Mazda is finally returning to touring car racing with the unveiling of the all-new 2020 Mazda3 TCR customer race car. Based on the 2019 Mazda3 hatchback, the Mazda3 TCR will 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. It will compete against racing versions of the Hyundai Veloster N, Audi RS3, and Honda Civic Type R.

Retaining the design of the regular 2019 Mazda3 hatchback, the Mazda3 TCR features the latest iteration of the brand's signature "Kodo – Soul of Motion" design language. Designed by Mazda Design America in Irvine, California, to meet all TCR regulations, the Mazda3 TCR features a host of aero upgrades, including a large fixed rear spoiler that makes it look more savage than the standard road car.

"TCR represents a great opportunity for us to showcase the new Mazda3 and provide our customers another avenue to race Mazda vehicles," said Masahiro Moro, Chairman and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. "Some of our most important successes in IMSA and SRO TC Americas have been thanks to dedicated customers who chose to race with Mazda, and we hope the next generation of Mazda racers see the same potential in the Mazda3 TCR."

"The Mazda3 features the outstanding design and engineering that Mazda is known for, and because of that, it is a fantastic foundation for our new Mazda3 TCR," said John Doonan, Director, Mazda Motorsports. "We have looked forward to returning to the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge for several seasons, and everyone at Mazda is very excited that we will do just that in 2020. We are eagerly anticipating success for the Mazda3 TCR in IMSA, SRO Americas and in TCR championships around the world."

Under the hood, the Mazda3 TCR is powered by a turbocharged, four-cylinder engine producing 350 horsepower and paired with a paddle-shifted six-speed transmission. That's nearly double the power of the regular Mazda3 hatchback, which has 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. Developed and supported by Long Road Racing, which also manufactures the Mazda MX-5 Cup car, the Mazda3 TCR is homologated to compete in any of the 36 TCR-sanctioned championships around the globe.