This is what the hot hatch world needs.
Mazda will introduce a new Mazda3 version. But before you get too excited, it is illegal to legally drive the car on public roads. This thoroughbred race car is compliant with TCR regulations and therefore can be used in any of 36 TCR sanctioned championships.
The design is largely inspired by the 2019 Mazda3 hatchback’s attractive design, but it has a huge rear wing with flares and a massive rear spoiler. The front splitter is large and prominent, as well as the prominent rear diffuser that has a single exhaust tip in the middle. It rides on 18-inch Rays wheels with Michelin Pilot tires.
The Mazda3 TCR’s heart is a turbocharged four cylinder engine. It can rev up to 7,000 RPM and generates a hefty 350 horsepower and 490 Newton meters (361 pound-feet of torque). The engine’s power is sent to the road via a six-speed SADEV sequential or optional Xtrac gearbox. This hardware configuration allows Mazda’s racing car to reach speeds of 150 mph (241 km/h), and then stop quickly thanks to Brembo brakes.
The 2020 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge will see the Mazda3 TCR take part. It is expected to make its racing debut on Sunday, January 26, with the Rolex 24 Daytona Endurance Challenge.
Although a race car is great, we hope Mazda will make a street-legal version that can compete with the limited-run Volkswagen Golf TCR. This would be a great opportunity to bring back the Mazdaspeed3 name, but it is all wishful thinking at the moment. Zoom-Zoom has stated that it could theoretically give the compact model an more powerful engine but no plans are in place for the near future.