MazdaSpeed brought the sporty MazdaSpeed Protegé sedan to market last year, now out of production until a MazdaSpeed 3 replacement becomes available. The sport-tuned version of the popular compact model improved on power by adding a turbocharger, and handling with aftermarket suspension parts and larger diameter wheels and tires, while offering styling enhancements and exclusive paint schemes.

"With MazdaSpeed MX-5 Miata, we took a renowned sports car and further enhanced its performance with carefully selected modifications." (Photo: Mazda)

On the subject of a similar treatment to the brand's already sporty Miata, Robert Davis, senior vice president of marketing and product development for Mazda North American Operations stated, "With MazdaSpeed MX-5 Miata, we took a renowned sports car and further enhanced its performance with carefully selected modifications, all the while remaining true to Miata's famed spirit."

With its IHI turbocharger and Denso intercooler the MazdaSpeed Miata's 1.8-L 4-cylinder develops a maximum of 178-hp at 6,000 rpm and 166 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. (Photo: Mazda)

Due to arrive in the spring of 2004, the zippy Miata features an IHI turbocharger producing up to 7.25 pounds of boost. Together with a Denso tube-fin air-to-air intercooler the modified 1.8-L 4-cylinder develops a maximum of 178-hp at 6,000 rpm and 166 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, compared to the stock model's 142-hp at 7,000 rpm and 125 lb-ft of torque at 5,000. Other than the turbo and intercooler what's modified? The engine block has been tweaked to incorporate the turbo's oil line while the radiator's core volume has been increased.

The tuned engine is not only more powerful, delivering 25 percent more horsepower and 33 percent more torque than the base unit, but offers max output lower in the rev range as well. A short-throw 6-speed manual gearbox will be standard, with a modified clutch, pressure plate and driveshaft, plus a Bosch torque-sensing limited-slip differential should improve traction.