Mazda reveals 2016 Osaka Auto Messe line-up – Mazda 2 15MB Racing Concept joins 6, CX-3, MX-5 on display

The 2016 Osaka Auto Messe will be held in Osaka, Japan from February 12 to 14. To get you up to speed, the annual auto show is similar to America’s SEMA Show, with the focus on modified cars and aftermarket parts. This year, Mazda will bring its own set of modified cars (albeit concepts), covering nearly every model (sorry CX-5, 3 owners) offered by the Hiroshima-based automaker. The line-up is similar to that shown at the 2016 Tokyo Auto Salon, with just one new addition.

First up, the ND-series MX-5s, which will be displayed in two flavours – NR-A Racing Spec. and RS Racing Concept. The former is essentially a race car version of the roadster for use in one-make series immediately. On the outside, you’ll spot additional aero bits, tow hooks front and rear, a roll cage and racing livery. Inside, the MX-5 still appears largely stock save for the Mazdaspeed bucket seats.

The RS Racing Concept isn’t as race-focused as the aforementioned concept, but features a menacing look nonetheless. Here, the MX-5 gets a black paintjob with Mazdaspeed aero bits (spoiler lips and side skirts) highlighted in red. Mazda has also provided the car with adjustable suspension, larger wheels and an anti-roll bar.

Following in the footsteps of the MX-5 is the B-segment Mazda 2 (or Demio), also in two offerings – a rally-going 15MB Racing Spec. and 15MB Racing Concept. The rally machine gets new multi-spoke wheels, racing livery, tow hooks and a full roll cage. Inside, the changes are even more radical than on the MX-5, with a metal footrest (for your rally navigator) and heel plate when you don’t need to row through the six-speed manual gearbox.

The Demio 15MB Racing Concept meanwhile, is the latest addition to the line-up referred to earlier. The hatchback gets injected with a bit more sportiness here, with a blacked-out bodykit, rear spoiler, new wheels and decals. Inside, there are metal pedals with matching heel plate and Mazdaspeed sport seats. A 1.5 litre SkyActiv-G engine (115 PS/148 Nm) and six-speed manual transmission forms the car’s powertrain instead of the less-powerful 1.3 litre mill (92 PS/121 Nm).

Moving on to the final two Racing Concept cars, where the first a car you are most probably familiar with, the Mazda 6 or Atenza as it is known back in Japan. Like the other Racing Concepts featured here, the 6’s uprated looks are courtesy of new wheels and body add-ons (spoiler lips, side skirts) for the exterior. For the interior, there are now metal pedals and a heel plate, along with semi-bucket Mazdaspeed seats and dashes of Alcantara everywhere.

Finally, the CX-3, which was recently launched in Malaysia. In its Racing Concept guise, the car gains an even more aggressive outlook, with red-highlighted aero parts, new-design wheels and decals. Like the other Racing Concepts, the manual transmission fitted here is matched with metal pedals as well. Alcantara is also used more extensively here, with the material found on the sport seats and dash.

Joining the cars on stage will be the Mazda LM55 Vision Gran Turismo, the company’s futuristic take on the iconic 787B that made Mazda the first Japanese manufacturer to win Le Mans (1991), as well as the only non-piston engine car to ever win with its 26B Wankel rotary engine.

Now that you’ve had a taste of Mazda’s concepts that will go on display at the 2016 Osaka Auto Messe, which one do you think looks the best?

GALLERY: Mazda MX-5 NR-A Racing Spec.

GALLERY: Mazda MX-5 RS Racing Concept

GALLERY: Mazda Demio 15MB Racing Spec.

GALLERY: Mazda Demio 15MB Racing Concept

GALLERY: Mazda Atenza Racing Concept

GALLERY: Mazda CX-3 Racing Concept

GALLERY: Mazda LM55 Vision Gran Turismo

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