Japan's premier performance wheel manufacturer, Racing Hart, developed its first set of Mazda-exclusive alloy wheels for the Mazda MP3 in 2001. For the MAZDASPEED Protegé, Racing Hart has developed an entirely new wheel, an exclusive 17x7-inch five-spoke design in alloy with Aluminum Super Silver finish.
The Racing Harts roll on Bridgestone Potenza RE040 215/45ZR17 uni-directional high-performance tires.
INTERIOR
Sparco, a leading racing accessory manufacturer, and Mazda joined forces to create the interior of the limited-production MAZDASPEED Protegé using racing-inspired components such as drilled aluminum foot pedals with rubber inserts for better heel-and-toe control and an aluminum Sparco shift knob to make shifting the close-ratio five-speed gearbox with its shortened throws even more fun. Other changes to the interior include silver-faced analog gauges, suede-like seat bolsters and leather-wrapped NARDI steering wheel with color-keyed stitching.
AUDIO SYSTEM
For a state-of-the-art MP3 audio system, Mazda again turned to Kenwood Car Audio, the company responsible for the first-ever OEM MP3 system in last year's Mazda MP3. The MAZDASPEED Protegé features a new in-dash CD/ MP3 receiver - the Kenwood Excelon KDC-MP919.
This powerful 450-watt, four-channel (50-watts per channel) system features six speakers, an eight-inch subwoofer and a 250-watt amplifier. Both the subwoofer and amplifier are mounted under the package shelf in the trunk. One of the most versatile audio systems ever offered, the Excelon KDC-MP919 allows customers to listen to standard AM/FM radio stations or play conventional CDs and MP3-encoded CD-R/RWs.