2004 Mazdaspeed Proteg

[Logan]

2004 Mazdaspeed Proteg

I have a contact who is associated with the plant that manufactures the Racing Beat exhaust used on the MSP.
The plant was advised to gear up for another few thousand units.
Don't ask me for any more information, because that's all I can say.

 

[CruzinAltitude]

I'll belive it when I see it. Im not trying to call BS on your post, but rumors are rampant around these parts.

 

[nomahh]

If there's any truth to it, it could also be:

1) Supplying Mazda w/ enough replacements for the future
2) A possible future TSB issue that we're unware of yet...

Just a couple of possibilities - probably nothing.

 

[kazson]

i hope they do anything too drastic if they do make a 2004.

 

[unwrittenLaw]

I heard it comes without foglights and the turbo...

 

[CruzinAltitude]

The only drastic thing I would like them to do is put out a very limited run MazdaSpeedMP5. But thats a pipedream that Im sure will never happen.

 

[AGR]

Won't the 2004 Protege be considered the "3"? Or is that change due in 2005?

 

[70]

The Mazda 3 is already out in Europe, or will be this month.

The new model year will be the Mazda 3 here as well. I think it is supposed to be the 2004.

So we shall see. Everything I saw before I left indicated that the 3 was going to be a 2004 model.

 

[AGR]

I will have to see a '3' in person, because from the photos that I have seen so far; I much prefer the Protege. Especially; when they have the appointments like the MP3, and the 'SPEED. And, of course, I really dig the P5.

 

[changedman]

maybe the exhaust is an option on the mazda 3

the protege is done. there wont be a 2004.

 

[Monstermile]

Maybe a Mazdaspeed P5??? There was rumor of that before.


Oops sorry Cruzin. Missed that in your post.

 

[70]

Hmmm, the Mazdaspeed 3?

 

[70]

Maybe a Mazdaspeed P5??? There was rumor of that before.

Doubt it...Handling characteristics are different between the sedan and wagon.

Takes to much time and money to get the right spring rates for the wagon.

 

[cortez]

Maybe they want parts for the dealers to sell?

 

[Monstermile]

Doubt it...Handling characteristics are different between the sedan and wagon.

Takes to much time and money to get the right spring rates for the wagon.

Possibly w/o the upgraded suspension but with the turbo.

 

[70]

Possibly w/o the upgraded suspension but with the turbo.

The it wouldn't fit the "Mazdaspeed" philosophy.

The power was the reason the MP3 wasn't a Mazdaspeed.

Handling would be why the Protege 5 wouldn't be a Mazdaspeed in your idea.

 

[Monstermile]

Valid point.

 

[70]

It sucks, because the wagon would be kick ass. But, Mazda is getting out the Protege business.

 

[OrangeAppeal]

If I'm not mistaken, the Racing Beat portion of the exhaust is only the axel back...is it not? If soo, it would be easy to manufacture an exhaust on a different mazda that would accept this axel back portion. It would be cost effective to use a part that is already in production than it would be to manufacture a new part (which is why we have this dinky-ass FMIC on the MSP).

Either that, or they are producing them for their aftermarket support....just a few thoughts

Anyway, shouldn't this be in the "Mazda Family - All Mazdas" forum....it's more rumors than anything.

 

[Dimitrios]

The "Protege" will be non-existent as a new product in the North American market for MY04 and beyond.

Whatever the hi-po. version of the Protege replacement (Mazda3) is, I would imagine a turbo to be in the line-up.

Again, the "Protege" model is dead for MY04.....use a different term...sorry, just had to rant....