i've been trying to find out what it will be like, but so far i've had no luck.

 

We'll all heard rumors about a turbo, but other than that, I imagine it will be unchanged. Everyone loves it, except it needs more power. The real question is, are they going to do the turbo, and if so, what will the new price be?

 

i'm trying to decide whether i should go ahead and grab a 2001 while i still can or wait it out until the 2002 comes out. i wonder what colors will be available for next year..

 

Well, Hunter says to wait. He seems to have the best inside information, and several magazines have hinted at a turbo, so I'd wait.

 

Mazda WILL build a turbo if you ask me...reason number one-The lancer Evo will be coming to america in the year 2003 or so and they will want to compete as to not lose all of the market...reason number 2-Why wouldn't they? I mean come on a turbo is a no brainer More HP, better Fuel Economy, and cleaner emissions, What is there to decide? I am still happy with my 2001 MP3 Just waiting for AEM to get off thier asses and make a fricking CAI for it.

 

One big reason they might not is the Protege platform is supposed to move over to the Ford Focus chassis in '03 or '04. They R&D money they would have to put into the turbo could probably be better spent somewhere else since the car isn't going to be around all that long. It don't think a turbo Protege would compete with the Lancer in sales anyway, the cost difference puts them in a different league.

 

why do they want to use the focus chassis?

 

Probably cost savings. The Focus platform and suspension is actually supposed to be pretty good. Most of the magazine articles I've read about it say it handles well and has a lot of potential. When I was shopping for my car, I narrowed it down to the Protege or the Focus. They are very similar in terms of wheelbase, interior size, standard equipment, and cost. The Focus is just ugly IMHO. So, as long as Mazda continues to design there own interior and exterior, it might not be too bad. The Focus does have a lot more aftermarket support so far. I'm not too sure about the Ford engine, and Ford's reliability can't touch Mazda, but I wouldn't mind being able to drop a Jackson Racing supercharger in my Protege.

 

yeah, i think focuses are ugly as hell. i have a problem with ford's reliability too.. that's why i was concerned with them using that chassis.

 

The exterior has grown on me some since it first came out, but the dash is still odd to me. It will be interesting to see how much of the car remains Mazda, and where and by whom it will be assembled. Currently, Proteges are built in Japan, which has to cost Mazda in tariffs. I'd bet they will be built here in a Ford plant to save cost. They will be considered domestics being built here with a Ford chassis and engine.

 

I have spoken to the advertising manager from Mazda North America and many other individuals and they all say there will be no MP3 in 2002. It was a one time special edition thing. Next year they will be doing the same thing to another car, possibly the Miata. If you want an MP3 you'll have to get this years.

 

It will be hard as hell getting parts for a one year thing.(MP3)

 

i've heard from the webmaster of protege tech and a few others that have stated that they will release a mp3 as a mid2002 release. i'm hoping they're telling the truth and that mazda is just keeping it on the DL.

 

The MP3 will return mid year 2002 with some fascia revisions. Horsepower will be significantly up, but my guess now is that is without a turbo. Remember the FS-ZE in the sport 20 comes 180HP out of the box N/A .the powers that be are tight lipped as to the specifics due to the corporate identity signing off on the project. This car has been a fight to bring to market since day one. As I predicted back in 99-00 Mazda tends to go show then go with their new vehicles. Mazda has some of the best suspension systems around. Recently Car & Driver placed the 2001 MP3 on top of the Jetta GLS, nissan sentra SpecV, Dodge Neon R/t and something else. All they wanted was more horsepower. Friends, I can tell you it is coming, and that expecting it to go head to head with the Spec-v wopuld not be out of the question.

 

Nothing yet, but MAzda is officially sponsoring Eric Burmeister for the Pro Rally SCCA.