Mazda's High Performance Plans - Focaljet

**biker16** · 04-05-2002, 12:11 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr> Hot 6 To Lead Mazda Series

t's the news that will have driving enthusiasts across the country cheering! Mazda is planning an assault on the performance market, with a range of powerful, lightweight cars.

The attack will be based on the company's daring new vehicle line-up, which will slowly be revealed to the public over the next 18 months. Sporty derivatives are being developed under the brand name Mazda Performance Series (MPS), and first to hit the road will be a souped-up version of the 6.

Powered by a 276bhp 2.3-litre tur-bo, the newcomer will offer four-wheel drive and a distinctive bodykit to take on rivals such as the Subaru Impreza WRX. Next is a turbocharged MX-5, and this is expected to offer 200bhp from its 1.8-litre engine. It will also be one of the most powerful MX-5s ever.

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.

The company will then concentrate on the 323 replacement, which is to be based on the next-generation Ford Focus platform. Launched in Europe as the Mazda 3, the car will rival the likes of the Renaultsport Clio 172. Sources also suggest a hot edition of the forthcoming 2 supermini is on the way, as well as an updated RX-7, which will use the new RX-8's floorpan. This lightweight two-door is set to establish itself as the flagship of the series, and it will be powered by the 350bhp unit due to debut in the RX-8 MPS. Peter Lyon
<hr></blockquote>

**Wedge1212** · 04-05-2002, 12:19 AM

**focaljet-1** · 04-05-2002, 12:34 AM

[img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

**estell** · 04-05-2002, 01:07 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by biker16:
Powered by a 276bhp 2.3-litre tur-bo, the newcomer will offer four-wheel drive <hr></blockquote>

[img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/party.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

**S. on Da 5** · 04-05-2002, 01:28 AM

They're on fire! [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

Hope some of those engine tweaks find their way into the Ford Focus.

[ 04-05-2002: Message edited by: S. on Da 5 ]

**GTIspirit** · 04-05-2002, 06:53 AM

Way to go Mazdaspeed [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]
AutoWeek Mazdaspeed article
On my way to work this morning I was thinking about how cool a turbocharged Miata would be and lo and behold, my thoughts were answered!

Now if Ford would just jump on the bandwagon with a turbocharged SVT Focus.... Otherwise I might jump ship to a sporty Mazda or Volvo when their hot hatches make it to these shores.

**OTTOMATIC** · 04-05-2002, 10:56 AM

first to hit the road will be a souped-up version of the 6.

Is this coming to the states or overseas only, like usual
[img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

**jeffmadott** · 04-05-2002, 10:58 AM

It took long enough for the turbo trend to catch on.

What better way to derive HP while retaining weight and fuel effeciency.

Srt = turbo
Pt cruiser = turbo
gti = turbo
6,mx5,protege = turbo
RS = turbo
DSM = turbo

Knock, Knock. Hello? Ford of North America? Anybody there?

Any bets on who gets a turbo first? Gm or ford?

**OTTOMATIC** · 04-05-2002, 11:04 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by GTIspirit:
Way to go Mazdaspeed [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]
AutoWeek Mazdaspeed article
On my way to work this morning I was thinking about how cool a turbocharged Miata would be and lo and behold, my thoughts were answered!

Now if Ford would just jump on the bandwagon with a turbocharged SVT Focus.... Otherwise I might jump ship to a sporty Mazda or Volvo when their hot hatches make it to these shores.<hr></blockquote>

When I click your link it does not take me to the article...and I cannot find it by browsing. Any help?

**MattHarrell** · 04-05-2002, 06:52 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by S. on Da 5:
They're on fire! [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

Hope some of those engine tweaks find their way into the Ford Focus.

[ 04-05-2002: Message edited by: S. on Da 5 ]<hr></blockquote>

From what I've read in _Automotive News_, Ford gave Mazda the assignment of designing their new I4 engines specifically for use not only in Mazda cars, but also Fords, including the Focus. I'd love to see the new 150 hp 2.3 L I4 with it's timing chain and other nice feature in the next gen Focus!

**estell** · 04-06-2002, 02:28 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by jeffmadott:
It took long enough for the turbo trend to catch on...
Knock, Knock. Hello? Ford of North America? Anybody there?
<hr></blockquote>

What is your time frame? Just the last few years? Ford made turbo 4 cylinders all through the 80's. Starting in 82 was a turbo Mustang. The Mustang SVO was from 84 to 86. The Thunderbird Turbocoupe was from 83 to 88. The Merkur XR4Ti was from 85(?) to 89. All had the 2.3L turbo 4 with fuel injection.

I agree that they need to get back into turbocharging. Apparently they are allowing Mazda to get the ball rolling again.

[ 04-06-2002: Message edited by: estell ]

[ 04-06-2002: Message edited by: estell ]

**garyrich** · 04-08-2002, 03:07 PM

"Powered by a 276bhp 2.3-litre tur-bo, the newcomer will offer four-wheel drive and a distinctive bodykit to take on rivals such as the Subaru Impreza WRX."

How is going to do that? The place to take on the WRX is WRC and the engine is too big at 2.3 to qualify.

**focaljet-1** · 04-08-2002, 05:50 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by garyrich:
"Powered by a 276bhp 2.3-litre tur-bo, the newcomer will offer four-wheel drive and a distinctive bodykit to take on rivals such as the Subaru Impreza WRX."

How is going to do that? The place to take on the WRX is WRC and the engine is too big at 2.3 to qualify.<hr></blockquote>

They mean in take on the WRX in the retail environment. Competing for customers dollars, not in the World Rally Championship.

Mazda doesn't really have to build any race cred, they have a long history of being involved in motorsport. There are a lot of gearhead, race fanatics at Mazda. Now that they have been given a green light (ala MAZDASPEED) you are going to see some serious hardware coming out of their labs.

**focaljet-1** · 04-08-2002, 05:51 PM

BTW, can someone post the pic of the concept for the above mentioned car? The dark grey one.

Thanks.

**theoriginaljerkracer** · 04-08-2002, 08:26 PM

It would get real interesting with a TURBO Rotary in a FF configuration.
Since ford and mazda now share the same garage, would it be Blasphemy to put a rotary power plant in a focus?
tough call

Scott

04-05-2002, 12:11 AM	#1
biker16 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Cleveland, OH, USA Posts: 4,710	Mazda\'s High Performance Plans <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr> Hot 6 To Lead Mazda Series t's the news that will have driving enthusiasts across the country cheering! Mazda is planning an assault on the performance market, with a range of powerful, lightweight cars. The attack will be based on the company's daring new vehicle line-up, which will slowly be revealed to the public over the next 18 months. Sporty derivatives are being developed under the brand name Mazda Performance Series (MPS), and first to hit the road will be a souped-up version of the 6. Powered by a 276bhp 2.3-litre tur-bo, the newcomer will offer four-wheel drive and a distinctive bodykit to take on rivals such as the Subaru Impreza WRX. Next is a turbocharged MX-5, and this is expected to offer 200bhp from its 1.8-litre engine. It will also be one of the most powerful MX-5s ever. 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. The company will then concentrate on the 323 replacement, which is to be based on the next-generation Ford Focus platform. Launched in Europe as the Mazda 3, the car will rival the likes of the Renaultsport Clio 172. Sources also suggest a hot edition of the forthcoming 2 supermini is on the way, as well as an updated RX-7, which will use the new RX-8's floorpan. This lightweight two-door is set to establish itself as the flagship of the series, and it will be powered by the 350bhp unit due to debut in the RX-8 MPS. Peter Lyon <hr></blockquote>

04-05-2002, 12:19 AM	#2
Wedge1212 [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 5,089	Re: Mazda\'s High Performance Plans pimp

04-05-2002, 12:34 AM	#3
focaljet-1 Small Car Czar Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: On the RotorMedia helipad Posts: 29,126	Re: Mazda\'s High Performance Plans [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

04-05-2002, 01:07 AM	#4
estell Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Issaquah, WA, USA Posts: 80	Re: Mazda\'s High Performance Plans <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by biker16: Powered by a 276bhp 2.3-litre tur-bo, the newcomer will offer four-wheel drive <hr></blockquote> [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/party.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

04-05-2002, 01:28 AM	#5
S. on Da 5 Moderator Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: S. Cali., USA Posts: 12,318	Re: Mazda\'s High Performance Plans They're on fire! [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img] Hope some of those engine tweaks find their way into the Ford Focus. [ 04-05-2002: Message edited by: S. on Da 5 ]</p>

04-05-2002, 06:53 AM	#6
GTIspirit TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Southeast Michigan Posts: 615	Re: Mazda\'s High Performance Plans Way to go Mazdaspeed [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img] AutoWeek Mazdaspeed article On my way to work this morning I was thinking about how cool a turbocharged Miata would be and lo and behold, my thoughts were answered! Now if Ford would just jump on the bandwagon with a turbocharged SVT Focus.... Otherwise I might jump ship to a sporty Mazda or Volvo when their hot hatches make it to these shores.

04-05-2002, 10:56 AM	#7
OTTOMATIC Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Portland, OR 97035 Posts: 1,931	Re: Mazda\'s High Performance Plans first to hit the road will be a souped-up version of the 6. Is this coming to the states or overseas only, like usual [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

04-05-2002, 10:58 AM	#8
jeffmadott TEAM Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Ottawa, ON Posts: 621	Re: Mazda\'s High Performance Plans It took long enough for the turbo trend to catch on. What better way to derive HP while retaining weight and fuel effeciency. Srt = turbo Pt cruiser = turbo gti = turbo 6,mx5,protege = turbo RS = turbo DSM = turbo Knock, Knock. Hello? Ford of North America? Anybody there? Any bets on who gets a turbo first? Gm or ford?

04-05-2002, 11:04 AM	#9
OTTOMATIC Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Portland, OR 97035 Posts: 1,931	Re: Mazda\'s High Performance Plans <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by GTIspirit: Way to go Mazdaspeed [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img] AutoWeek Mazdaspeed article On my way to work this morning I was thinking about how cool a turbocharged Miata would be and lo and behold, my thoughts were answered! Now if Ford would just jump on the bandwagon with a turbocharged SVT Focus.... Otherwise I might jump ship to a sporty Mazda or Volvo when their hot hatches make it to these shores.<hr></blockquote> When I click your link it does not take me to the article...and I cannot find it by browsing. Any help?

04-05-2002, 06:52 PM	#10
MattHarrell Senior TEAM Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Lansing, MI, USA Posts: 2,098	Re: Mazda\'s High Performance Plans <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by S. on Da 5: They're on fire! [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img] Hope some of those engine tweaks find their way into the Ford Focus. [ 04-05-2002: Message edited by: S. on Da 5 ]<hr></blockquote> From what I've read in _Automotive News_, Ford gave Mazda the assignment of designing their new I4 engines specifically for use not only in Mazda cars, but also Fords, including the Focus. I'd love to see the new 150 hp 2.3 L I4 with it's timing chain and other nice feature in the next gen Focus!

04-06-2002, 02:28 AM	#11
estell Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Issaquah, WA, USA Posts: 80	Re: Mazda\'s High Performance Plans <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by jeffmadott: It took long enough for the turbo trend to catch on... Knock, Knock. Hello? Ford of North America? Anybody there? <hr></blockquote> What is your time frame? Just the last few years? Ford made turbo 4 cylinders all through the 80's. Starting in 82 was a turbo Mustang. The Mustang SVO was from 84 to 86. The Thunderbird Turbocoupe was from 83 to 88. The Merkur XR4Ti was from 85(?) to 89. All had the 2.3L turbo 4 with fuel injection. I agree that they need to get back into turbocharging. Apparently they are allowing Mazda to get the ball rolling again. [ 04-06-2002: Message edited by: estell ] [ 04-06-2002: Message edited by: estell ]</p>

04-08-2002, 03:07 PM	#12
garyrich Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Santa Clarita California Posts: 1,574	Re: Mazda\'s High Performance Plans "Powered by a 276bhp 2.3-litre tur-bo, the newcomer will offer four-wheel drive and a distinctive bodykit to take on rivals such as the Subaru Impreza WRX." How is going to do that? The place to take on the WRX is WRC and the engine is too big at 2.3 to qualify.

04-08-2002, 05:50 PM	#13
focaljet-1 Small Car Czar Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: On the RotorMedia helipad Posts: 29,126	Re: Mazda\'s High Performance Plans <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by garyrich: "Powered by a 276bhp 2.3-litre tur-bo, the newcomer will offer four-wheel drive and a distinctive bodykit to take on rivals such as the Subaru Impreza WRX." How is going to do that? The place to take on the WRX is WRC and the engine is too big at 2.3 to qualify.<hr></blockquote> They mean in take on the WRX in the retail environment. Competing for customers dollars, not in the World Rally Championship. Mazda doesn't really have to build any race cred, they have a long history of being involved in motorsport. There are a lot of gearhead, race fanatics at Mazda. Now that they have been given a green light (ala MAZDASPEED) you are going to see some serious hardware coming out of their labs.

04-08-2002, 05:51 PM	#14
focaljet-1 Small Car Czar Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: On the RotorMedia helipad Posts: 29,126	Re: Mazda\'s High Performance Plans BTW, can someone post the pic of the concept for the above mentioned car? The dark grey one. Thanks.

04-08-2002, 08:26 PM	#15
theoriginaljerkracer TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 258	Re: Mazda\'s High Performance Plans It would get real interesting with a TURBO Rotary in a FF configuration. Since ford and mazda now share the same garage, would it be Blasphemy to put a rotary power plant in a focus? tough call Scott

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode