MAZDASPEED Heritage
MAZDASPEED's grassroots racing heritage is as authentic as it gets. It traces its origin to an independent racing team in 1967 that ambitiously set out to establish a Mazda car presence at major motorsports events worldwide. At the same time, Mazda was interested in proving the viability of its rotary engine to the world, which it had introduced in the sleek Cosmo 110S. The two goals came together with the Mazda racing team's 1968 international debut, fielding two Cosmos at the Nordshleife, Nuerburgring for the "Marathon de la Route," a grueling 84-hour endurance event. The little Cosmo took fourth place, a great achievement for a new racing team and a new car with completely new engine technology.
Over the next 15 years, the team of enthusiastic Mazda racers campaigned across the United States, Japan and Europe in both endurance and conventional sports car events. In 1991, the MAZDASPEED team succeeded in capturing the overall win at the world's most prestigious endurance race—24 Hours of Le Mans.
Fearing a single-brand dominance, FIA outlawed rotary engines after the 1991 Le Mans race. Unable to race the trademarked Mazda rotary engine in the world's most prestigious venue, MAZDASPEED started developing and building aftermarket parts and accessories, while continuing grassroots motorsports initiatives.
MAZDASPEED3
The all-new MAZDASPEED3 is a lightweight, high-performance sports compact car with over 250 HP and an MZR 2.3-liter DISI Turbo engine. Blending refined styling with dynamic performance and everyday practicality, the MAZDASPEED3 is a rarity among sports cars.
For more information, visit the MAZDASPEED3 website.
