Melbourne 2008: Mazda2 Extreme dresses for the dirt

Click image for a high-res gallery of the Mazda2 Extreme

On display at Mazda's booth in Melbourne is this pint-sized mudslinger-in-progress dubbed the Mazda2 Extreme. The show car began its life as a regular Mazda2 5-door, but has since been gutted, caged, and fitted with all the expected race equipment. Underhood, the engine is a work in progress that should produce around 120 hp once its upgrades are complete. Power will be sent to the front wheels via the stock transmission, and exhaust gases exit a 3-inch exhaust. A tri-tone livery, roof vent, rally wheel-and-tire package, and a substantial set of off-road lights punch up the car's visual impact. Like last year's Mazda3 MPS Extreme, the Mazda2 Extreme's suspension has been tuned by Murray Coote. Put it all together, and you have a tidy little package that you want to strap yourself into for a run through some forest stage. For added realism, have a co-driver bark directions at you in Finnish.

[Source: Mazda]