t's the news that will have driving enthusiasts across the country cheering! Mazda is planning an assault on the performance market, with a range of powerful, lightweight cars.

The attack will be based on the company's daring new vehicle line-up, which will slowly be revealed to the public over the next 18 months. Sporty derivatives are being developed under the brand name Mazda Performance Series (MPS), and first to hit the road will be a souped-up version of the 6.

Powered by a 276bhp 2.3-litre tur-bo, the newcomer will offer four-wheel drive and a distinctive bodykit to take on rivals such as the Subaru Impreza WRX. Next is a turbocharged MX-5, and this is expected to offer 200bhp from its 1.8-litre engine. It will also be one of the most powerful MX-5s ever

sources say the firm is working on a new turbocharging system which promises to increase diesel engine output and response dramatically. Increasing the turbo boost is the simplest way of improving performance, as forcing more air into the engine means that more fuel can be burned. However, simply increasing the turbo size can reduce refinement ? so Ford has come up with a clever solution. The plan is to fit electric motors to the unit. These will respond to throttle input, reducing lag and increasing boost. The electric motor is compatible with existing 12-volt electrics and is controlled by the engine management system.

The first application of this technology is likely to hit the streets away from the performance diesel arena, appearing on a Ford-badged car by the end of the year. Some insiders reckon the system would be particularly effective on the turbocharged RS Focus, providing lag-free acceleration for the roadgoing rally car as it squares up to the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Evo VII.

Mazda and Cosworth engineering are working on the powerplant for the AWD focus Cosworth due in 2004 or 2005. the new turbo I4 engine rumored to produce 280hp from a suspected 2.0 litres, by me.

EuroIV and US tier II regulations take effect in the 2004, and the Subaru WRX, I believe uses 3 catalytic converters to pass today's less stringent regulations. the CAT need heat to work, they absorb heat from the exhaust stream. unfortunately turbos also need heat to work well. So to meet regulations without sacrificing performance, a new solution may be needed.     that solution maybe an  electrically spooled turbo allows more energy to be used to heat up the Cat without affecting performance.  with the addition of direct injection you can use high comparison ratios and a high pressure turbo. for improved efficiency and more power. 

Dynamic performance that provides a feeling of genuine high performance
The newly developed direct-injection turbo-charged 2.3-liter engine has achieved low emissions, excellent fuel efficiency, and high performance. Its total output of 206kW(280ps) at 6,500rpm and maximum torque of 360 Nm at 3,500 rpm qualifies the Mazda6 MPS concept car as a serious driving machine, while at the same time the engine meets all relevant low emission regulations. In Europe, the Euro IV levels are met; in the USA and Japan the respective ULEV standards are fulfilled.
An all-new traction system is employed, effortlessly transmitting the power of Mazda6 MPS concept car onto the road. The 4WD used in the Mazda6 is combined here with an active torque control. The result is an electronically controlled torque-split 4WD system that is suitable for high performance cars and gives precise tire-to-road contact even at high revs.