Marking the belated debut of the Mazda2 in the US, Mazda has unveiled a trio of concept models at this year’s Los Angeles Auto show.
Based on the face lifted hatchback variants, the three concepts have been named the Mazda 2Evil, Active2 Surf and Active2 Snow.
Designed as a tribute to the 1991 Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B race car, it has been speculated that the Mazda 2Evil Special Concept hints at a new MPS version.
Although this isn’t the first time Mazda has produced a hot version of its little hatch, having showcased a concept Mazdaspeed version in late 2007 which never saw production.
The Mazda 2Evil Special Concept features an aggressive front spoiler and deeper side intakes for improved aerodynamics and lower overall stance.
At the rear, the concept incorporates a lower diffuser which highlights the exhaust tip and new rear spoiler which was redesigned for both additional down force and a race appearance.
The exterior has been finished in Ceramic Grey metallic with subtle motorsports inspired graphics, 17-inch wheels with Yokohama Advan tyres, lowered coil-over suspension provided by H&R and Magna performance exhaust.
The Active2 Surf Concept continues the sport theme with a more aggressive front bumper and rocker, 17-inch wheels and H&R coil over suspension.
Finished in Spirited Green metallic, it also uses a Thule roof rack system already equipped with a matching carbon fibre surfboard.
The Active2 Snow feature the same sports features as the Surf Concept, but has been finished in Frozen White with subtle graphics on the hood and driver’s side panel.
Interesting, but isn’t it a little bit late in the model life for the MPS to be coming out, especially since Mazda was adamant that a 2 MPS wouldn’t be produced?
Well the first generation Mazda 3 MPS was released with the facelift model, which was two years after the launch of the Mazda 3. Therefore it is still possible. I hope so anyway.
The three concept 2′s look great and with them now landeing in the States a MPS2 maybe conceived…..
The 2Evil looks hot and those headlights would be a great inclusion
2 MPS? Where? I want it.
The little smiley car just got a bit aggro!!
If the 2Evil is a homage to the 787B that won le mans, why isn’t it painted in the correct colour scheme?
This is quite a facelift and much needed.
HERE IN THE STATES, IT LOOKS LIKE WE’VE GOT A VERY GOOD CHANCE OF GETTING THE FORD SUPER PURSUIT, HOLDEN COMMODORE SS-V AND R8 MALOO BEGINNING IN CALENDAR-YEAR 2010. A LOT OF US HAVE BEEN CLAMMOURING FOR THESE MODELS FOR MORE THAN A DECADE, NOW. AND THE CORPORATE GENIUSES ARE FINALLY COMING AROUND. I IMAGINE YOU WON’T MIND SELLING MORE THAN A MILLION EXTRA VEHICLES IN A HIGHLY ENTHUSIASTIC MARKET. AT THIS POINT, OZ-IRON IS A HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER COMMODITY. NOTHING SUCCEEDS LIKE SUCCESS. PERSONALLY, I WANT AN AWD SUPER PURSUIT WITH CREW CAB, AND ECOBOOSTED 3.7 LITER V6. FORD IS MAKING A HUGE DEAL ABOUT THE NEW ECOBOOST TECHNOLOGY. AND I THINK I CAN FIND A HOME FOR AT LEAST ONE OF THEM. CHEERS!
WITH FORD’S FOCUS RS COMING IN THE SPRING, THE NEW FIESTA AND THESE THREE MAZDA 2 VARIANTS… IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK LIKE FIAT’S 500 IS GOING TO EXPERIENCE SOME VERY TOUGH SLEDDING IN THE WORLD’S BIGGEST AUTOMOTIVE MARKET. WITH EVEN THE ABARTH VERSION LOOKING FAIRLY TEPID COMPARED TO THE TOP DOGS REACHING THE STREETS HERE AFTER THE TURN OF THE NEW YEAR. THE EURO-ZONE PROVIDES AN ARTIFICIAL BARRIER AGAINST HIGHLY GIFTED PREDATORS. THERE IS NO SUCH PROTECTION HERE. WHICH EXPLAINS WHY RENAULT KEEPS ITS HOTTEST HATCHES IN THE HOME MARKET; SAME FOR VOLKS. AMERICA IS QUICKLY TURNING INTO A SEA OF SHARKS. AND UNLESS YOU CAN BRING THE HEAT, YOU’D BEST STAY HOME. AND TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, THERE’S STILL NO ONE IN THE HOT HATCH SEGMENT WHO CAN EVEN TOUCH SUBARU’S WRX STI SPEC C. VOLKSWAGEN’S SCIROCCO R AND SHINY NEW R20 ARE GOING TO BE DOA. SO MUCH FOR THE VAUNTED MYTHOLOGY OF GERMAN ENGINEERING. THEIR PHILOSOPHY SEEMS TO BE… “IF YOU CAN’T BEAT THEM, JUST HIDE.”
GOOD FOR THEM.
No need to shout Dan. By the way, this is an article about the Mazda 2…
Charming names! New models looks awesome…I’m definitely interested in these new Mazda cars.
MPS2? hell yeah! :D
id take a 3dr one for sure.
..with those racks too. ;)