spwolf

According to Autoexpress.co.uk, Mazda is planning several new MPS editions to boost their zoom zoom experience.


First is new Mazda 6 with 276bhp 2.3-litre turbo, it will offer four-wheel drive and a distinctive bodykit to rival Subaru Impreza WRX.

Next is turbocharged Miata (or MX-5) with 200 HP.

"After that will come a Porsche 911-rivalling edition of the RX-8. Engineers are working with super and turbocharged versions of the car's new 250bhp RENESIS rotary powerplant, and insiders suggest at least 350bhp will be offered when the motor debuts."

Sporty editions of upcoming 2 and 3 models are planned as well, together with new sporty RX-7 that is based on RX-8 floor plan.

aco

Sounds tasty! Do AutoExpress have any projected dates for these tuned versions?

DANNER

Hmmm...I wonder how much of that is gonna come to the US.

Hope all of it, but I'm doubtful.

Johnny

Damn! a 350hp Rx-8 , now thats a car i would spend 30k for.

spwolf

6 months for 6 MPS, next year for MX-5 turbo and up to 18 months to RX-8 MPS (6 months after release)... models "2" and "3" are sill in development

spwolf

...but somehow I doubt that you will be able to get 350 HP version of 30k ;-)

RX - 8

i think the 350hp version will sell for at least 40K, because it will then be competing with the coevettes

RX - 8

that is IF there is a 350hp version

spwolf

I am pretty sure all the hot versions will be coming to the USA... mazda is putting a lot into their zoom zoom experience and right now MPV is the highest hp rated Mazda in USA market ;-)

Even its engines have been upped....

FritzMan

I figured something like that was coming out since Mazda has recently announced the release of a turbocharged Protege. Nothing too exciting about the kit, but it does include a lsd and ball bearing T25 turbo.

The question is if Mazda will allow (read warranty) MazdaSpeed go-fast parts on "regular" models.

aco

Any other sources confirm any of the Auto Express rumors?

JGard18

to see a WRX rival from Mazda would be sweet. I love the WRX, and there's a good chance I'll be buying one sometime within the next few years...but it would be nice to see this market for turbo, all-wheel-drive sedans really open up.

spwolf

aco - autoexpress is fairly credible source... it is an offline magazine...

JGard18 - you wont see an WRX rival from Mazda... at least not in next 4-5 years... they are not participating in WRC and they are not planning to... without WRC sucess/participation, there is no reason for them to add 4 wheel drive to Protege and 2.0 turbo, and sell it for $26k-$35k..I doubt anyone would buy it... rather sport/y/s coupe with rear wheel drive and 250+ hp is what they are getting at...

Jerome81

Are you sure about WRC? I don't follow it, but I know I've seen Mazda Proteges racing in some type of off-road type of deal.

I also know that RX-7's are killer on uphill races, such as pikes peak.

JGard18

Currently, there are no Mazda's running in WRC, he is correct. I didn't think about that angle.

KrisA

Just because Mazda is not in the WRC does not imply that they can't build a car to compete with the WRX. However, the 6 is larger than the Impreza so would be a closer competitor to the Legacy turbo.

Either way a 280hp turbo awd 6 would be an interesting alternative to the RX-8...

Jerome81

Mazda is going to have to be careful about overlapping cars.

A 280hp 6 would really confuse those who thought the RX-8 was supposed to be the 4 door sports car, but it only has 250hp.

I kinda doubt we'd see a 280 AWD 6 in the US, but I may be wrong.

spwolf

Sure it matters Kris... and keep in mind that Protege is compared to Impreza and Evo (they are low $10'ks cars without big engines, in rest of the world) not 6

and keep in mind that WRX is actually 225 hp... EVO VIII is going to cost upwards of $35k in USA (and it is much more like street legal WRC car than WRX). Thats a lot of dough for Protege, without being backed by real world results.

Ford Focus is running in WRC, and I am pretty sure Ford Co. will not compete among each other

Besides, WRC car would be totally different than Mazda's current image cars... RX-7, RX-8 and Miata... its totally different kind of sports car