Mazda3 MPS Extreme: Extremely Attractive

Motoring Channel Staff - 15/October/2007

Sydney, Australia — Mazda chose the Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) to unveil its latest high-performance vehicle in the Mazda Performance Series (MPS), the Mazda3 MPS Extreme.

Based on the top-selling Sports Pack luxury specification, the Mazda3 MPS Extreme has received engine, suspension and exhaust upgrades that improve performance by about twenty per cent, claims Mazda.

"We have an excellent reputation of pushing the envelope in the design and modification of high-performance cars," says Mazda Australia managing director, Doug Dickson. "Building an extreme version of our top hot-hatch is very fitting," he adds.

Mazda called on its local motorsport manager, Allan Horsley, to recalibrate the car’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM), allowing its standard 2.3-litre DISI turbo engine to generate a massive 210kW of power @ 5300rpm and 425Nm of torque @ 4400rpm. Though there are no plans to build the car, it would potentially lock horns with the Subaru Impreza WRX STI and Mitsubishi Evolution X.

Horsley also uprated the suspension and brakes to cope with the extra punch, fitting 320mm front discs and 280mm  rear discs. A large tandem booster, along with a larger master cylinder, four-channel ABS, electronic brake distribution (EBD), and electronic brake assist all contribute to the upgraded stopping capability.

To complement the mechanical upgrades, the new car has been treated to an aggressive new look using True Red body colours with black stripes, mimicking the white stripes seen on Mazda’s Targa racing cars. Inside, the black leather is accentuated by exclusive red leather trimming, red highlights in the dash, gear-shift knob and steering wheel and door trimmings.

Safety-wise, the Extreme includes six airbags (dual front, front side and head protecting curtain airbags), a collapsible brake pedal and front and rear passenger seatbelt reminders as well as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with a Traction Control System (TCS).

"Creating an extreme version really is a case of making a great car even greater," says Horsley."The standard car finished a stunning tenth outright at this year’s Targa Tasmania rally and first in the event’s Showroom category, and needless to say the Mazda3 MPS Extreme lifts the performance bar on what is already outstanding vehicle."

Mazda says that there are other modifications to the Mazda3 MPS as well, including a free-flowing two-inch exhaust system and a sports muffler that will give this extreme car a suitability loud exhaust note. The car's suspension system has been redesigned by one of Australia’s best suspension tuners, Murray Coote, and it now sits 25mm lower than the standard model, giving the car a more aggressive, sporty stance.

Coote, whose suspension systems sit beneath some of Australia’s leading rally and racing cars, configured a suspension package that maintains the sharply responsive handling of the Mazda3 MPS while complementing its new found power boost.

The hatch's standard 18-inch alloy wheels have been upsized to 19-inch BBS Motorsport wheels with Dunlop Sports (225/35ZR19) complete with a MPS monogram on the wheel centerpiece. The wheels alone give the new concept car a far more angry image, and match the extended black wheel arches, black roof, and large rear spoiler.

"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.

"To build an extreme version of our signature hot-hatch is very fitting as it builds on the company’s racing heritage as well as celebrating the sales success of the current car," added Mr Dickson. 

Will this amazing performance hatch ever be built? Like the turbocharged RX-8 Extreme before it, there's every chance this one-off concept car will remain a show car. We're crossing our fingers that it will be built in very limited numbers, but realistically it's unlikely ever to ever to see the inside of a new car showroom.

Other cars being shown by the Japanese car maker at the 2007 AIMS  include the second generation Mazda6 and the company's first 7-seat crossover, the CX-9.

- Mazda6 (2008)
- Mazda2 (2008)
- Mazda6 MPS (Road Test)
- Mazda Taiki (concept)
- Mazda6 Sport (Road Test)
- Mazda6 Diesel (2007)
- Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe (Road Test)
- Mazda Ryuga (concept)
- Mazda Nagare (concept)
- Mazda CX-9 (2008)
- Mazda 2 Miller Cycle (2008)