What the hell?

Mazda website: "Final specs expected July 1, 2002"

Last I checked, we're well past that. What's the story?

 

It was my understanding that the cars were stock MP3's, either Orange or Black (500 and 1000 respectively), and would then go to Callaway Performance North America for the turbo kits, before hitting dealers. Sounds like they've just come over, and haven't hit Callaway yet, hence the delay to September when they'll all arrive in the showrooms at once.

 

I don't see how the Mazdaspeed Protege will manage to compete with the SRT-4 if it comes out with only 170hp. Yes, I realize that the Protege is way more well built, and better looking, and has a much shorter wheelbase which is good for handling, and a great sound system, etc... I also realize that 170hp is a good amount of power in a car that weighs as much as the Pro does... Also, the fact that the Mazdaspeed will not be any cheaper than the SRT-4 does not hurt its sales, since it is very limited production and all units will be sold anyways.

Here's the problem. Mazda's engines will be seen in the community as being "weak" or "low-tech" if they can't do what many makers have been doing for YEARS! Namely, pulling 100hp/liter out of a 2.0L turbo 4 and keeping it reliable. VW's 1.8t makes 180 (tho it used to be only 150 stock, a chip could up this number with no engine modding), the SR20DET has been around for ages, and the list goes on. I really hope they delay the project and decide to add another 30 or so HP. It would definately help Mazda's image.

 

I doubt it's that they CAN'T get 100hp/liter. It's a decision based on economics and marketing. 200 HP would put the protege in a different class.

Don't forget the Mazda6. If they offer a 200 hp Protege with a great suspension, wheels, interior etc for around $20k How could they justify $25 and up for the 6?? And honestly, why would you buy one?? The 6 is going to be about the same size as a 626 and that's not a hug car. A really well tuned Protege would be serious competition for that car and it would be right across the showroom floor.

They want to keep the Protege downmarket just a bit and that's very logical and ultimately to our benefit. We get a solid, if not world beating car, for less money. The MS Protege is not Mazda's "Image" car. The 6 is. The goodies will go there first and we might see some engines coming downmarket in a few years after the 6 has been established.

 

Meant to say 626 is not a "huge" car

 

isn't the new FS series engine a strong engine? thought that people having been mod'ing the crap outta it on the Mitsubishi eclipse???? Some people on this board find it practical to up the boost on the mazdaspeed to pull out 200+hp. The only reason it won't rise above 170 is the tranny is the weak point, and after the factory they have to hold up their 5 year 50k warrantee. just a thought

 

The FS series engines don't come in the eclipse. That engine is the 4G63 I believe. Also the standard protege warranty (in the U.S.) is 3 year, 50K mile, not 5 year, 50K mile. I don't think the cars are being assembled at Calaway in CT. They are being assembled at some places near the west coast ports.

 

I have heard the thing about the transmissions being the weak link as well. I believe it will be easy to get over 210 whp out of the engines, whether the tranny can take that for a prolonged period of time is the question. It's just not financially feasible to design a stronger trans for a car as limited in production as the MS Protege will be.

 

my bad. i think i'm thinkin of the extended warrantee or somethin. What other cars have the FS series engine, i know i've heard it from somewhere.

 

I believe the 4 cylinder last gen Probes/MX6s had the FS.

Nate

 

Keep in mind, these will also most like come from the factory with REALLY low Boost (i.e. Audio A4, and WRX) @ about 4psi... More performance, less turbo lag, but not putting the engine to extremes.. Just an Insurance policy the manufactures Take..

I guarentee That You'll see the sport version at over 200Hp with minor upgrades to the existing turbo... Just give it time...

 

The tranny's were not designed to be high performance units but they can handle quite a bit as long as you dont powershift, slam the shifter, and generally abuse it.

 

so then it is going to be turbo?

i thought i had read in r&t that the ms pro would be supercharged

AlanTheWoo

 

i think there was a time when mazda wasn't sure how they were gonna go: super or turbo. But they definately went turbo which is good-yu can get way more power outta a turbo on a 4 cylinder. Super's like big displacement engines better

 

Superchargers can still give 4 cyl. engines plenty of power it is just not as efficient or maybe in this case, simple. It would be easier to create a manifold and some plumbing for a turbo rather than mess with the whole belt/pulley system and plumbing ...etc. for a s/c. Superchargers don't necessarliy like bigger engines better, its more that manufacturers such as Mercedes and Jaguar prefer to use superchargers on some of their high performance V8's because of the smoothness of the power delivery. I have seen plenty of v8 with turbo's that do fine. Audi is bringing the RS6 to the states soon and I believe it has a 4.2L V-8TT with 482hp or something.