Mazda's New 'Crossover' Concept Wagon and Special B-Series Truck

16 December 1998

Mazda to Unveil New 'Crossover' Concept Wagon and Special Edition B-Series Truck at Greater Los Angeles Auto Show MAZDA PROTEGE ALL-SPORT Making its North American debut, the Protege All-Sport is an all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid sport-utility wagon, or "crossover," with aggressive, European-inspired styling and spirited performance. (PR NewsFoto)[AS] IRVINE, CA USA 12/15/1998 MAZDA PROTEGE STREET CAR The Protege "Street Car" is inspired by the 90s generation of "Hot Rod" enthusiasts. This one-off concept car demonstrates how easy modifications can transform the all-new Protege into an even more exciting attraction for the young performance driver. (PR NewsFoto)[AS] IRVINE, CA USA 12/15/1998 MAZDA TROY LEE B-SERIES In keeping with active lifestyles, Mazda's 1999 Troy Lee Edition B-Series Truck will make its worldwide debut accompanied by leading-edge designer and creator, Troy Lee. The Troy Lee Edition B3000 features a raised 4x2 suspension, four doors and a V6 engine. (PR NewsFoto)[AS] IRVINE, CA USA 12/15/1998

    IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 15 -- Mazda North American Operations
(MNAO) announced today that it will unveil the Protege All-Sport Concept Wagon
and the Troy Lee Edition B-Series Truck at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show
on Tuesday, December 29.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19981215/LATU094)
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19981215/LATU094-b)
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19981215/LATU094-c)
    Making its North American debut, the Protege All-Sport is an
all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid sport-utility wagon, or "crossover," with
aggressive, European-inspired styling and spirited performance.  Based on the
right-hand drive Japanese and European five-door wagon version of the all-new
Protege sedan, the Protege All-Sport evokes the heritage of Mazda's 1988-89
323 GTX, the first all-wheel-drive "rally car for the street."  The All-Sport
designation first appeared on Mazda's MPV sport-utility van, and conveys the
wagon's go-anywhere attitude and style.
    Styled at Mazda's Hiroshima, Japan design center, the Protege All-Sport
offers the versatility, comfort and driving characteristics of a passenger car
with advanced all-wheel-drive technology to tackle some of the toughest
terrain.
    In keeping with active lifestyles, Mazda's 1999 Troy Lee Edition B-Series
Truck will make its worldwide debut accompanied by leading-edge designer and
creator, Troy Lee.  The Troy Lee Edition B3000 features a raised 4x2
suspension, four doors and a V6 engine.
    All three Troy Lee Edition models, B2500, B3000 and B4000 feature Troy Lee
custom wheels, fender flares, a custom exterior graphic treatment and a custom
interior with an attitude.  Reflective body-side stripes (flames), "Dual
Sport" tailgate logo and the Troy Lee Designs(R) Signature logo complete the
exterior.
    Mazda will also feature a first-look at its Protege "Street Car" inspired
by the 90s generation of "Hot Rod" enthusiasts.  This one-off concept car
demonstrates how easy modifications can transform the all-new Protege into an
even more exciting attraction for the young performance driver.  Modifications
to this 1.8-liter, five-speed concept car include lowered suspension; 17-inch
wheels and tires; four-wheel disc brakes with Brembo(R) components, rear wing
and stainless steel exhaust; front driving lights; custom Sparco(R) seats and
interior trim treatment; alloy driving pedal set; short gear shift; and custom
Kenwood(R) audio system.
    Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) is responsible for the research and
development, sales and marketing, and customer parts and service support of
Mazda vehicles in the United States.  Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO
has approximately 800 dealerships nationwide and is owned by Mazda Motor
Corporation, Hiroshima, Japan.