Mazda is exploring use of alternative fuel sources with Subaru and Toyota.
In Japan, Mazda has just revealed a race car based on the MX-5 Miata that runs on carbon-neutral fuel. Known as the Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster CNF concept, it is set to compete in the fourth round of the ENEOS Super Taikyu Series at Autopolis. The use of synthetic fuels in motorsport events is becoming more popular.
This racing series has been an excellent showcase for greener fuels, with a special Toyota GR Corolla powered by a hydrogen combustion engine previously participating in the event. Using carbon-neutral fuel is particularly exciting in the Miata, the quintessential driver's roadster that has always had a light body and a charismatic but not outrageously powerful gas engine.
It's hard to conceive of an electric Miata, and even the hybridized one that has been confirmed will probably challenge engineers, so this racing version with carbon-neutral fuel is a ray of hope.
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The Spirit Racing Roadster will compete in the ST-Q class of the Super Taikyu Series for cars using carbon-neutral fuels, and Mazda says it has been working with other automakers since November 2021 to participate in this class. This concept has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder SkyActiv-G engine, but no further technical details have been shared by the automaker. Mazda is collaborating with Toyota and Subaru in the development of carbon-neutral fuels.
“Mazda believes it is important to provide customers with a variety of options to achieve carbon neutrality, and will accelerate its efforts to achieve carbon-neutral fuels in addition to electrification,” said the automaker.
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Only a single picture of the Spirit Racing Roadster was shared, and it was painted in white with a gray livery, a new front splitter, different wheels and tires, and a large wing at the back to assist with downforce. The event is supported by Bridgestone, with the tire maker's name also appearing on the concept's body. The Mazda will compete alongside other entrants in the ST-Q class, like the Toyota GR86 CNF Concept, the Honda Civic Type R CNF-R, and another Mazda, the 3 Bio Concept, running on biodiesel fuel.
Although this is a racing event, using alternatives to pure electric power to reduce emissions has been a theme among Japanese automakers. For example, Mazda's rotary engine has returned as a range extender in the MX-30 – and it may come to America. Toyota, meanwhile, has been adamant that switching to EVs alone is not the answer to global warming.
Both automakers still only have one EV on sale in the USA, the bZ4X and MX-30.
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Keyword: Mazda's New Miata Racer Runs On Carbon-Neutral Fuel