- :
- 2001 Pro 2.0 LX
I don't know if this is old or new but I just stumbled across it. I also don't know how credible it is so don't quote me but here it goes:
Mazda News
Turbocharged Mazda 3 on the Way in 2006
By by: Oliver Dueck
Nov 26, 2004, 04:56
Hot on the heels of the Mazda 6 MPS that debuted in September at the Paris Auto Show (and goes on sale in North America next year as the MazdaSpeed 6), an MPS version of the popular Mazda 3 compact sedan and hatchback is expected to go on sale in 2006.
Powered by a detuned version of the turbocharged 2.3 liter direct injection engine found in the 6 MPS, the 3 MPS would go head to head with competitors such as the Subaru WRX and the all-new fifth generation Volkswagen GTI. Expect this hot 3 to have around 220 horsepower powering the front wheels. In what is surely an attempt to distance the 3 MPS from the 6 MPS in both price and performance, all wheel drive will not be available. While this may disappoint some enthusiasts, it does mean less weight and cost important considerations in the sport compact arena.
If previous MPS and MazdaSpeed models are any indication, the 3 will offer more than a mere power upgrade. Styling enhancements, better brakes and suspension, and more chassis bracing are all expected to be part of the package. We predict that this model will be available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, but it is not known if the MPS version will be available as a sedan, hatchback, or perhaps both.
Like the 6 MPS, this car will come to North America badged as a MazdaSpeed model. While it is too early to make accurate pricing predictions, we would guess that it will have a base price of around $23,000 USD when it comes to North America in 2006.
Mazda News
Turbocharged Mazda 3 on the Way in 2006
By by: Oliver Dueck
Nov 26, 2004, 04:56
Hot on the heels of the Mazda 6 MPS that debuted in September at the Paris Auto Show (and goes on sale in North America next year as the MazdaSpeed 6), an MPS version of the popular Mazda 3 compact sedan and hatchback is expected to go on sale in 2006.
Powered by a detuned version of the turbocharged 2.3 liter direct injection engine found in the 6 MPS, the 3 MPS would go head to head with competitors such as the Subaru WRX and the all-new fifth generation Volkswagen GTI. Expect this hot 3 to have around 220 horsepower powering the front wheels. In what is surely an attempt to distance the 3 MPS from the 6 MPS in both price and performance, all wheel drive will not be available. While this may disappoint some enthusiasts, it does mean less weight and cost important considerations in the sport compact arena.
If previous MPS and MazdaSpeed models are any indication, the 3 will offer more than a mere power upgrade. Styling enhancements, better brakes and suspension, and more chassis bracing are all expected to be part of the package. We predict that this model will be available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, but it is not known if the MPS version will be available as a sedan, hatchback, or perhaps both.
Like the 6 MPS, this car will come to North America badged as a MazdaSpeed model. While it is too early to make accurate pricing predictions, we would guess that it will have a base price of around $23,000 USD when it comes to North America in 2006.
