Sporty Mazdas revealed

Mazda is getting sporty – and here’s the proof. These racy models will be revealed at next week’s Tokyo Auto Salon, and they preview forthcoming high-performance versions of the MX-5 roadster and new 6.

The event is Japan’s leading show for tuning firms, and the two models will undoubtedly turn heads. But the best news is that although they are officially concepts, they will appear in showroom form in the coming months as two new additions to the Mazda Performance Series (MPS) range.

Both cars feature aggressive bodykits and bigger alloys, while inside there are bucket racing seats covered in contrasting black and white leather. The work has been carried out by Japanese tuning firms Ken Style and DAMD – and hints strongly at how the MPS models will look.

There’s no official information on what engines will power the performance Mazdas, but it’s likely the MX-5 MPS will have an uprated version of its 158bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. There is even the possibility it will have a turbo to boost power to around 200bhp.

The 6 MPS, which is badged Atenza in Japan, will get a new 2.5-litre turbo unit developing around 280bhp and driving all four wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. Both versions will feature stiffened and lowered suspension, with larger brakes.

As well as the MX-5 and 6 MPS, Mazda will also take the wraps off a racy version of the 2 supermini, which is known as the Demio in Japan (left).

Unlike its sister cars, it doesn’t have an uprated engine, but it gets a striking bodykit featuring a new front end with deep air intakes, a splitter, side skirts and a roof spoiler. Customers will be able to choose from a wide range of alloys, too. Inside there are sporty seats and unique trim. These MPS-badged models are expected to go on sale in 2009.