Mazda Motorsports has unveiled the new Mazda3 TCR car in California, becoming the 14th different manufacturer to have a car built to the global TCR specification.
Developed and supported by Long Road Racing, who also develop the Mazda Global MX5 race car, the Mazda3 will hit the racetrack in 2020 as part of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.
The car’s first competitive outing is set to take place at the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona on 26 January 2020.
The Mazda3 TCR will be powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine capable of producing 350 horsepower. The car will have a paddle-shift six-speed sequential gearbox.
“TCR represents a great opportunity for us to showcase the new Mazda3 and provide our customers another avenue to race Mazda vehicles,” said Masahiro Moro, Chairman and CEO, Mazda North American Operations.
“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.”
John Doonan, Director of Mazda Motorsports, says the brand is looking forward to returning to the Michelin Pilot Challenge, having been absent from the grid in 2019.
“The Mazda3 features the outstanding design and engineering that Mazda is known for, and because of that, it is a fantastic foundation for our new Mazda3 TCR,” said Doonan.
“We have looked forward to returning to the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge for several seasons, and everyone at Mazda is very excited that we will do just that in 2020.
“We are eagerly anticipating success for the Mazda3 TCR in IMSA, SRO Americas and in TCR championships around the world.”
Photos: Mazda Motorsports