Newannaive wrote:If they're tuning a 163bhp engine up to 200bhp, how much more will it take ? I guess there won't be much improvement to have other than sticking a turbo to it.
Mazda don't have a 2.3l 163bhp engine, most of the story is factually incorrect which is why it doesn't sound right. They do have a 185bhp derv in its ranks, which will be quicker than a 200bhp NA petrol so it won't exactly be it's flagship, which most VXR's/Sports/RS/Type R's are in their range.
Also a bit odd that if Ford with the same 2.3 turbo can tinker with it and produce 330bhp for the next RS (and i'll bet £10 it'll be in a decent tax band) yet Mazda can only aim for 200bhp? It'd be the mother of all own goals while shooting themselves in both feet if, as a company, Mazda already have a decent motor yet decide to remove the best bit from the car.
They'd be better spending development time on the rest of the car and leave the engine alone.
As for how much can the 2.3l take, Cosworth have used the unit, kept it NA and have made a respectable 280bhp.