'The MAZDASPEED Protegé was initiated by a group of Mazda engineers here in the United States who are hard-core enthusiasts,' said Charlie Hughes, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). Working in partnership with world-class automotive racecar engineers on chassis, drivetrain and turbo development, Mazda has produced its highest performing, most responsive Protegé to date. The turbocharged sport compact sedan will be joined by a line of MAZDASPEED performance parts, accessories and apparel, all designed to bring Mazda even closer to its sports car roots.īased on last year's hugely successful limited-production Mazda MP3, the 2003 MAZDASPEED Protegé is a substantial step forward in the performance arena. NEW YORK – The new 2003 MAZDASPEED® Protegé made its debut today amid New York City fanfare and excitement. TURBOCHARGED MAZDASPEED® PROTEGÉ HEATS UP THE NEW YORK AUTO SHOWįor Release: MaOptimum Performance, Handling and Styling Define New 2003 MAZDASPEED Protegé Additional MAZDASPEED Protegé features include aluminum Sparco foot pedals and shift knob, silver-faced analog gauges, and a seven-speaker 450-watt Kenwood MP3 audio system with a large subwoofer mounted under the package shelf in the trunk. and Canada, the MAZDASPEED Protegé features a deep front spoiler with large round fog lights, exclusive Racing Hart five-spoke alloys, aero side sills and rear skirts and two exterior colors: Black Mica and MAZDASPEED's exclusive Spicy Orange. Limited to just 2,000 vehicles for the U.S. 'Most important, MAZDASPEED will bring a tremendous smile to every Mazda enthusiast in America.' 'The MAZDASPEED Protegé will drive the Mazda attributes – performance, handling and styling – to an even higher level,' Hughes added. Mazda's legendary 2.0-liter four-cylinder power plant is fitted with a Garrett T25 turbocharger, high performance air-to-air intercooler and limited-slip differential. A successor to last year's Mazda MP3 sedan, which gained superstar status among the automotive enthusiast magazines, the MAZDASPEED Protegé boasts performance modifications over and under the hood. It will have unique exterior and interior styling cues that'll make it stand out on the road. The 2003 MAZDASPEED Protegé has been designed to achieve the highest standards with enhanced performance, handling and braking. that's earned the right to wear the MAZDASPEED nameplate.' In addition to unveiling a prototype of the 2003 MAZDASPEED Protegé, MNAO also announced that it is planning to expand its line of MAZDASPEED components and will offer street performance parts and accessories. 'This maximum performance Protegé is the first road-going Mazda in the U.S. and has certain performance expectations,' said Charlie Hughes, president and CEO of MNAO. ' MAZDASPEED has a very devoted following in the U.S.

This is the first use of the MAZDASPEED name on a street legal Mazda in North America. NEW YORK – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced it will introduce a turbocharged MAZDASPEED® Protegé in the fourth quarter of 2002. Turbocharged 2003 MAZDASPEED Protegé to be Joined by Line of High-Performance Parts, Accessories and Apparel

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