Throughout its entire history, Mazda has maintained its place as an automotive brand that is strongly associated with competitive motorsports. Throughout its history, Mazda developed famous performance vehicles including the rotary-powered RX-7 alongside the iconic MX-5 Miata and multiple road-going demonstration cars for showing their advanced technology capabilities. However, in recent years, Mazda has been missing something: The company needs a performance sub-brands to face competition against BMW M, Mercedes-AMG, and Subaru STI.
The Birth of Mazda Spirit Racing
The automotive world is set for a change because Mazda declared its new sub-brand Mazda Spirit Racing will become available soon. MSR represents Mazda’s replacement for its former Mazdaspeed product line that developed iconic hot hatches and sports cars such as the Mazdaspeed3 and Mazdaspeed6 throughout the 2000s. The upcoming MSR division takes a different path from its Mazdaspeed forebear by offering more than cosmetic modifications and engine performance enhancements to Mazda’s product lineup. MSR operates under its own division to deliver complete track-focused Mazda automobiles, demonstrating both company engineering excellence as well as pure racing heritage.
The spirit of Mazda motivates MSR
The upcoming MSR cars from Mazda draw inspiration from the company’s Mazda Spirit concept that embodies both a love of automotive pleasure and rebellious technological advancement. MSR learns from Mazda’s history of motorsport success to include the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans victory with the 787B rotary-engine racer that earned Japanese auto history dual distinctions as the first Japanese-made race winner and rotary-powered champ at Le Mans. MSR plans to develop fast vehicles that combine highly efficient performance with dependable operations through implementing Mazda’s Skyactiv technology together with Kodo design standards.
The Tokyo Auto Salon hosted the public reveal
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.
This special Mazda3 hatchback modification team earned its status as a serious track weapon through comprehensive upgrades. Powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, the MSR3 pairs this power with a six-speed manual transmission which drives all wheels. The MSR3 incorporates a sport-tuned suspension together with Brembo brakes and 19-inch forged wheels, Recaro seats, a roll cage, a carbon fiber body kit designed to minimize weight and optimize aerodynamics. The powerful red and black exterior of the MSR3 celebrates the memory of the 787B.
Built from Mazda MX-5 Miata foundations, the MSR MX-5 claims its title as the highest-selling roadster ever manufactured. The MSR MX-5 provides a next-generation Miata driving experience through its natural four-cylinder 2.0-liter motor which generates 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque while working alongside a manual six-speed transmission and a rear-wheel-drive structure. The MSR MX-5 includes advancements like sport-tuned suspension together with Brembo brake system and 18-inch forged wheels along with Recaro seat frames and roll cage protection and a carbon fiber body kit that updates the Miata’s stylish form. A striking white and blue paint job of the MSR MX-5 returns Mazda’s racing legacy to life.
Car Model Information: 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring
Price: $31,224
Exterior color: Jet Black Mica
Interior color: Black
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel Drive
Transmission: Manual
Engine: 2.0 L
VIN: JM1NDAD70R0604796
Mileage: 2,604 mi.
Summary: The Mazda MX-5 is a lightweight two-person sports car manufactured and marketed by Mazda with a front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The convertible is marketed as the Mazda Roadster or Eunos Roadster in Japan, and as the Mazda Miata in the United States, and formerly in Canada, where it is now marketed as the MX-5 but is still commonly referred to as “Miata”.
Get more information about: Mazda MX-5
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The Future of MSR
Mazda provides hints about future MSR products yet refuses to confirm production timelines for either the MSR3 or the MSR MX-5 models. Mazda announced that the MSR technology will expand beyond hatchbacks and roadsters to include sedan and crossover vehicles along with electric vehicle models. Mazda also plans to bring its MSR racing division back to the highest levels of international motorsport at Formula One followed by World Endurance Championship and IMSA.
A New Era for Mazda
Through Mazda Spirit Racing, the company aims to deliver an innovative product line which promises excitement for fans worldwide. MSR’s mission is to restore Mazda performance car excitement to the market while establishing the brand as an automotive industry leader in terms of prestige and reputation. MSR will demonstrate Mazda’s position beyond being a mainstream vehicle maker through its status as a leader of driving art innovation.
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Mazda Will Get Its Mojo Back With Spirit Racing Sub-Brand
Mazdaspeed Is Becoming Mazda Spirit Racing: Here’s What To Expect
