Listed below are several photos that were taken during the development of the Protege. Click on selected photos for more information. Some of the features and parts included in these photos were designed as prototypes only and were not included in the final Protege MP3 version.

Mazda Protege MP3 Project - by Racing Beat

In early 2000, Racing Beat was invited to demonstrate our 1999 project Miata to a group of visiting Mazda executives. Soon thereafter, Mazda R&D requested Racing Beat's participation in the development in a first of an upcoming performance series of vehicles, later to be called the Mazda Performance Series (MPS).

Racing Beat was provided with a 2000 for evaluation purposes. Racing Beat's co-founder and chief engineer, Jim Mederer, used this car as a rolling test vehicle for various engine and suspension upgrades.

After thorough fitting and testing, each performance upgrade was evaluated and judged for reliability, emissions, performance, sound, driving comfort, and appearance.

Initial shock development was conducted with the cooperation of KONI USA. This initial development yielded excellent results, but due in part to the logistical problems of manufactured parts in Holland and transportation costs, Mazda decided to use one of their existing Japan-based OEM suppliers, Tokico.

During the shock-tuning process, Mazda decided that a Tokico engineer would travel to the Racing Beat facility to facilitate the tuning process. Through the rather remarkable talents of Mr. Shinichi Kagawa, Tokico Senior Design Department Engineer, an optimum shock setting for the Protege MP3 was selected.

The Protege was lowered and stiffened through the use a set of Racing Beat performance suspension springs, and larger sway bars were fitted. Modifications were required to the shocks to accept the demands of the stronger loads from the larger sway bars. Several sway bar sizes were tested on the Protege, with sizes up to 27mm (front) and 22mm (rear) tested. Mazda's final selection for the production run was 25mm (front) and 20mm (rear). A prototype mounting bracket for the rear bar was developed, but not incorporated into the production run. Select the photos below for a detailed view of these modifications.

A tuned Racing Beat Muffler was developed and fitted to the car. This muffler was designed to prove a deeper more aggressive exhaust note, while keeping within legal noise level limits.

A "short-shifter" was custom made and fitted to the car. This kit lowered the original shift knob approximately 1-inch and repositioned the shift knob.

High performance 45-series low-profile Dunlop tires where mounted on 17-inch Racing Hart wheels to provide improve handling performance. The Dunlop tires were selected in part because they were the only appropriate ties that had a load rating adequate to satisfy the Mazda engineering standards.

Testing was undertaken on an exhaust header and air intake system, but emissions concerns did not allow the inclusion of these products. These parts were strictly prototype units and will not be available for this application.

The Protege's outer skin was given a reworking by Mazda's design team, and the Protege's vibrant color scheme was selected. Originally planned as a release of only 1000 cars, initial response resulted in the final production run being increased to 1500 units. The first 1000 units were delivered to the dealerships with the blue color scheme shown here, the remaining 500 were delivered in the fall of 2001 in a vivid yellow scheme.

Introduced at the 2000 Las Vegas SEMA show as the Protege MP3, this vehicle was sold directly through Mazda dealerships.

Shown above is the special edition MP3 badge that was applied to each MP3 model. Select the image for a full-size version. Image on left - GIF graphic, image on right JPEG photo.

Follow-up:

The Protege MP3 was delivered to Mazda configured as detailed above. Some of Racing Beat's settings and specifications were amended to meet governmental and Mazda Corporation's requirements. Such factors as; safety, cost, reliability and warranty issues played key factors in deciding the outcome of the Protege MP3's specifications.
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