Is This A Real MazdaSpeed Car?| Grassroots Motorsports forum |

dean1484 MegaDork
6/13/24 3:45 p.m.

During some survey work yesterday for a client and found this in a corner. Looks to have not moved since 2021. Is it a real MazdaSpeed? The paint has a lot of metallic in it. I don't know these cars at all but this one is just so cool!!! Yes it is a manual.

I deleted the plate number as I was on publicly accessible privet property.

Even in the low light it just popped!!

Dusterbd13-michael MegaDork
6/13/24 3:47 p.m.

That appears to be an 03 mazdaspeed protege

wvumtnbkr UltimaDork
6/13/24 3:49 p.m.

Looks like it! I believe those are racing hart wheels

Should have a little turbolater on there.

However, they also made a model called the MP3 that had all / most of the looks of the mazdaspeed, but no turbski.

All of the above is all what I remember. Don't take it for gospel.

dean1484 MegaDork
6/13/24 3:51 p.m.

I kind of want to see if I could purchase it. . . . . I don't need this. I think what I really want to do is "save" it. It needs to be driven and seen by others.

I forgot how much I really liked the styling of Mazda's around the late 90's - early 00's

wvumtnbkr UltimaDork
6/13/24 3:52 p.m.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15135842/mazdaspeed-protege-road-test/

dean1484 MegaDork
6/13/24 3:53 p.m.

So

No turbo = still want it because cool

Has Turbo = I REALLY REALLY REALLY WANT IT.

Cool Got it!!!

prodarwin MegaDork
6/13/24 3:58 p.m.

Aren't those right at the intersection of underwhelming and unreliable?

Mndsm MegaDork
6/13/24 4:06 p.m.

Mazdaspeed Protege. It's real.

Glass transmissions. Basically a stock motor with an aftermarket Callaway turbo kit bolted to it. You can make more power...... and break the transmission. One of the (shockingly) best FWD tuned chassis I've ever driven. Neat cars. Would kill for an orange one.

chandler MegaDork
6/13/24 5:04 p.m.

They are fun stock, good dynamics and reasonably quick for its age.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/13/24 5:10 p.m.

Yeah, wow, very cool. From the days of Mazda’s factory World Challenge effort, too.

pointofdeparture UltimaDork
6/13/24 5:17 p.m.

Cool but very, very fragile from what I remember.

adam525i SuperDork
6/13/24 5:26 p.m.

I have three words for you.

ZOOM

ZOOM ZOOM

Now try to get that out of your head!

CyberEric SuperDork
6/13/24 7:26 p.m.

I want it. Badly.

Always loved those. I do think I might prefer the MP3 that came before it without the turbo just because it stressed the trans less and still had the same wonderful chassis.

Only 2000 were made. I miss when Mazda made silly cars like this.