250hp Mazdaspeed3 on the way(Edmunds Test & $22,800 base price)
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250hp Mazdaspeed3 on the way(Edmunds Test & $22,800 base price)
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.
These are likely to be joined in future by a new version of the classic rotary-engined RX-7 two-door coupe. This would sit between the MX-5 and the RX-8 and be powered by the RX-8's powerful rotary engine. Mazda insiders maintain the car will be built, but it is still at least three years away.
What this means to you: Continuing the trend in North America, Mazda is attempting to boost its brand by shedding its dull skin and pumping more exciting models.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=105417
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.
These are likely to be joined in future by a new version of the classic rotary-engined RX-7 two-door coupe. This would sit between the MX-5 and the RX-8 and be powered by the RX-8's powerful rotary engine. Mazda insiders maintain the car will be built, but it is still at least three years away.
What this means to you: Continuing the trend in North America, Mazda is attempting to boost its brand by shedding its dull skin and pumping more exciting models.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=105417
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,629
Likes: 280
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
No doubt the handling on this car will be phenominal by non-sports car standards. The regular Mazda3 already has superb handling and steering response, especially on the top-line version....and of course a rather stiff ride to match. ( I've looked at the Mazda3 and test-driven it but didn't do a formal write-up on it ).
Mazda has always, in steering feel and chassis dynamics, been known as the "Poor Man's BMW ".
Mazda has always, in steering feel and chassis dynamics, been known as the "Poor Man's BMW ".
Last edited by mmarshall; Feb 15, 2006 at 04:55 AM.
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CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,338
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From: Miami, Florida
Compared to some of the other cars I have seen in that size, it does not look too bad and it opens the way for a lot of aftermarket power mods. Imagine if they could stick a rotary in there (too bad emissions problems).
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,246
Likes: 275
Originally Posted by bruce van
Very interesting. If they keep it around $20K I'd seriously think about this little pocket rocket.