Mazda Finds the Back Pedal: 6MPS and 2MPS on Their Way

After deleting their Mazda6 MPS from the range and categorically shooting down any idea of a similarly specced model for the brand new 6, Mazda have revised their attitude in the face of strong customer feedback and have now announced that a new 6MPS will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show this October.  We reported on the possibility of a new Mazda6 MPS late last year.

Packed with a turbocharged 2.5ltr four cylinder powering the car to the tune of 206kW/280hp and a 0-100kmh time of just six second, the latest 6MPS promises to follow the impressive recipe of the former.  I spent last weekend driving from Melbourne to Sydney in a 6MPS—albeit a somewhat modified example—and I can certainly testify to its credentials.

As you'd expect, the MPS6—known as a MazdaSpeed Atenza in Japan—will no doubt sport the same blend of over the top yet surprisingly subtle styling characteristics of the previous model, including a sportier and more aggressive front bar, rear spoiler, side skirts, larger rolling stock, stiffer suspension, and ventilated brakes.  The car is expected to go on sale in 2010.

The big news however is word of a Mazda2 MPS.  There's very little information at this point, but we're anticipating a turbocharged 1.5ltr with around 125kW/170hp churning through the front wheels (oh the shame), along with the requisite suspension and aesthetic tweaks inside and out.  No release date for either the concept or the production model has been announced, but we suspect it would follow not long after the 6MPS.

Can we perhaps expect an MPS MX-5 and RX-8 any time soon, Mazda?  Remember those; your dedicated sports cars?  Well righteo then.

[via AutoExpress]