Mazda2 MPS and 280 hp Mazda6 MPS on their way
by Damon Lavrinc on Apr 30th 2008 at 1:29PM 
Click either image for a high-res rendering of each model from AutoExpress.
The Mazda Performance Series, or MPS, is what we've come to know in the U.S. as "Mazdaspeed." It's quickly becoming one of the defining characteristics of modern-day Mazdas, and with the releases of the new Mazda6 and its baby brother, the Mazda2, we've been anxiously awaiting Mazdaspeed's tweaked versions of both vehicles.
In addition to getting the scoop on the new Evo MR and STI Spec C, AutoExpress has got the goods on Mazda's two new hot offerings. A concept version of the Mazda6 MPS will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October, complete with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four, sending 280 hp to all four wheels, and sprinting to 60 in six seconds. Naturally, the Mazda6 MPS (or Mazdaspeed6 when it makes the trek to U.S. shores) will be sporting an aggressive front clip, spoiler, side skirts, bigger wheels, a stiffer suspension and upgraded brakes when it goes on sale in 2010.
Less information is available about the Mazda2 MPS, but expect a turbo'd 1.5-liter mill sending around 170 hp to the front wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and some exterior and interior tweaks to bring it up to Mazda Performance standards. If and when the Mazda2 makes it to the States, we'd expect the Mazdaspeed2 version to follow shortly thereafter.[Source: AutoExpress]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
bilbo baggibs 1:37PM (4/30/2008)
i really hope the mazda 2 comes to the US with the mazdaspeed edition!
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geo.stewart 2:27PM (4/30/2008)
amen.
18K for a Mazdaspeed2 is calling out to me.
as well as a track series to run it in.
Xcountryflyer 2:46PM (4/30/2008)
Bring the Mazdaspeed2 over along with the whole line!
Montezuma 11:35PM (4/30/2008)
The most important question is: will they bring 3-door M2?
sydbot 1:38PM (4/30/2008)
Isn't the USDM Mazda 6 a completely different car from the rest of the world's Mazda 6? Would it be that we are not getting the Mazda 6 MPS, but something completely different, if anything at all? With the 3.7L V6 probably putting out 270+ HP, whats a 280 HP turbo 4 with a narrower powerband got to bring aside from less weight? It'd just be a AWD and handling/brake package at that point.
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T.O_Guy 1:46PM (4/30/2008)
AWD and a 6-speed. I'd be happy.
B-NOIT 1:51PM (4/30/2008)
That's exactly what I thought when I read the post. I think Mazda will have to develop something else if they want to sell a Mazdaspeed6 in North America, or they could cut costs by sending the Euro-spec car as is. Smaller, lighter, presumably nimbler as well, a turbo-4 AWD mid-sized sedan (not full-sized, à-la-Accord/Sonata/USDM 09 Mazda6)... That sounds like a winning combination for someone who values a little more zoom-zoom in their family sedan. Sorry, had to plug it. But seriously... Offering the Euro 6MPS would certainly have me more interested than a bigger-engined, bloated american version.
Stephen Lang 2:30PM (4/30/2008)
I'm not sure anyone really knows for sure, details have been very sparse.
Hopefully the difference won't be as big as some have feared. I'm sure Mazda knows they have a winner with the new 6 body, and will try to not muck it up so much with the next USA 6.
Noah 2:33PM (4/30/2008)
You make a good point. The last MazdaSpeed 6 didn't sell well here, for whatever reasons. And it truly doesn't make sense to have the turbo-4 when the V6 is better suited to it. Yeah, the 4 weighs less, but that doesn't really make a performance difference on this big a car I would think.
I think keep the MazdaSpeed to the Mazda 2, 3, and Miata for now. And dang, I want a Mazda 2!
adelossa 1:46PM (4/30/2008)
Mazda6 this, Mazda2 that. They better bring the Mazda2 here, or else.
And based on those two pictures, I think I already pictured the redesigned Mazda3.
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Seoultrain 2:10PM (4/30/2008)
I'd expect about 200hp if they were to bring a Mazdaspeed2 to the US.
And yeah, a 280hp four would not work here with the V6 available. Maybe one or two small turbos on the six to make it 320hp or so (a la 335). You have to differentiate that powertrain from the Mazdaspeed3, or no one will buy it.
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hoosker_doo 2:23PM (4/30/2008)
I'll buy it :)
sydbot 2:30PM (4/30/2008)
Did many people buy the first Speed 6? I believe I've only seen two, ever. One at a dealer here in the states, and one parked outside a hotel I was at in Auckland, NZ. Maybe they only sent one to each country....
yh 3:43PM (4/30/2008)
I have a 2007 Mazdaspeed 6. Apparently, there are only about 10000 in the US. I've seen a handful between Washington DC and Massachusetts. Its one of those cars that doesn't look too imposing, at least until you install an intake on it and pull away to the sound of a turbo spool on 4 door sedan. I am really not sure what the target audience is for this kind of car though (it definitely fit me... but I'm not exactly a very large target audience). It rides stiff for a sedan (fine with me), its a 6 speed short shift with a rather stiff clutch (not exactly something the spouse will appreciate), and its quite overpowered for just a family grocery getter (aka mazda6). Its also not as track ready or "go fast" as say a WRX or STI/Evo, but then again, it can be had for almost 10K cheaper than a comparable STI. My guess? They tried to appeal to 2 groups, the 20 something with money and a taste for speed and practicality or the 40 something who got talked out of a sports car by their spouse.
BigMcLargeHuge 2:53PM (4/30/2008)
I think the real killer to the Speed6 was the Speed3. You ended up paying like 6-7K just for the AWD system.
Its not like the 3 is any less practical, and you didn't get any extra power with the 6.
I'll bet the Speed6 is a slightly better track car. If it were 300hp I think people would have sprung for it.
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L.Wood 2:55PM (4/30/2008)
I could really get excited about a Mazdaspeed2 at less than $20,000. Maybe I could overcome my wife's aversion to hatchbacks or just buy the car and hope for the best at home.
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Todd in Sonoma 3:45PM (4/30/2008)
That post puts a smile to my face. It's almost like taking a motorcycle home without telling the wife.
Here's what you do though. Go home and say, "Honey, I've found a great deal on a Ducati motorcycle. I think it will be really fun, and I'll really enjoy riding it to work." Keep reminding her that you'll be getting a motorcycle for next few days; work it thoroughly.
Then, casually go to the Mazda dealership and look at the 'Speed2. "Wow, that would be almost as fun as a motorcycle, but much safer." But, make it sound like it is her idea. "Oh, I don't know. I kinda like the motorcycle..."
She'll beg you to get the car.
L.Wood 4:54PM (4/30/2008)
Todd, your idea is a brilliant example of bait and switch. My problem is that I am baiting and switching daily depending upon what used cars I find on Craigslist and Autotrader. I have broken my wife down to the point that I could come home with anything, and she would be thrilled just because it would mean the baiting and switching would cease for awhile.
sw 8:55AM (5/01/2008)
@ Todd
Quit giving away our secrets damnit
Thunder 3:30PM (4/30/2008)
Bring on the Mazda2! A 2,200 pound car with 170 horsepower. Now we're talking. That's a better power to weight ratio than a WRX. I really hope they offer it with limited slip or better yet an AWD option. Great performance, great gas mileage and a car that handles. Awesome.
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