Mazda Spirit Racing: The New Sub-Brand That Will Revive Mazda’s Racing Heritage

Mazda is a brand that has always been synonymous with racing. From the legendary rotary-powered RX-7 to the iconic MX-5 Miata, Mazda has a rich history of producing cars that are fun to drive and competitive on the track. However, in recent years, Mazda has been missing something: a performance sub-brand that can rival the likes of BMW M, Mercedes-AMG, and Subaru STI.

The Birth of Mazda Spirit Racing

That’s about to change, as Mazda has announced the launch of a new sub-brand called Mazda Spirit Racing, or MSR for short. MSR will be the successor to the discontinued Mazdaspeed division, which was responsible for some of the most beloved hot hatches and sports cars of the 2000s, such as the Mazdaspeed3 and the Mazdaspeed6. Unlike Mazdaspeed, which focused on turbocharging and tuning existing models, MSR will be more than just a badge and a body kit. MSR will be a dedicated division that will develop and produce track-ready cars that will showcase Mazda’s engineering prowess and racing DNA.

Inspired by the Spirit of Mazda

MSR will be inspired by the Spirit of Mazda, which is the company’s philosophy of pursuing the joy of driving and challenging the status quo. MSR will also draw inspiration from Mazda’s motorsport achievements, such as winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1991 with the 787B, the only Japanese car and the only rotary-powered car to do so. MSR will aim to create cars that are not only fast and agile but also reliable and efficient, using Mazda’s innovative Skyactiv technology and Kodo design language.

“Mazda 2” by MSVG is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Unveiling at the Tokyo Auto Salon

Mazda has already given us a glimpse of what MSR can do by unveiling two concept cars at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon: the MSR3 and the MSR MX-5.

The MSR3 is based on the Mazda3 hatchback but with a host of upgrades that make it a serious track weapon. The MSR3 features a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed manual transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. The MSR3 also boasts a sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, 19-inch forged wheels, Recaro seats, a roll cage, and a carbon fiber body kit that reduces weight and improves aerodynamics. The MSR3 is painted in a striking red and black livery that pays homage to the 787B.

The MSR MX-5 is based on the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the best-selling roadster of all time. The MSR MX-5 takes the Miata’s formula of lightweight and nimble handling to the next level by adding a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that delivers 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission and a rear-wheel-drive system. The MSR MX-5 also features a sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, 18-inch forged wheels, Recaro seats, a roll cage, and a carbon fiber body kit that enhances the Miata’s sleek and elegant silhouette. The MSR MX-5 is painted in a stunning white and blue livery that evokes the spirit of Mazda’s racing heritage.

The Future of MSR

Mazda has not confirmed when the MSR3 and the MSR MX-5 will go into production, but the company has hinted that they are not just one-off show cars, but rather prototypes that will lead to future MSR models. Mazda has also stated that MSR will not be limited to hatchbacks and roadsters but will expand to other segments, such as sedans, crossovers, and even electric vehicles. Mazda has expressed interest in returning to the top-tier of motorsport, such as Formula One, World Endurance Championship, and IMSA, with MSR as its racing arm.

A New Era for Mazda

Mazda Spirit Racing is a bold and exciting move that will surely delight Mazda fans and enthusiasts around the world. MSR will not only bring back the thrill and passion of Mazda’s performance cars but also elevate the brand’s reputation and prestige in the automotive industry. MSR will prove that Mazda is not just a mainstream carmaker but a true innovator and a leader in the art of driving.