Mazda called on acclaimed Mazda-tuner Racing Beat to assist in developing its new sport suspension. The results include specially engineered MacPherson struts up front, plus a strut tower brace, higher rate coil springs, re-valved Tokico dampers and larger diameter stabilizer bar bracket and bushings. Racing Beat tuned the independent struts in the rear to compliment the Twin Trapezoidal Links (TTL), coil springs and larger stabilizer bar. The Tokico shocks were designed to enhance steering feedback and response, while controlling excess chassis motion to keep the tires planted firmly on the road surface. What is the result? Reports have the new MazdaSpeed besting last year's MP3 by 0.02 g's in the 300-ft skidpad, from 0.86 to 0.88. While it may not look like much to a novice, that's noticeable improvement.
The quickest way to make the most of current engine architecture is to add a turbo. While there's a great deal more work involved than just slapping a turbocharger on to the engine's exhaust waste gate, it's a lot simpler and less expensive than reengineering a new power unit from the block up. What's more, aftermarket tuners can easily tweak them further by adding recalibrated engine management chips, the cheap fix for achieving more horsepower. Mazda selected Callaway Cars, who initially became internationally famous for turbocharging the Corvette, to assist its engineers in boosting the Protegé's base 2.0-L engine. It's already a reasonably sophisticated little unit with 16-valves and DOHC architecture, but lacked that extra punch needed to gain respect in the current compact class war. A Garrett T25 turbocharger was chosen, effectively improving output to a healthy 170-hp at 6,000 rpm and 160 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. An air-to-air intercooler keeps things from burning up while a sport-tuned exhaust with polished stainless steel Racing Beat muffler, Tochigi Fuji Sangyo KK Super limited slip differential, 24 mm (0.94 in) diameter driveshafts and a heavy-duty clutch disc and pressure plate should make the little sedan capable of swift 0 to 100 km/h sprints. Part of the hole-shot honors must go to the new short-throw close-ratio 5-speed gearbox. No automatic is available.