This is the 2020 Mazda 3 TCR, which is a new
customer race car that has been recently introduced as the company expands its
motorsport presence. Designed by Mazda Design America in Irvine, California, it
is based on the hatchback version of the road-going Mazda 3, and will be built,
developed, and supported by Long Road Racing, the same company that handles the
MX-5 Cup.
Motivation is provided by a 2.0 litre turbocharged
four-cylinder that redlines at 7,000 rpm, and the mill provides 350 hp and 490
Nm of torque. This is sent to the front wheels via a Sadev or Xtrac six-speed
sequential transmission with paddle shifters, and the race car will hit a top
speed of 241 km/h. As per TCR Touring Car regulations, the bodyshell is retained as is,
although it does gain aerodynamic add-ons like those splitters, side skirts,
fender flares and a prominent rear wing.
Similarly, the suspension layout is unchanged, with
revisions being the use of custom four corner struts with A-arms and a choice of
Bilstein or Ohlins coilovers. The car rides on 18-inch Rays wheels wrapped,
while stopping power is provided by a Brembo brake system. Inside, the stripped-out interior
features Sparco seats, a Motec L180 data system and dash, Tilton adjustable
pedal box, an MPi steering wheel and all the necessary safety kit.
The Mazda3 TCR is homologated to compete in any of
the 36 TCR-sanctioned championships around the world, and will first make its
racing debut at the 2020 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, starting with the
four-hour Endurance Challenge that is part of the Rolex 24 at Daytona weekend
of racing on January 26, 2020
