Mazda 3 MPS official photos

Details are swiftly emerging about Mazda’s hot MPS hatch, after we revealed new photos of the car yesterday.

Set to have a simultaneous Geneva and Melbourne Motor Show unveiling, we can now confirm that the hot Mazda runs a 2.3-litre direct injection four cylinder that develops 191kW at 5500 revs and 380Nm at 3000 revs through a six-speed manual gearbox.

Mazda says that an in-cylinder cooling effect from direct injection realises about 10 per cent more torque compared to conventional-intake turbo engines

The car is clearly aimed at the Subaru WRX and Lancer Ralliart, with a top speed of 250 km/h and zero to 100 km/h sprint of 6.1 seconds

The MPS has some clever technology, like the world’s first single-nanotechnology catalytic converter helps to reduce the amount of precious metals needed.

It also has an advanced boost pressure control that suppresses sudden torque peaks through the front wheel drive system as well as equal length left and right drive shafts to minimize torque steer.

A torque-sensing super limited-slip differential is standard

To cope with the extra power special reinforcements inside the front cowl member gussets and a large tunnel member help increased body stiffness.

The MPS uses modified coil spring rates for MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension while larger diameter stabilisers with longer mount spans achieve greater roll linearity.

The steering gear is also stronger for improved response and steering wheel action.

Mazda and Dunlop have developed new wider 18-inch tyres with improved grip, more rigid sidewalls and damping strength for more a direct steering feel.

The brakes are 320mm ventilated front discs and 280 mm rear solid discs with brake assist, anti-skid brakes and dynamic stability control as standard.

Optimised aerodynamics helps reduce fuel consumption from 9.7L/100 km on the previous model to 9.2L/100 km on the new-generation MPS.

The Melbourne International Motor Show next Wednesday will host the world public debut of the new-generation Mazda3 MPS turbocharged hot hatch, but we've managed to get hold of some early photos ahead of the debut (see our gallery at right).

Mazda Australia spokesman, Glenn Butler, said the reveal would be aired live the same time as the wraps come off the car at the Geneva Motor Show.

“It’s a world first for us,” he said. “We’ll actually see the MPS before the public does in Geneva.”

The new-generation Mazda3 MPS high-performance hatch makes its official debut during the invite-only media press day at the the Geneva show.

Show-going Australians, however, will be able to view the turbocharged hot hatch when the Melbourne International Motor show opens its doors at 10am on March 4.

This is a huge coup for Australia and for hot hatch fans, and the second time Mazda has rushed a new car Downunder to the Melbourne International Motor Show.

The Mazda MX-5 roadster starred at the show in 2005, again just hours after making its international debut in Geneva the night before.

The first-generation Mazda3 MPS competed twice in Targa Tasmania and finished in the top 10, among a field of Porsches, Lamborghinis, Lancer Evos and other exotica.

Alongside the MPS will be the updated MX-5 roadster and two new-generation Mazda3s, in sleek sedan and sporty SP25 hatchback form.

The new-generation Mazda3 range goes on sale in April. The Mazda3 MPS is slated for launch in Australia in the third quarter of 2009.

The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show...