Mazda3 TCR is one mean looking race car

The new Mazda3 hatchback already looks good as it is. With its sleeker shape and new 'Kodo' design language, it certainly has styling to match its competitors. Now, it seems Mazda has found a way to make it look even better.

How so? By turning it into a full-on race car.

Meet the Mazda3 TCR. Mazda's newest racer which is based on the road-going Mazda3 hatchback and designed in-house at Mazda Design America. Unlike most race cars, the styling changes aren't as drastic. From the get-go, you can still recognize most of the hatchback's original lines. The biggest changes would have to be the wide fender flares, large spoiler, and center-exit exhaust.

There's also a new vented hood, front splitter, rear diffuser, and side skirt in order to improve aerodynamics. Rounding up the exterior changes are the new lightweight Volk Racing TE37s and lower ride height.

All the exterior changes were necessary in order to meet TCR regulations. At the same time, it also improved the rear styling of the Mazda3 hatchback. In particular, the awkwardly large rear quarter panel now looks good with the wide fender flares fitted on.

Under the hood, the Mazda3 TCR packs a turbocharged inline-four paired to a paddle-shift six-speed transmission sending power to the front wheels. In accordance with TCR regulations, the race-spec engine will make around 350 horsepower which is nearly double what the road-going version makes.

Mazda Motorsport will be racing two Mazda3 TCRs at the 2020 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. They will also be selling the TCR to interested racing customers. Pricing for the turn-key race car has yet to be announced.