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MazdaSpeed3: Styling Impressions - READ ONLY

548 messages,  Last post on Aug 08, 2007 at 6:21 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3, Hatchback

Messages Page 1 of 55

#1 of 548 2007 MazdaSpeed3 by callmedrfill

Jan 15, 2005 (7:28 pm)

 
   After having driven the new Mazda 3 and seen reviews, I want to hear speculation on it's future cousing, the MazdaSpeed 3. This car the (3s sedan) is probably the closest facsimile to the 325i I have yet seen, in looks, size, poise, and handling. Very refined, similar dash to BMW, good smooth power but you could tell this car is planted! Very impressive.
 
   What I loved was that it was so quiet and the power wasn't peaky (Honda) or loud (Corolla XRS) that it moved like a car with a larger engine. Which it does have, with 2.3 liters compared to the comps' 1.8-2.2 engines. My question is can the (ancient) Duartec V6 fit in the 3?
 
   The power is right on the competition (220HP vs. SRT-4 230HP, Cobalt 205, XRS 170HP, WRX 227) A V6 would offer a nice marketing advantage. And I doubt Mazda will spend the coin to make 2 seperate super-4 engines of different size and strength for the 6 and 3.
 
   
  So what's the story?
 
  DrFill

#2 of 548 No V6 by ambull

Jan 16, 2005 (3:37 pm)

The MazdaSpeed 3 will use a detuned version of the turbocharged 4-cyl engine soon to be seen in the MazdaSpeed 6. It is not that difficult to modify that engine. I don't think the Duratec V6 would fit in the 3's engine bay. Even if it did, it's heavy enough to throw off the Front/Rear balance and adversely affect handling.
It is supposed to be FWD, not AWD as in the MS6.
Also, I think it will debut in 2006, not 2007.

#3 of 548 If I got an AWD system by callmedrfill

Jan 17, 2005 (1:47 am)

That could offset the weight gained up front. That would be be quite a tune-down! 40-50HP?
 
  I believe that if Audi can fit a 4.2 liter V8 in an A4 (not much bigger than a Mazda3, but bigger), Mazda can make a small six work.
 
  Expect the unexpected from Mazda.
 
   
' DrFill

#4 of 548 by kirstie_h HOST

Jan 17, 2005 (6:40 am)

The title of this discussion has been changed, since there's no known date for release of an updated 3.

#5 of 548 Re: If I got an AWD system [callmedrfill] by thebrakeman

Mar 10, 2005 (8:09 am)

Replying to: callmedrfill (Jan 17, 2005 1:47 am)
Probably wouldn't need to reduce power by that much. It would be the same 2.3l-Turbo engine (with upgraded rods, etc) that's in the Mazdaspeed6. We know the engine can handle 274hp (Mazdaspeed says more).
 
However, in a lighter vehicle, without AWD, the problem is putting the power down. It they add a limited-slip differential, and some suspension mods, the power reduction can probably stay somewhere around 250...right on par with the latest SRT-4. Too bad the price will be much more than the SRT-4.

#6 of 548 Re: 2007 MazdaSpeed3 [callmedrfill] by big_guy

May 06, 2005 (12:51 pm)

Replying to: callmedrfill (Jan 15, 2005 7:28 pm)
I had heard that they were going to turbo charge the 2.0L engine from the base Mazda3 for use in the Mazdaspeed Mazda3 ... of course everything is just speculation and rumour at this time.

#7 of 548 Mazdaspeed 3 : September 2005! by autonomous

May 06, 2005 (12:56 pm)

In case you did not spot this Edmunds article here is the news (not rumour) to make us all salivate!
 
Mazda Gets Ready to Launch 256-horsepower "Hot Hatch" Version of 3
Date Posted 04-20-2005
 
HIROSHIMA, Japan — Mazda is readying a 'hot hatch' version of the Mazda3 — and we're talking jalapeño! The 3 MPS (Mazda Performance Series) uses the same 2.3-liter engine as the bigger 6 MPS, and this could make the car the hottest hatch on the market.
 
The 6 MPS puts out 256 horsepower — way more than the VW Golf GTI (197 hp) or the forthcoming Opel/Vauxhall Astra VXR (237 hp). This should give the 3 MPS a 0-to-60 mph time of below 7 seconds — blistering performance.
 
The 3 MPS will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and will go on sale shortly after. Its aggressive styling affirms Mazda is quickly shaking off its fuddy-duddy image, helped by the RX-8 and MX-5 sports cars.

#8 of 548 Re: Mazdaspeed 3 : September 2005! [autonomous] by gambit293

May 09, 2005 (8:21 am)

Replying to: autonomous (May 06, 2005 12:56 pm)
I hope Mazda doesn't detune the 2.3 just for the sake of keeping the mazdaspeed6 "more powerful" and therefore higher on the hierarchy. I hate when manufacturers do that.

#9 of 548 Re: Mazdaspeed 3 : September 2005! [gambit293] by kronogoose

May 09, 2005 (10:12 am)

Replying to: gambit293 (May 09, 2005 8:21 am)
When I first heard about the Mazdaspeed3, it was listed as having 220 HP. That would be fine with me, it will still compete with the WRX and SRT4. Don't get me wrong, though; I would love to see 256 HP on the 3!
 
Considering Mazda's mis-statement of RX-8's horsepower and the delays in getting the Mazdaspeed6 to market, I'm taking a "believe it when I see it approach."
 
Is there any interest in the Mazdaspeed6? Am I the only one put off and disappointed by the unexplained delays?

#10 of 548 Mazdaspeed 6 by autonomous

May 09, 2005 (12:59 pm)

kronogoose said: Is there any interest in the Mazdaspeed6? Am I the only one put off and disappointed by the unexplained delays?
 
Do you know whether it was to be built in the Hofu factory in Hiroshima which was damaged by fire a few months ago? That might explain some of the delay.

Messages Page 1 of 55

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