Mazda 3 TCR program officially called-off

KUALA LUMPUR: As per recent reports, Mazda has cancelled the Mazda 3 TCR programme. The said car was a hardcore track version of the famous Mazda 3 hatchback that the automaker was building in collaboration with Long Road Racing. Both Mazda and Long Road Racing partnered to develop new race cars, continuing the relationship fostered with the MX-5 Cup cars.

However, in January 2020, Long Road Racing folded suddenly, focusing on Mazda to delay the TCR program until 2021. This, coupled with the massive global economic slowdown, dropping of automakers turnovers, reduction of racing events, all these factors pointed to building a race car at the moment for teams that may not even secure sponsors in sheer waste. Therefore, the Mazda 3 TCR is now called-off and is just limited to one prototype model.

Emily Taylor, Mazda's communications & experiential marketing director in the USA, in an interview, confirmed the news. She said, "Given the recent conditions brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has elected to cancel the development program for the Mazda 3 TCR car. We thank all our fans and partners for their continued support for Mazda Motorsports."

The single Mazda 3 TCR prototype, for now, will glorify the company's museum unless the current situation alters drastically. This entire scenario is sad and highlights the impact of a pandemic on the automotive industry, with carmakers either optimising their lineup or axing names completely.

But don't be sad, what if the TCR program didn't work out so we can still enjoy the Mazda 3 turbo option's power-packed performance? It is powered by a 2.5-litre 4-CYL turbocharged mill that maximizes 227 hp and a peak torque of 420 Nm. The power is sent to all four wheels via an automatic transmission.

Also Read: 2020 World Car Design of the Year award goes to Mazda 3