Touring Car Racing Just Got Even More Competitive With The Launch Of The Mazda3 TCR

Mazda is the latest automaker to engage in touring car racing, just unveiling its all-new Mazda3 TCR that’ll make its racing debut on January 26, 2020 at the Rolex 24 as part of the 2020 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and will be offered to privateers from $175,000.

The Mazda3 TCR retains the striking design of the 2019MY hatchback but tacks on a host of serious aerodynamics components including a bold front splitter, distinctive side skirts and a large fixed rear wing.

Mazda is still putting the finishing touches to the race car’s powertrain that be powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 350 HP coupled to a paddle-shift six-speed transmission. The car has been co-developed with Long Road Racing, who is also responsible for the Global Mazda MX-5 Cup car, and has been homologated to compete in any of the 36 TCR-sanctioned championships around the world.

Also Watch: Renault Megane RS Trophy Faces VW Golf GTI TCR On The Track

“TCR represents a great opportunity for us to showcase the new Mazda3 and provide our customers another avenue to race Mazda vehicles,” chairman and chief executive of Mazda North American Operations Masahiro Moro said.

“Some of our most important successes in IMSA and SRO TC Americas have been thanks to dedicated customers who chose to race with Mazda, and we hope the next generation of Mazda racers see the same potential in the Mazda3 TCR.”

A huge array of other production car-based racers compete in touring car championships, including the Renault Megane R.S., Seat Leon, Subaru WRX STi, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Hyundai Veloster N and Honda Civic Type R.