Sunday, March 9, 2008

Mazda 3 MPS Extreme at AIMS


210 kW Mazda3 MPS

The Mazda3 MPS just got a bit more exciting, Mazda Australia Motorsport today showed their third installment in their extreme line-up at the Australian International Motor Show, the Mazda 3 MPS Extreme. The Mazda3 MPS (Mazda Performance Series) Extreme is based on the Sports Pack equiped Mazda 3 MPS, but with about 20% more power from the 2.3 liter DISI Turbo engine which now peaks at 210 kW (282 hp) with 425 Nm of torque instead of 190 kW (255 hp). Main attributor to the power increase is a recalculation of the PCM (Powertrain Control Module).




The suspension has been redesigned by Coote (whose suspension systems are used on Mazda rally and racing cars) and is lowered by 25mm for an even more aggressive stance. 19 inch BBS Motorsport wheels with Dunlop Sports (225/35ZR19) rubber complete the underpinnings. The brake system has been taken from the regular Mazda3 MPS (320mm ventilated front discs and 280mm rear brakes) and comes with ABS, EBD (electronic brake distribution) and electronic brake assist.


Mazda has painted the Mazda 3 MPS Extreme in True Red with black stripes, roof and rear spoiler. The wheels arches have been extended to make room for the larger 19 inch wheels and the windows have been tinted. The black and red theme continues inside where the leather upholstery is black with red accents.


“Mazda Australia, under the direction of Allan Horsley, has an excellent reputation of pushing the envelope in the design and modification of high-performance cars,” says Mazda Australia’s managing director Doug Dickson. Allan Horsley has been the brains behind the 1995 Mazda RX-7 SP (homologated version of the 1991 Bathurst car) and 2002 MX-5 SP variants.


Source: Mazda Motor Corporation