Mazda has filed trademarks for an intriguing ‘R’ logo, prompting speculation that the badge could be used in future performance models from the carmaker.
The trademark images were filed with the Japan Patent Office and discovered by the New Nissan Z forum. The logo consists of a stylized ‘R’ with blue, red, and white. Some note that the red triangle might be a nod to the company’s famed rotary engine. The logo also has similarities to the Spirit R badge used by the RX-7 and RX-8 back in the day.
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The Drive notes that the trademark application includes use for “automobiles and their parts and fittings.” Admittedly, the filing also leaves open the possibility for the R badge to be be used to denote a host of performance parts.
Of course, the most exciting possibility is that the R badge could be used to denote a new performance division from Mazda, perhaps akin to the Hyundai’s N division or Toyota’s Gazoo Racing. Mazda has dipped its toe into the ‘warm’ hatch market with the Mazda3 Turbo and could easily transform it into a legitimate rival to cars such as the Hyundai i30 N and Toyota GR Yaris.
Then there is the possibility of the R badge being used on flagship variants of the next-generation Mazda6 and CX-5, two models that have already been confirmed to feature inline-six cylinder engines available in petrol and diesel guises.
