FOUR MODELS THAT SHOULD BE ON MAZDA SPIRIT RACING'S TO-DO LIST

It's been over two decades since Mazda released its very first Mazdaspeed vehicle to the public in the form of a more powerful and purposeful Protege, followed by pumped up versions of the MX-5, and Mazdaspeed6 and 3 models. Serving as the brand's in-house performance branch, operations began way back in 1967 when it was an independent race team known as Mazda Sports Corner. In 1983, that name was changed to Mazdaspeed and the group went on to earn wins at multiple events, establishing itself as a true motorsport contender.

Those sportier offerings ended in 2013 and the brand was consequently ushered out of the picture, but as of January of this year, Mazda showed that their Spirit Racing Performance motorsport division was more than capable of bringing back that same sort of excitement with the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 and MX-5 concepts displayed at Tokyo Auto Salon. That, in turn, got CarBuzz thinking about what other current models would benefit from an injection of performance from the latest version of Mazda's dedicated tuning branch.

Oh, Rally? This CX-50 Idea Takes The Road Less Traveled

Introduced just a few years ago to sit in between its CX-5 and larger CX-70 stablemates, the CX-50 would make an ideal candidate for some Mazda Spirit Racing touches. The Meridian Edition CX-50 is aimed at the off-road adventurer but, in all honesty, isn't the most capable based on its upgrades being mostly aesthetic.

With other automakers offering off-road-inspired and trail-ready trims, it's a perfect opportunity for Mazda to flex its performance division's versatility and take a stab at something rally-inspired. Think Mustang Mach E-Rally - a vehicle that Ford launched this year that combines their responsible EV with off-road fun.

For the CX-50, a set of wheels would be crucial and nothing says rally racing quite like white wheels along with tires that can hold their own on and off the tarmac. Underbody paneling for protection is a must and incorporating a new front fascia, one that increases cooling capacity while separating itself from the rest of the line, would be ideal. Don't forget a set of high-powered LED fog lights up front for night activities. Finally, the exterior needs a rear spoiler that extends further than the current model's and adding a gurney flap to the end would be nice extra.

The Answer Is Always More Power

The turbocharged four-cylinder in the CX-50 is sufficient, but this rally model needs more grunt. Keeping in line with manufacturer's typically mild power increases for special edition models, increasing boost pressure and upgrading the intercooler with a more aggressive tune should be able to bring output from 256 horsepower to a more suitable 275, while torque could bubble from 320 lb-ft to 350, making rally adventures all the better.

Stiffer dampers and stouter steering would be selectable from the cabin with a Rally Mode, though ride height would go unchanged as the CX-50's current height is adequate. Finally, Mazda Spirit Racing Rally-spec signage on the exterior with a serial numbered badge on the dash, as well as a specific color, like matte gray, for example, would signify the CX-50 Spirit Rally special edition model against its white wheels.

A More Potent Turbocharged CX-90

Mazda's CX-90 is a three-row SUV with a turbocharged inline-six that produces a respectable 340 horsepower. It serves as Mazda's most powerful engine and was a ground-up effort that's been praised for its smooth operation and seamless integration of its 48-volt hybrid-assist system. However, what if Mazda Spirit Racing was tasked with putting together an all-out performance variant in the same vein as Audi's SQ7, for example?

Building on the new inline-six, Spirit Racing could keep the single turbo configuration but use a larger unit to find additional power. Fueling and timing changes to match the larger turbo on the 12:1 compression affair would be required and a more powerful hybrid-assist could help fight turbo lag as well as increase overall peak power output.

The changes could realistically take the current 340 horsepower, 369 lb-ft. of torque up to 450 horsepower and 400 lb-ft. of torque delivered to all four wheels. That is, as long as you're in Sport Mode. Switch to Normal Mode and the boost pressure and hybrid assist both back off in the name of fuel savings. The suspension and steering would also relax while not in the most aggressive drive mode.

Black On Black, Ready To Attack

Taking a meaner approach, the CX-90 Spirit Racing Edition would only be available in black with model-specific 20-inch black wheels with summer tires. A sleek front splitter, side diffusers, and extended rear hatch wing would be included along with black badging for a stealthy look.

Finally, the interior would get bright red leather seats and red stitching throughout. When switched to Sport Mode, the display would show a large tachometer in the center, with boost, oil pressure, and speedometer gauges in smaller diameters on either side. Lightweight aluminum or carbon fiber paddle shifters are a must.

Small But Mighty CX-30 Attitude Adjustment

Based on the Mazda 3 platform, the CX-30 is an athletic subcompact SUV with plenty of power on tap, is fun to drive, and has raked in the safety awards. Of course, it could always be better, and that's where Mazda Spirit Racing would come in and aim more toward a hot-headed performance version of itself, similar to the way Hyundai did with the Kona N model. Enter the CX-30 MSR (Mazda Spirit Racing).

With 250 horsepower and AWD available, power isn't an issue for the CX-30, though squeezing out a few more ponies never hurts. That could be accomplished with a proper tune and more boost, bringing output to the neighborhood of 275 horsepower and 340 lb-ft. of torque. An optional six-speed manual transmission borrowed from the Mazda 3 would be a nice bonus to drivers looking for even more engagement.

Daily Duty Meets Weekend Thrills

Color matching the copious amount of matte black plastic moldings that currently reside on the CX-30's body would go a long way in separating it from all other trim levels, along with MSR badges on the front fenders and tailgate. 18-inch wheels with appropriate tires in a lower profile would suit the model and a one inch lower ride height to improve the look and handling, while not steering too clear of the SUV's versatility.

That lowered stance would be the result of a suspension makeover that would include more aggressive dampers and springs, upgraded sway bars, and engine bay and rear cargo structural bars connecting their respective shock towers. Inside, additional seat bolstering, a thicker steering wheel grip, aluminum pedals, and small hits of carbon fiber along the dash, door switches, and center console would help drive the spirit of the model home.

Reviving the Rotary Engine

You can't put together a hypothetical list of Mazda vehicles without mentioning the rotary engine. For decades, it served as the most unique feature of select Mazda vehicles and today, it's still on duty, though it's used strictly as a range extender for the MX-30 R-EV. Reviving the rotary engine as the main motivator would require a very special vehicle.

Look back at Mazda's history, and you'll find that their flagship, for many years, was the Cosmo. Produced from 1967-1996, in its later years it was sold in Japan under their luxury brand extension known as Eunos. Its top of the line model featured a 2.0-liter three-rotor engine, the first of its kind for a Mazda production vehicle, and produced 276 horsepower. You can see where this is going.

Bringing back the Cosmo and powering it with a modern take on Mazda's tri-rotor 20B-REW makes perfect sense as it combines hints of the past with the present, introduces a familiar name, and utilizes an engine that defies everything on the market. With current technology, a single turbo tri-rotor would be capable of making an easy 450 horsepower, and it would have to be met with at least the option for a six-speed manual transmission. Unlike the '90s that saw the Cosmo get a soft or far-too-aggressive ride based on trim, technology now allows multiple drive modes and suspension changes from the cabin.

The ideal design for the car itself dates back to 2017 when Mazda shocked the automotive world with their Vision Coupe concept car that became an instant hit and won multiple design awards. Sleek, athletic lines and a long hood that, combined with the compact dimensions of the rotary engine, would allow for perfect placement to help achieve a 50/50 weight balance. The competitive sports sedan segment would no doubt take notice, as would the rest of the automotive world. One can dream.

Keep Your Fingers Crossed

Three current models and what can only be described as one vehicle based on hopeful thinking, but all would greatly benefit from a healthy dose of Mazda Spirit Racing's expertise. At a time when groups like Nismo and Gazoo Racing are churning out spicier models, Mazda needs to take the opportunity to join the effort.

2024-09-02T01:16:09Z dg43tfdfdgfd