This weekend while I was racing at Thunderhill Park in Willows, CA I met Shauna Marinus' Dad. Shauna is one of two drivers who drives one of the two tri-point engineering prepared Protege/MP3's in the Speedvision World Challenge. He said she is supposed to be driving a TURBO MP3 today(12/17/01) at Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway as part of a press release thing for Mazda. I made sure that he said it was a turbo MP3 and he said he was sure that's what she said. I am going to try to investigate this further to see what is going on, but it looks like Mazda might be making a Turbo MP3! That might mean a factory turbo for our vehicles! OR that we got really screwed by not waiting to buy the turbo car!
Turbo MP3?
- Thread starter cfbjr
- Start date
OK,
I called Laguna Seca they said that there is actually a Mazda sponsorship day happening on Dec. 18-19 at Laguna Seca and they were supposed to be "doing some things with some cars" out there. Sounds purposefully vague... The lady at the office told me that if she could find anything else out that she would call me with some more info. Next call... Mazda
I called Laguna Seca they said that there is actually a Mazda sponsorship day happening on Dec. 18-19 at Laguna Seca and they were supposed to be "doing some things with some cars" out there. Sounds purposefully vague... The lady at the office told me that if she could find anything else out that she would call me with some more info. Next call... Mazda
Call to Tri-Point engineering revealed that Marinus will be at Laguna Seca driving some kind of turbo version of a Mazda vehicle but they haven't been told what it is yet. So maybe Shauna's dad was right. After all, he is her dad. Tri-point also told me thay have ordered the parts and are checking out manifolds and things so they can put together a turbo kit for our vehicles. He said he has received some calls about a turbo and said that people putting down deposits would help motivate their development. However, they are still currently doing the R&D on a turbo kit for our vehicles. He also said he has been on some chatrooms for MP3's and has seen the clamor for turbos. He also said they have several parts available for the Protege/MP3 Here's a list:
Stiffer Springs (30% stifer than stock, lowers car 1"-1.5") - $226
Carbon Fiber Hood - $475
Aluminum Flywheel - $389
High performance clutch - $329
Short throw shifter - $139
Koni single adjustable shocks (our Tokiko's are tuned but not adjustable) - $153
Stiffer Springs (30% stifer than stock, lowers car 1"-1.5") - $226
Carbon Fiber Hood - $475
Aluminum Flywheel - $389
High performance clutch - $329
Short throw shifter - $139
Koni single adjustable shocks (our Tokiko's are tuned but not adjustable) - $153
Antoine
Administrator
Turbo eh? I thought they might go the na route...guess not...but turbo means engine mods will be more dramatic...have to look into chips...can't wait for more info/specs
With a turbo MP3 the last part of the equation is there (power) and now this car is truly complete...
Carson Black doesn't realize it but he has joined MazdaMP3.com's super ultra secret spy task force...great info/research...thanks!
With a turbo MP3 the last part of the equation is there (power) and now this car is truly complete...
Carson Black doesn't realize it but he has joined MazdaMP3.com's super ultra secret spy task force...great info/research...thanks!
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Ok, here's the deal...Mazda is supposed to make a turbo Protege, it is supposed to be the new MPS vehicle...It will not be called "MP3"...I think people are confusing "MPS" (Mazda Performance Series) and "MP3" (Music file and car name)....
Antoine
Administrator
Positive about that..whats your source? I keep getting the impression it will stay the "MP3"...if you recall the R&T tidbit...they mention a "stage two" of the MP3 implying it will still be the Mazda MP3 > along with some other sources...what has everyone else been hearing/reading?
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Well, my source is a Mazda employee who has been working on this for awhile...You'll kind of have to trust me on this.
Something to keep in mind, press releases and the subsequent stories are not always accurate. Things can change as soon as the release is sent out.
I believe my source, he has no reason to lie about it.
Something to keep in mind, press releases and the subsequent stories are not always accurate. Things can change as soon as the release is sent out.
I believe my source, he has no reason to lie about it.
I agree, do you guys think this MPS(or MPS protege) will come along with after market parts again? Like the kenwood player, and racing Hart rims?
In order for them to compete with the SE-R, the probably gonna to remove some goodies and cut the price. If no MP3 player = not mp3.
In order for them to compete with the SE-R, the probably gonna to remove some goodies and cut the price. If no MP3 player = not mp3.
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Just so you guys know, the guy I have been talking to isn't someone you get on the phone when you dial Mazda NA, or send an e-mail for that matter...Those people are confused and sometimes have no clue what's going on.
The guy I've talking to has been with Mazda for awhile...
The guy I've talking to has been with Mazda for awhile...
