Autoblog

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]

click above for more images of the Mazdaspeed Demio Concept

Here's another one that we're very curious to read more about when Mazda gets around to issuing its sweeping Tokyo Auto Salon release. The car shown, of course, is the Demio, a.k.a. Mazda2, a.k.a one of the cool non-US market cars we'd love to see in our local showrooms. In this case, it's a fully-dressed Mazdaspeed Demio concept. In addition to the full aero package (new bumpers, spoilers, skirts, inserts, etc.), it boasts Mazdaspeed wheels, brakes, and likely some suspension upgrades. Whether there are any changes under the hood is not currently known, but it'd be a shame to look that fast with no guts to back it up. Inside, two-tone racing seats and various dress-up bits bring the Demio's cabin upmarket. We'd rather see a manual transmission instead of the show car's automatic, but if Mazda does decide to go all the way and produce a Mazdaspeed2/Demio somewhere down the line, were sure that a manual cog-swapper would be part of the mix. At the very least, we now have a very good idea of what such a car would probably look like.

[Source: Carview]