Mazda introduced its Spirit Racing sub-brand at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS), which also saw two concepts based on the Mazda 3 and MX-5 making their debuts. Inspired by the carmaker’s involvement in the Super Taikyu endurance race series, these concepts boost a series of upgrades to make them more performance-oriented.
It has been months since that announcement, and for next year’s TAS, Mazda will be revealing the first Spirit Racing model that will be available for purchase. Still without an official name for now, the car in question is a MX-5 that appears very similar to the Sprit Racing RS that previewed it in January.
Familiar cues carried over from the concept include a sportier front splitter, side skirts, decals on the bonnet (and presumably the rear deck), new six-spoke wheels, ‘Mazda Sprit Racing’ script on the front fenders and a specific badge on the front intake. You’ll also notice splashes of red on the tip of the front bumper, side mirrors as well as on the brake calipers.
However, there are some noticeable revisions made for the final product. As a start, there appears to be a new lip spoiler for the boot lid, while the tweaked suspension setup doesn’t lower the car as much as the concept – new tyres are part of the setup too. We don’t get to see the interior just yet, but we can expect Recaro bucket seats with racing harnesses and an Alcantara steering wheel.
In addition to the Spirit Racing-branded MX-5, Mazda will also showcase the Roadster CNF concept that uses carbon-neutral fuel, along with the Mazda 3 Bio concept powered by biodiesel. A Toyo Tires-themed CX-5 will also be part of the event.
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Kudos to Mazda remains the 2nd place below Suzuki in Japan’s Tier-2 car brand standings.