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 12/15/1998IRVINE, 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.