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Hatchbacks Mazda3 MazdaSpeed3: Styling Impressions
548 messages, Last post on Aug 08, 2007 at 5:21 PM
You are in the Mazda3 Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer
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My keen interest in the Speed6 has waned a bit, I think mainly because of the $30K (give or take a little) price tag and not-so impressive gas mileage. I know prices may come down over the next 6-12 months and the MPG may not be so bad for the performance offered, but I again find myself wondering about the Speed3. I believe the CX7 (or is it now the CX9?) will have the same MZR 2.3 L engine as the Speed6, but detuned to produce 244 HP. Does anyone else see this as a foreshadowing of the engine choice for the Speed3? Lately when I've googled the Speed3, some of the articles (most dated from early to mid 2005) still suggest that the Speed3 will get the Haldex AWD system. Thoughts? For me personally, I would prefer to save a couple hundred pounds in hardware (and maybe a couple of thousand dollars off of the list price) and go with the FWD set up. I hope that after this year's auto shows debuting the CX7, we will get some solid specs and a release date on the Speed3. Happy car hunting, Greg PS - We need to figure a mutually agreeable acronym or moniker for Mazda models. Some people write "M3" or "M6" or "MZ6", etc. etc...I can't always tell if we're talking about Bimmers or Mazdas.
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Replying to: kronogoose (Jan 02, 2006 6:56 pm) I agree, Holmes. It seems that the 2.3L may be multipurposed for several vehicles. How long before Ford or Volvo announce an upgraded (i.e. speed) version of one of their vehicles (how does Nuclear Fusion sound)? Hopefully, the engineers will configure the engine, suspension, etc. to suit the overall character of the specific car. Using the same configuration for both the Mazdaspeed 3 and Mazdaspeed 6 seems inherently wrong to me. Losing several hundred pounds in the transfer to the Mazdaspeed 3 seems correct even if it means foregoing AWD; this is likely one reason that the engine would be detuned to the low 200s. The Acura RSX type S, a 201 hp, 4 cylinder engine, weighs in at 2,848 lbs and uses FWD.
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The best idea about a turbo in the MS3 (vs. a V6) is the weight savings. Adding an AWD system would add weight and push the cost too close to the MS6. I hope they tune the 2.3L turbo to somewhere around 230 hp/230 ft-lbs, and add a LSD to help the front wheels hook up. This puts the drivetrain right in line with the SRT4, but the sweet interior of the Mazda3 would make it a great car!
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Replying to: thebrakeman (Jan 04, 2006 1:33 pm) Interesting point. Why don't we hear about more cars with Limited Slip Differentials? Are they primarily found on sports cars and higher end vehicles? Are they the poor cousins of AWD? In a recent review of a car (Acura RSX Type S, I believe) the commentator stated "you wouldn't be able to drive at this speed around this part of the track (sharp corner) without the limited slip differential." |
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2.3L I-4 (2260cc) Turbo engine in the Mazdaspeed6 is rated at 274 HP  5,500 RPM and 280 FT LBS 3,000 RPM BTW the 2006 Mazdaspeed6 is AWD |
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Replying to: autonomous (Jan 03, 2006 1:15 pm) IF the MSP3 turns out to be FWD with HP in the 220 range, what kind of gas mileage might we expect? If FoMoCo makes a Fusion SVT at a competitive price, I will certainly take a look! It better have a manual tranny, though. Is it too much to hope to see the MSP3 at one of this year's auto shows? Thanks, Greg
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Replying to: kronogoose (Jan 05, 2006 6:39 pm) IF the MSP3 turns out to be FWD with HP in the 220 range, what kind of gas mileage might we expect? I'd expect something in the vicinity of 23 city; 29 highway. Those numbers are midway between the normally aspirated 2.3 manual which is spec'd at 25/32 and the Mazdaspeed6 which is listed at 20/26. I'm assuming the Mazdaspeed3 weighs less than the Mazdaspeed6 but more than the Mazda3. Is it too much to hope to see the MSP3 at one of this year's auto shows? I suspect Mazda wants to give the Mazdaspeed6 some time (at least 6 months) to make an impact before revealing the Mazdaspeed3. So a summer/fall 06 unveiling would make sense. Another consideration is that the car will likely be coming from Hiroshima; so waiting for a lull in interest in Mazdaspeed6 would allow Mazda to ramp up use of the facility to produce the Mazdaspeed3. My other hunch is that they will target shows favored by a young crowd (i.e. read tuners) to have it compared to cars like the Civic Si and maybe even the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Evo. Tokyo? New York? |
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They will be making the Mazdaspeed3. It is the next vehicle to get the "Mazdaspeed" treatment. It will use a de-tuned version of the MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo. Performance numbers are yet to be announced. I was in Dallas, TX for the drive event held by Mazda back in November for the Mazdaspeed6. It was there where they said the next Mazdaspeed vehicle will be the 3. However, when the Mazda rep was asked about it having AWD, he said "I would not count on it" Also, it appears that the MS3 will most likely be a 5-door. I'm thinking horse power will be between 220-250. If they were smart, they would keep the same HP as the MS6, add AWD to the 3, and have it compete with the STi and EVO. But, It's not my call! LOL 
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Unveiling in Geneva Auto Show at the end of the month: http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/200602/0213.html
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