Our first experience with a Mazdaspeed3 powered Mazda2 came during this year’s One Lap of America, where the pint-sized pocket-rocket quickly won over our hearts and minds. The car finished 42nd overall, but would have fared much better had mechanical issues not kept it out of several key events.

Mazda seems to like the idea of a fast Mazda2 as well, so the company is showing its Turbo2 concept at this year’s SEMA show. Power comes from a 2.3-liter direct-injected, turbocharged Mazdaspeed3 engine, which means that the the Turbo2 should be good for 263 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque.

That should provide a fair amount of entertainment value in a car that tips the scales at just over 2,300 pounds. Ensuring that the car stops and turns as well as it accelerates, Mazda has fitted the Turbo2 with Brembo front brakes, an HR coil over suspension, Corksport sway bars and 17-inch OZ wheels shod with sticky Yokohama tires.

The exterior is finished in Sonic White tri-coat, offset by Brilliant Black panels and neon-colored highlights. Inside, the seats are done in black leather with yellow Turbo2 logos and yellow seat piping, and a data acquisition display ensures that you can keep track of your lap times.

While the overly-attention-grabbing exterior may not be to our liking, the concept certainly is. We doubt that Mazda will put the Turbo2 into production, but we’ve got our fingers crossed anyway.

Want more news for SEMA 2011? Find our complete coverage of the show here.