In a heart-pounding revelation at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024, Mazda has sent shockwaves through the automotive world with the announcement of its high-octane sub-brand, Mazda Spirit Racing. Mazda has consistently delivered vehicles that embody a perfect fusion of style, quality, and driving pleasure for the past decade. However, a void has lingered – the absence of a dedicated performance arm, the once-revered Mazdaspeed. While it is quite unfair to say or hold Mazda accountable as a brand that has lost its way from its past, thanks to an impressive lineup, there was always a static in the air, a void that needed to be filled. Now, the silence is shattered as Mazda roars back to life with a promise to reignite the thrill of driving.
Picture this: the exhilarating Mazda Miata, a superb sports car by any means. But what if it fell into the hands of Mazdaspeed? Envision a turbocharged Mazdaspeed3 tearing up the asphalt. It’s a dream that may just become reality as Mazda Spirit Racing takes the stage. Mazda’s decision to reintroduce a performance arm feels like a long-awaited encore in a market dominated by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing and Honda’s Type R Civic.
Tokyo Auto Salon 2024 was the setting for Mazda to unveil not just a sub-brand but a promise of adrenaline-infused joy. Two concepts, baptized under the Mazda Spirit Racing insignia, emerged as beacons of a spirited future for enthusiasts. These concepts, born from the crucible of Mazda’s involvement in the Super Taikyu endurance race series, embody the marriage of racing prowess and street sensibility.
The Mazda Spirit Racing RS is leading the charge, a tantalizing take on the iconic MX-5 Miata. Dressed in a sleek grey exterior with racing stripes, it’s not just a car; it’s a statement. With an aero kit, enhanced brakes, a lowered stance, and Recaro bucket seats inside—the RS promises an immersive driving experience that transcends the ordinary.
Closely following is the Mazda Spirit Racing 3, a variant of the Mazda3 that cranks up the excitement. With additional aerodynamic elements, including a bold rear wing and vertical connectors on the front splitter, this concept is not for the faint of heart. Both concepts proudly display the Spirit Racing logo, a symbol of Mazda’s commitment to performance excellence since 2021.
While the power under the hood of the two concepts remains a secret, Mazda assures enthusiasts that these concepts are more than showpieces. They’re a glimpse into a future where Mazda cars not only navigate city streets with flair but also dominate the circuits with unbridled passion.
You would be sorely mistaken if you think that’s it for Mazda. Mazda’s President and CEO, Katsuhiro Moro, dropped a bombshell during the announcement as if that weren’t enough to quicken the pulse. A dedicated team of engineers, a modern-day rotary dream team, will be established on February 1. This revelation follows the resounding success of the Iconic SP concept, a masterpiece featuring a rotary engine behaving as a generator.
Moro’s words echoed gratitude for the overwhelming support, and the announcement of the rotary engine development team was met with a crescendo of excitement. Mazda enthusiasts can anticipate a rotary renaissance, as Moro described the engineers as pioneers breaking through the challenges of the carbon-neutral era.
Enter the Iconic SP, a twin-rotor compact sports car boasting 365 horsepower and a performance that rivals the iconic Porsche 911. But it’s not just about the numbers but the emotional connection. Moro painted a vivid picture of driving home with a smile, luggage in tow, without the inconvenience of electric sports cars’ range anxiety.
Chief Designer Masashi Nakayama teased the possibility of the Iconic SP’s downsizing to Miata-like proportions, eliminating any constraints on the packaging. The combustion engine’s ability to run on diverse fuels, from hydrogen to biofuels and liquified petroleum gas (LPG), positions Mazda at the forefront of sustainable performance.
The road to production is a journey that enthusiasts will eagerly await, with whispers suggesting by 2026. As the curtain rises on Mazda Spirit Racing and the Rotary Dream team, Mazda has injected a dose of emotion and excitement into the hearts of fans. It’s not just about driving; it’s about the spirit of performance rekindled in every Mazda engine, a promise of exhilarating journeys that leave an indelible mark on the soul.
