First look: Mazda goes for hot six in Paris

MAZDA has released first details and drawings of its high performance Mazda6 MPS concept car, which will debut later this month at the Paris motor show.

The hatchback-based concept, which was predicted by GoAuto back in March, will preview a production car that is expected to go on sale internationally and in Australia in 2004.

The Mazda6 MPS (Mazda Performance Series) is powered by a direct injection, turbocharged version of the 2.3-litre MZR four-cylinder engine that powers the standard Mazda6 in Australia.

In this iteration it produces 206kW (the Japanese industry's gentlemen's agreement power limit) at 6500rpm and 360Nm of torque at 3500rpm, but still meets the Euro IV and ULEV low emissions standards.

Harnessing all that oomph is a six-speed manual transmission and an upgraded version of the electronic all-wheel drive system already used underneath 6 models in some markets - but not Australia - now fitted with active torque control.

A limited slip differential, dynamic stability control and ABS add further poise.

The suspension system has also been re-tuned and strengthened.

Styled at Mazda's European R&D centre in Oberusal, Germany, the MPS 6 is notably understated if the drawings are any guide, with no sign of a surfboard rear wing or ground-scraping front splitter.

This backs up our March report that chief Mazda6 designer Iwao Koizumi was believed to be using the lightweight BMW M3 CSL as his inspiration for the MPS version.

But up front there's still a restyled version of the Mazda five-point grille, as well as an intake similar to the one featured on the forthcoming RX-8 sportscar.

There's also a larger front bumper with large air intakes, more aggressive rear styling and flared wheel arches that house 18x8 inch alloy wheels mated to 245/40ZR18 rubber.

Inside there's black and white leather seats as well as aluminium trim highlights, metal-textured deep-blue instruments and an engine start button. A keyless entry system is also standard, but no details are offered.

The Mazda6 concept is the latest in a series of MPS models that have tested the high-performance waters for Mazda at various motor shows over the past few years, and should be the first to make it into production.

The MPS 6 - not necessarily its production name - is expected to be followed by MPS versions of the Mazda3 replacement for the 323 and the Millenia replacement, which will also be based on the new Mazda6 platform.

Even the Tribute has been linked to an MPS version.