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New Generation Mazda3 MPS to Make Global Rally Debut
Mazda Australia will unleash its brand new Mazda3 MPS race car on this year's Targa Tasmania, marking the global rally debut. One of the country's most promising rally drivers, Brendan Reeves, will take the wheel of the brand new Showroom-spec rally car built by Mazda Motorsport in Australia.
Calling the corners for Reeves is his older sister Rhianon Smyth, who is a school teacher by day. This dynamic duo has campaigned over 30 rallies together but none will be more significant than Targa, with the event marking their return to endurance rallying after a major accident at last year's Rally left Smyth with serious injuries. "Allan and the team at Mazda have spent a lot of time on developing the new car, so all of that, along with the improvements made at the factory level are going to make for a really competitive car." Targa Showroom production regulations allowing minor modifications to theNew Generation Mazda3 MPS's engine management system, Mazda Motorsport Chief Horsley has been able to get even more out of its 2.3 litre Direct Injection turbocharged engine to 285 ps of power.
Reeves and Smyth, and the Mazda3 MPS are no strangers to Targa Tasmania. Last year the pair finished third in class and the fastest 2WD Showroom car in the rally version of the superseded Mazda3 MPS.
Rounding out Mazda's two-car attack on Targa Tasmania from April 27-May 2 is former Targa champion Steve Glenney who will return to pilot Mazda's turbo rotary sports coupe, RX-8 SP.
Targa Tasmania is a tarmac-based rally event held on the island state of Tasmania, Australia.
28.2.2010
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