Mazda has unveiled a new Mazda3 MPS Extreme, which is a modified version of the Mazdaspeed3 at the Sydney Auto Show.
Mazda increased the performance by 20 percent by upgrading the engine, suspension and exhaust. The Mazdaspeed3 has 263 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, while the new Mazda3 MPS Extreme has 281 horsepower and 313 lb-ft of torque. The new version also gets a 2-inch exhaust and a suspension tuned by Murray Coote.
The MPS Extreme also receives new 19" BBS black alloy wheels and the car is painted in red paint with black stripes and a black roof.
The next question is "Why is the car only available in Australia?"
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PRESS RELEASE:
Mazda's Hot-Hatch Treated to Extreme Makeover
Mazda has today unveiled the third in its series of extreme cars, a modified version of the high-performance Mazda3 Mazda Performance Series (MPS), at the 2007 Sydney Motorshow.
Based on the top-selling Sports Pack luxury specification, the Mazda3 MPS Extreme has received engine, suspension and exhaust upgrades that improve the performance of the world's quickest hot-hatch by about twenty per cent.
Modified by Mazda Australia Motorsport Manager, Allan Horsley, this extreme makeover involves a recalculation to the car's Powertrain Control Module (PCM), allowing its standard 2.3-litre DISI turbo engine to generate a massive 210kW of power at 5300rpm and 425Nm of torque at 4400rpm.
Other modifications to the Mazda3 MPS include a free-flowing two-inch exhaust system and a sports muffler that will give this extreme car a suitability throaty exhaust note.
The car's suspension system has been redesigned by one of Australia's best suspension tuners, Murray Coote, and it now sits 25mm lower than the standard model, giving the car a more aggressive, sporty stance.
Coote, whose suspension systems sit beneath some of Australia's leading rally and racing cars, configured a suspension package that maintains the sharply responsive handling of the Mazda3 MPS while complementing its new found power boost.
The luxury hatch's standard 18-inch alloy wheels have been upsized to 19-inch BBS Motorsport wheels with Dunlop Sports (225/35ZR19) complete with a MPS monogram on the wheel centerpiece.
Cosmetically, its aggressive extreme look is created by a True Red body colour with black stripes, mimicking the white stripes seen on Mazda's Targa racing cars, and a black roof and rear spoiler.
Other alternations include extended black wheel arches to accommodate its larger wheels and tinted windows.
Inside the Mazda3 MPS Extreme�s Sports Pack brings black leather trim is accentuated by exclusive red leather trimming. The red theme continues with red highlights in the dash, gear-shift knob and steering wheel and doors trimmings.
The car's stopping power is generated through the state-of-art braking system found on the standard Mazda3 MPS. Its front disc brakes are 320mm in diameter and are ventilated, while the rear brakes are 280mm in diameter. An 8-9 inch tandem booster, along with a larger master cylinder, four-channel ABS, electronic brake distribution (EBD), electronic brake assist all contribute to the Mazda3 MPS Extreme's effective braking performance.
Other safety features on the Mazda3 MPS Extreme include six airbags (dual front, front side and head protecting curtain airbags), a collapsible brake pedal and front and rear passenger seatbelt reminders as well as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with a Traction Control System (TCS).
"Creating an extreme version of our signature hot-hatch really is a case of making a great car even greater," says Horsley, the brains behind Mazda Australia's formidable RX-7 SP and MX-5 SP variants.
"As proof of the standard car's abilities it finished a stunning tenth outright at this year's Targa Tasmania rally and first in the event's Showroom category, needless to say the Mazda3 MPS Extreme lifts the performance bar on an already outstanding vehicle."
Other extreme vehicles produced by Mazda Australia include a turbo-charged version of Mazda�s signature sports car, RX-8, in 2004 and a rally-ready Mazda2 in 2005.
"Mazda Australia, under the direction of Allan Horsley, has an excellent reputation of pushing the envelope in the design and modification of high-performance cars," says Mazda Australia�s managing director Doug Dickson.
"To build an extreme version of our signature hot-hatch is very fitting as it builds on the company�s racing heritage as well as celebrating the sales success of the current car."
Also making its Australian premiere today was the next example of Mazda's second generation Zoom-Zoom product, the all-new Mazda6, while the company's first seven-seat crossover CX-9 made its first Sydney motor show appearance.
Comments (28)
And the huge flaw? It's still hatchback only.
Posted by Remy LeBeau | October 11, 2007 5:16 PM
Posted on October 11, 2007 17:16
That and for the money this thing is likely to cost you could get a Holden with a more powerful V8 and 6 speed that gets better mileage.
Posted by David | October 11, 2007 5:39 PM
Posted on October 11, 2007 17:39
@Remy LeBeau:
so? hatchbacks rule!
so when are we "yanks" gonna get one?
Posted by SVT | October 11, 2007 5:40 PM
Posted on October 11, 2007 17:40
REmember David, we are using Aussie Dollars, not USD, so this thing is probably a lot cheaper actually.
And do remember that elsewhere in the world people do care about fuel economy. This thing, despite its generous power for such a small car, does get better fuel economy than some clanky pushrod V8.
Posted by Allen | October 11, 2007 6:04 PM
Posted on October 11, 2007 18:04
"so? hatchbacks rule!"
No. God no. There's like 3 hatchbacks (maybe only 2) ever that don't qualify for the title of "one of the ugliest cars ever built".
Posted by Remy LeBeau | October 11, 2007 6:21 PM
Posted on October 11, 2007 18:21
Not to mention it'll beat any Aussie Dinosaur on a straight or round a track. Or are we conveniently forgetting the absolute beating the Skylines gave Ford and Holden in the touring car series?
Posted by brad | October 11, 2007 6:21 PM
Posted on October 11, 2007 18:21
That EXTREME badge on the back looks like extreme rice. I think the only other thing it needs is an actual LSD in the front instead of TCS. Either way this thing really isn't all that bad.
Posted by Gary | October 11, 2007 7:06 PM
Posted on October 11, 2007 19:06
The first thing Real Men do is to turn all that electronic traction ABS EBD XYZ shit off.
Posted by Niz | October 11, 2007 7:30 PM
Posted on October 11, 2007 19:30
Join STi EVO club forget TSC 19" Wheels other nonsense AWD is what Mazda needs to put their power down.
Posted by Taras | October 11, 2007 7:55 PM
Posted on October 11, 2007 19:55
Hatchbacks aren't that bad for Christ's sake.
Posted by john | October 11, 2007 10:14 PM
Posted on October 11, 2007 22:14
No. God no. There's like 3 hatchbacks (maybe only 2) ever that don't qualify for the title of "one of the ugliest cars ever built".
You think hatches are ugly, I think 2nd pair of doors on any car looks ugly...
Posted by mf | October 11, 2007 10:32 PM
Posted on October 11, 2007 22:32
Ok people I'm from Australia and have asked Mazda about this car.
It may not even go into production. They said it will probably be a one off show car like they have done with th RX-8 Turbo here as well plus a couple of other cars like the Mazda 2 rally car. So far the only modified car that Mazda Australia put in to production was the Turbo MX-5 from 02 to 03.
Posted by Luke | October 11, 2007 11:08 PM
Posted on October 11, 2007 23:08
So what if it's a hatch? the only thing better than nailing people @ the track is nailing them with a car they hate...paint it pink, and watch them REALLY get hacked off...
get used to seeing that mazda's a**....
engineering > displacement anyday
Posted by Dan | October 11, 2007 11:46 PM
Posted on October 11, 2007 23:46
Yeah I like Hatchbacks, they look fine, have tons of room, and are practical, one of my friends was stuck in a storm with 2 other people going cross country in Hatchback, they managed to pull over to the side of the road, move the luggage to the front, cover up with coats and sleep comfortably while 2 feet of snow fell on them, the next morning they kept right on going. I have sort of liked the Idea of a Hatch since I heard that story.
Power wise that engine is sweet, I want one, no make that 2, and the Mazda Speed 3 is a really affordable little car I know someone that bought one, he is paying $299 a month and that is not a lease. I am sure the extreme one costs a lot more but I bet it would be under 27K in the US.
Actually I would have bought one but there is a horrible flaw, The dang things don't have any legroom at all, It really annoys the crap out of me that most of the cars I like have 41.6" of front legroom or less, they keep making them larger and larger year after year, and all that extra "room" the makers keep bragging about goes into the back seat, I mean come on I am in my 20's and Single, I don't ever have anyone in my back seat but my knees touch the dash in my current car a Nissan Sentra, and the room is just about exactly the same in a Mazda 3, or a Scion tC, the last gen WRX was really cramped as well. And the current Evo got bigger but lost front seat leg room? I mean come on I can not be the only person that is 6'1" tall in the US.
Posted by Travis | October 11, 2007 11:50 PM
Posted on October 11, 2007 23:50
Do you guys think emissions is the problem for it not to be available in the US?
Posted by Jeff | October 12, 2007 12:38 AM
Posted on October 12, 2007 00:38
I think this is too much power for a front wheel drive vehicle.
Posted by Pakos M | October 12, 2007 2:21 AM
Posted on October 12, 2007 02:21
"Dan:
"
"engineering > displacement anyday
Typical statement by someone who's never even seen an engine before, much less built or engineered one.
Engineering does not add more power to the gasoline molecules. I bet you couldn't even tell me what you mean by "engineering", you just think you sound smart by regurgitating what you hear in the TV ads and hoping onto the the bandwagon.
Tell me this, what do you do when you need more power and an engine is already "engineered" to make as much horsepower as it can for it's size?
(hint: look at the growth in displacement in imports, ie: from 3.0L to 3.5L, now heading to 3.7L, etc...)
Posted by Chris | October 12, 2007 4:25 PM
Posted on October 12, 2007 16:25
@ Travis
What are you talking about no legrooom. I'm also 6'1 and have no problems with legroom in the Mazda 3 or imprezza or lancer. My Dad is even a bit taller 6'3 and has no problem either.
I think some how its not your height that is the problem but another dimensions all together. LOL YANKS, you know what I'm getting at.
Posted by Luke | October 12, 2007 11:15 PM
Posted on October 12, 2007 23:15
Too much for FWD. Who wants a FWD sports car?? Seriosly, only pussies thats who!
Posted by Andy | October 13, 2007 2:29 AM
Posted on October 13, 2007 02:29
(hint: look at the growth in displacement in imports, ie: from 3.0L to 3.5L, now heading to 3.7L, etc...)
The problem with these type of blanket statements, is that they don't include all the variables.
There are engines much smaller than 3.5 liter, that make more horsepower than the corvette or the viper, or any other big 3 production car.
So lets not pass out false information saying displacement is the only way to increase hp.
The "gasoline molocule" does not need more power. The engine just needs to built better to utilize its power or needs to be made bigger so it brings in more potential energy per cycle. 1 of these is easier and cheaper than the other, but it is foolish to believe that it is the only way to do things.
Posted by mf | October 13, 2007 2:51 AM
Posted on October 13, 2007 02:51
Luke
I was born with a spinal defect, I am missing a small chunk of my lower spine, the vertebra are fused together where that defect is so It's not disabling or anything, but between the bit that is missing, and the fact that my spine has more curve than normal because of the way it's fused I should be taller than I am. Without the defect I would be around 6'3" tall possibly 6'4" tall, regardless I dont see how having a few extra pounds on my frame would cause my knees to touch the dashboard on a car if it had adequate legroom. For the Record the new WRX and the old Evo both had about 2 full inches more legroom in the front seats when compared to the Mazda 3, even though they are similar in size.
Posted by Travis | October 13, 2007 2:35 PM
Posted on October 13, 2007 14:35
"regardless I dont see how having a few extra pounds on my frame would cause my knees to touch the dashboard on a car if it had adequate legroom."
Have you tried, oh I don't know.....moving the seat back? You are aware that they move forwards and backwards for a reason, right? Also, I have a Protege and multiple friends over 6'1 and none of them have ever had issues with leg room up front - and that's without moving the seat from the (roughly) center position I keep them in.
Posted by Remy LeBeau | October 13, 2007 4:17 PM
Posted on October 13, 2007 16:17
Yet another sporty car that's hatchback-only. What a crock of shit.
Posted by Polynikes | October 15, 2007 1:50 PM
Posted on October 15, 2007 13:50
Make it an AWD and I'll consider it. Other than that I'll stick to my WRX wagon.
Posted by Impreza WRX | October 21, 2007 9:10 PM
Posted on October 21, 2007 21:10
I just love taking my truck and pulling up next to you little ricers. Every time I here hissing of turbos and nitrous shooting out and you still haven't beat Detroit diesel. HAHAHAHA Losers!
Posted by RICEKILLER | November 4, 2007 3:35 AM
Posted on November 4, 2007 03:35
I just love taking my truck and pulling up next to you little ricers. Every time I here hissing of turbos and nitrous shooting out and you still haven't beat Detroit diesel. HAHAHAHA Losers! Oh by the way I have enough leg room and a bed.
Posted by RICEKILLER | November 4, 2007 3:37 AM
Posted on November 4, 2007 03:37
I just got an 04 mazda 3 hatch. Any ideas on how to best increase acceleration and horsepower so I can kick my freind's ass? (he drives a honda civic) and yea I know I should probably beat him easy in a straight away. But for some reason I don't :(
Posted by Malcolm | January 17, 2008 9:50 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 21:50
I love it when people with those big diesels sit in the gas stations for hours because they dont have enough money to pay for their diesel because ATM its at $4 a gallon, i drive a MS3 its a great car i dont know why they had to do all this when every1 gets the mods for the car anyways, i do love the red and black on this car as well. @ David, What i have legroom, i'm 6' 6" 280lbs and i drive an MS3 i've fine in that car i can put down the rear seats and stretch the length of the car.
Posted by Jamie | April 4, 2008 1:07 PM
Posted on April 4, 2008 13:07