Mazdaspeed3
02-15-2006, 01:10 AM
#1
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Mazdaspeed3
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.
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.
02-15-2006, 02:03 AM
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Originally Posted by slboettcher
Mazda have some nice paint - not as cool as SCIONs, but some of those colors are nice.
SB
SB
02-15-2006, 07:54 AM
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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?
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?
02-15-2006, 05:16 PM
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Originally Posted by CXT
Originally Posted by slboettcher
Mazda have some nice paint - not as cool as SCIONs, but some of those colors are nice.
SB
SB
Scott
02-16-2006, 08:26 PM
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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.
But regardless, this ride will give the Mini Cooper S, Civic Si, Golf GTi and even its Volvo counterpart a run for their money.
> 
02-17-2006, 04:19 AM
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Originally Posted by ReverseGTR
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.
But regardless, this ride will give the Mini Cooper S, Civic Si, Golf GTi and even its Volvo counterpart a run for their money.
02-17-2006, 03:14 PM
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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
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
02-17-2006, 03:34 PM
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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.
02-17-2006, 08:23 PM
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Originally Posted by peteyd
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.
"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. "
