|
Rally professionals Rick Bates and Alister McRae spearhead Mazda Australia’s two-pronged attack on the 2008 Targa Tasmania rally. Both will drive a Mazda3 MPS rally-prepared by Mazda Motorsport in Australia.
The Targa Mazda3 MPS
Targa's racing regulations require most of the fittings in the Mazda3 MPS remain standard. That means both Mazda3 MPS race cars will compete with standard audio equipment, power windows and carpets and upholstery intact. Suspension springs, shock absorbers, brake pads, seats, belts and the steering wheel have been replaced. A PCD roll cage, racing seats with five-point safety harnesses, fire extinguishers and navigating equipment have been added for competition.
Additional ventilation is allowed to the brake discs of the Mazda3 MPS, and mufflers and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) may also be modified. Catalytic converters must remain standard. The engine, gearbox, differential and drivetrain are also standard.
Targa Mazda3 MPS Specifications
| Engine: |
Direct injection 2.3-litre turbocharged 4-cyl.
|
| Power: |
190kW |
| Torque: |
380Nm |
| Front-wheel-drive |
| Suspension: |
Front:
Rear: |
Independent MacPherson struts with coil springs
Independent multi-link with low profile springs |
| Brakes: |
Front:
Rear: |
320mm ventilated discs
280mm solid discs |
| ABS and EBD |
| Transmission:
|
6-speed manual
|
| Kerb weight: |
1403kg (standard) |
| Fuel tank: |
55 litres |
| Wheels: |
18-inch Mazda3 MPS alloys |
| Tyres: |
R-Seres Dunlops built for road and race use |
|