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Mazda3 MPS: Compact Turbo BlasterMazda3 turbo weapon is in the pipeline. The Japanese brand will launch a tuned Mazda6 MPS next year, but is also working on a turbo-charged, all-wheel-drive Mazda3 MPS, expected to arrive in 2006.
Mazda product design and development chief Joe Bakaj says the 190kW 2.0-litre turbo of the Mazda6 MPS could be used in a smaller Mazda3 MPS model.
"This engine and drive-train would package in a Mazda3," Bakaj says.
Mazda and Bakaj are not willing to confirm the Mazda3 project, but say the company wants to release MPS (Mazda Performance Series) versions of major models, except for the already sporty cars such as the RX-8 and the new MX-5.
"We would consider, at some point, doing MPS versions of other vehicles, but I'm not going to give you details on Mazda3 today," Bakaj says.
"If I did a Mazda3 MPS, it would be in keeping with the Mazda3."
That means the MPS Mazda3 would look more aggressive than the Mazda6 MPS, which has more of a subtle muscle approach.
"The Mazda3 is more aggressive, it's bolder, it's a younger type of look. So if we did an MPS version it would have all of those qualities. It wouldn't necessarily have to be sophisticated like the Mazda6 MPS."
Mazda will use MPS to boost sales of core models mid-life.
"Part of the mission of bringing out a flagship is to keep the sales
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December 1, 2004 | Viewed 33,950 time(s)
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