The year 2025 marks Mazda’s debut at the Manila Auto Salon, showcasing two intriguing iterations of beloved Mazda models, the BT-50 and Miata, both decked out in striking motorsports-inspired liveries.
Mazda, known for its sports car icons like the RX-7, RX-8, and MX-5 Miata, as well as its motorsport accolades with the likes of the 787B, is now getting into a new class of motorsports with a vehicle you might not expect. Now, the Japanese marque is about to get its feet wet in the world of truck racing, with the intention of starting a one-make series for the BT-50, come 2026.
The BT-50 on display serves as proof of concept for the Fuchū outfit’s plan to make a foray into the racing truck scene, featuring a 4×4 racing concept fitted with numerous off-road racing necessities. You’ll spot a Mammoth aluminum roof rack, Rhino cross bars, and a PIAA V-RF light bar up top. Up front, PIAA LTX 590 fog lamps, and down below, 17” Concept One Outback wheels wrapped in GT Radial Savero M/T Pro 265/70R17 tires. All tied together with a distinctive white-and-blue livery from Vinyl Frog.
Driving this step into new racing territory was the positive reception and encouragement Mazda received from the BT-50 community earlier this year, from the first leg of the Mazda Fan Festa. Thanks to the ongoing enthusiasm of the BT-50 community, this concept has real potential. And it looks like we’ll have a promising new racing series on our hands next year.
But the BT-50 wasn’t the only highlight Mazda brought to the Manila Auto Salon, as the race truck concept shared the spotlight with another fan favorite: the Miata.
The Miata on display alongside the BT-50 is the MX-5 Miata Cup 23rd Anniversary Edition, based on the latest Black Top Leather variant, powered by a 2.0-liter engine mated to a manual transmission, fitted with a complete set of performance parts, like Kijima-Spec street sports suspension, front & rear sports stabilizers, a tower brace set, dual center sports muffler, quick shifter, and sport bucket seats. All of these upgrades come courtesy of AutoExe, a renowned Mazda tuning company. And the cherry on top? The little convertible is decorated in a special livery by local artist Jaykee Evangelista of Groundworks Design.
During the unveiling for these head-turners, Mazda Philippines President Steven Tan states, “Mazda Philippines’ first-ever presence at the 2025 Manila Auto Salon embodies the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship, performance, and collaboration. Through partnerships with world-class aftermarket specialists, Mazda continues to celebrate the passion of driving and the vibrant automotive community that shares its spirit. By being at both the Philippine International Motor Show and the Manila Auto Salon, it allows us to balance brand innovation with enthusiast engagement, catering to both loyal Mazda owners and performance-driven communities.”
With the already numerous racing series in the Philippines, such as the Mazda Fan Festa, Toyota GR Cup, and Clark International Festival of Speed, the introduction of a new, truck-centered racing series is sure to add even more spice to the Philippine motorsports scene.
