The track-ready concept with Mazdaspeed vibes shown in Tokyo hints at a true Mazda3 hot hatch.
Mazda takes itself too seriously these days to make cars like the old Mazdaspeed 3. In its words, such cars are “childish.” But maybe it’s found youth in its heart again, because Mazda has shown off performance road car concepts by its new factory race team. One of them’s a track-ready, turbocharged Mazda3, and the odds of it making production look strong.
For the Mazda3 on the other hand, Mazda told me it’s considering a new turbo engine with a performance emphasis—and that this isn’t the 2.5-liter turbo already on sale in North America. In the company’s words, the engine would offer “a more nimble and powerful driving experience.” Sounds like a Subaru WRX-killer to me.
2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo. James Gilboy
Mazda couldn’t comment on the possibility of Mazda Spirit Racing-branded performance parts, or the odds of the brand making it to the United States. However, it stated it “would like to consider expansions in the future,” and that more info is on the way soon. Still, it seems at least both concepts are bound for production, as reported by Motor1. Even if neither comes to the U.S., it’ll rekindle interest in the Mazda3 platform as a performance car. Should the aftermarket follow suit, it’ll be a win regardless.
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