If the Mazda2 needs anything, it’s a little more pep in its step. Mazda has moved to address that ail with the SEMA 2011 Turbo2 Concept. Boasting a direct-injection 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the small hatch is crammed with 263 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Those are the kinds of figures that are sure to slather a grin across your face, especially given that Mazda has managed to trim the concept’s weight down to a skinny 2,300 pounds. Mazda also reminds us that this vehicle wears the company’s largest forced-induction four-cylinder engine in its smallest vehicle platform. Zoom-Zoom indeed.
The Turbo2 Concept rocks a set of Brembo brakes to bring the whole party to a stop in a hurry, and the suspension has received its fair share of attention as well. HR coilovers, Corksport sway bars front and rear and Yokohama rubber all help keep the tiny hatch glued to the track. In fact, if this is all looking rather serious for a showcar, that’s because it is – this car was built by the folks at Autobarn for use in One Lap of America with blessings from the Japanese automaker, though it has since been the recipient of a splashy new look.
So, will we see a version of it production? There’s always a chance that Mazda will give the world a Mazdaspeed2 to chew on. In the meantime, if you can’t wait and want this exact car, Autoblog reader Pete L. notes that it’s for sale by the Autobarn folks, though it’s a costly little number: $94,999. Eek.
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