to a Mazda Australia spokesperson.

Near wide-bodied racecars were a pair of track-day-oriented concepts that could spearhead Spirit Racing’s road car launch.

7

The first is a Mazda 3 with a jutting front splitter, flared side skirts, black six-spoke alloy wheels, red Brembo brakes, and an extended rear roof spoiler. It sits lower, indicating changes to the suspension as well.

Official word from Mazda Japan – coming via the Australian office – is that a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder is currently the engine of choice. But it won’t be the same as the 186kW 2.5-turbo found in North America.

Instead, the Japanese communication notes it will be a “new engine”, though whether this means an all-new design, or significant refinement of what Mazda already has, is unclear.

It wouldn't be the first hot Mazda 3 to hit Australian shores, with the cult 3 MPS and SP23/SP25 models fondly remembered by many enthusiasts.

7

The other vehicle is a trackday special MX-5 (Roadster in Japan) with the same high-output 2.0-litre Skyactiv petrol four-cylinder as the Super Taikyu ST-Q racecar, developing 149kW (200 hp) rather than the standard car’s 135kW.

Naturally, there’s a focus on lighter weight and improved driver feedback with racing bucket seats, harnesses, Brembo brakes, aerodynamic mods, and six-spoke lightweight alloy wheels fitted.

Mazda’s CEO also noted that the Spirit MX-5 uses track-oriented suspension, and it sits a lot lower than a regular ND. Expect the dampers to have been retuned, along with stiffer anti-roll bars and firmer springs for a more stable platform.