At the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024 exhibition in Japan, Mazda showcased 2 new concept cars. Of particular note is the concept car based on the Mazda3 Hatchback, called the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Concept.
Compared to the regular version, the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Concept has some changes in terms of exterior design. The highlight of this concept car is the exterior body kit, including large front and side air spoilers, all painted in black.
Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Concept with new exterior body kit
Furthermore, the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Concept also features prominent red accents on the front bumper and side mirrors. The rear of the car is equipped with sleek black 6-spoke alloy wheels and red-painted Brembo brake calipers.
Sleek black alloy wheels with red Brembo brakes of the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Concept
In addition, the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Concept is painted in a subtle cement gray exterior color, which is still quite impressive. The hood, roof, and rear trunk lid also have black racing stripes. The front doors and hood have Mazda Spirit Racing decals, which is a brand associated with the company’s racing cars in Japan.
Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Concept with cement gray paintwork
Black racing stripes on the hood in a racing style
Inside this concept car, the interior space is also designed to be sportier with leather-trimmed sports seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The dashboard, central control cluster, and seats feature red stitching. The 12 o’clock steering wheel marker and seat belts also add a touch of red to the interior.
Interior of the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Concept
This concept car is equipped with sports seats
The notable remaining interior features of the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Concept are expected to be the same as the cars currently on the market. The Mazda3 in the Japanese market is equipped with a new 10.25-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support, Qi wireless phone charging, and integrated USB Type-C ports with lighting. In addition, it features remote engine start via the MyMazda app on smartphones.
Close-up of the leather-wrapped steering wheel of the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Concept
The engine of this concept car seems to remain the same. In the Japanese market, the Mazda3 currently has 4 engine options, including the SkyActiv-G 1.5L gasoline engine, SkyActiv-D 1.8L diesel engine, e-SkyActiv X mild hybrid powertrain, and e-SkyActiv G 2.0 mild hybrid powertrain.
Among them, the e-SkyActiv G 2.0 engine features a 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated, direct fuel injection, 2.0L displacement, electric motor, and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The gasoline engine produces a maximum power of 156 horsepower and a maximum torque of 199 Nm. The electric motor adds a maximum power of 6.9 horsepower and a maximum torque of 49 Nm to the car.
Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Concept uses the same engine as the cars currently on the market
Another prominent feature of this car in the Japanese market is the upgraded forward/reverse pedal control system. In addition to obstacles such as vehicles and walls, the system can now detect pedestrians in front of the car. Meanwhile, the upgraded driver monitoring system has an additional feature of alerting for lack of concentration. When signs of driver inattention are detected, the car will issue warnings through sound and display.
According to a Mazda representative, the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Concept will have a commercial version for the market. If that’s the case, this car will be a potential rival to the Honda Civic Type R.
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