http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/02/...d3-mazda3-mps/

I think this is very interesting. They're apparently using the same engine as the Mazdaspeed6, but with FWD. The Mazda3 is already an extremely capable performer especially in terms of handling. With a Mazdaspeed suspension and LSD, this car ought to put the kabosh on the Civic Si if the price is reasonable.

I only hope they do some serious changes from the engine bay in the Mazdaspeed6. The MS6's top-mount intercooler is apparently positioned directly over the turbo itself (the hottest part of the engine), which is stuffed right in between the motor and the firewall. A recipe for pure heatsoak. On top of that, the charge air for the intercooler comes from a duct from the top of the front grille instead of a hoodscoop. Predictably, that duct is also, you guessed it, right on top of the hot engine. It's no wonder these cars are having ridiculous heatsoak problems.

If they fix that silliness, throw on an LSD, and detune the engine to a reasonable 230-250hp, that car ought to be a monster.

 

Looks too much like the Mazda3 I already have. I'll probably trade it in for a CX-7

 

Mazda have some nice paint - not as cool as SCIONs, but some of those colors are nice.

SB

 

I wanted a Mazda3 before too

 

I was looking at the Mazda3, but the xB was too much of a deal to pass by.

Plus, the Mazda3 feels cheaper.

 

My 3 is Lava Orange.......hmmm where Ive seen that color before

 

if only it weren't a hatch

 

if the pricing is reasonable and if i dun hafta pay much difference trading my XB in, i'll definitly think abt it

 

I wonder what this would mean for the Volvo C30? It seems that Ford is permitting a little parlay amongst their subsidiaries as well as themselves in Europe.

I am not looking at this as a bad thing at all, I wonder how GM will take it? And how would this impact potential sales on the Honda Civic Si 4 door?

 

The Mazda Lava is a great color. I'm not sure if you're insinuating that it's like the RS1, but IMHO, it's much better than the red on the RS1.

Scott

 

Cool... from MotorTrend's Future vehicle forecast:

2007 Mazda 3: MazdaSpeed3 performance edition will likely bundle AWD and a 2.3L/270-hp turbo I-4.

 

Well that forcast is wrong since it has been announced by Mazda the MSP3 will be FWD and will most likely be in the 220-240hp, perhaps they may keep it at the engine's highest stock output.

But regardless, this ride will give the Mini Cooper S, Civic Si, Golf GTi and even its Volvo counterpart a run for their money.

 

^^^ And eat tCs for lunch!

 

>

Well..........that is if it were to actually be built

 

Actually I don't think Mazda has released *anything* regarding how much power it will put out. It's just assumed it will have less power due to being FWD. I'd love to see them keep the output right around 260-270hp like the SRT-4. Yeeow.

 

^^^
That would seriously upset the balance of the car, not mazdas style

 

Actually I think Mazda can make it a good handler, even at 270hp with FWD, pending it has an LSD of course. For example, the new Mitsubishi Eclipse GT can go toe to toe with the 350Z on the track without too many problems and the Cobalt SS comes closer than you think to the handling of the RSX with the SRT-4 not extremely far behind.

Remember handling of a FWD car can be for the most part different to RWD car with its own pros and cons not nessisarily a handicap compared to it

 

Actually from a good friend I have who works in mazda told me its supposed to be 245hp awd with 6spd. He was sayng they are going to try to keep all the future speeds wither awd or rwd so hopefully they do.

 

I wish you were right, but this is an excerpt directly from Mazda's press release on their website:

"With its compact, lightweight body and substantial power generated by its 2.3L MZR DISI TURBO petrol engine, MAZDASPEED 3 is one of the most powerful high-performance sports compacts with front-wheel drive (FWD) on the road today. "

 

Actually, the SRT-4 and cobalt ss are as good if not better handling than the RSX-S.


I'm just curious to see the pricing on that car.