Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of the new high-performance MAZDASPEED 3, as well as present the European debut of the Kabura concept vehicle, at the 76 th annual Geneva International Motor Show to be held from Tuesday, February 28 through Sunday, March 12, 2006.



Hiroshima, Japan - Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of the new high-performance MAZDASPEED 3, as well as present the European debut of the Kabura concept vehicle, at the 76 th annual Geneva International Motor Show to be held from Tuesday, February 28 through Sunday, March 12, 2006.

Joining them on the Mazda stand will be a MAZDA 5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid concept vehicle powered by a RENESIS rotary dual-fuel engine – that can use hydrogen or gasoline – and an electric motor, for both outstanding eco-friendliness and Zoom-Zoom driving pleasure. The new, upgraded MAZDA 3 line up will be revealed at the Geneva Show as well.

Mazda will hold its press conference at the Mazda stand from 11:45 to 12:00 on Tuesday, February 28, 2006. Detailed information and photos will be made available at that time.

The flagship of the MAZDA 3 range, the all-new MAZDASPEED 3 will give sports-minded customers a double dose of Zoom-Zoom driving fun. MAZDASPEED 3 is the fourth model to carry the MAZDASPEED brand, following the MAZDASPEED 6 and MAZDASPEED MX-5. The car will be called Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan and, in other key regions including Europe, Australia and New Zealand, Mazda3 MPS.

Mazda looked to embody the three distinct attributes with the new vehicle: Driving Fun, Ownership Delight and Everyday User-Friendly Convenience. 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.

The car’s styling pursues a look of strength and solidity in a design that conveys its unmatched dynamic performance at a glance. MAZDASPEED 3 reflects Mazda’s intention to continue delivering Zoom-Zoom in all its products.

From Mazda Media

Thumbnail is European Specification.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=82012

To be shown in February not March as post says
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=82012

same show;)

there is a Mazdaspeed3 being shown right now at the NADA convention in florida!!

http://www.nada.org/ but i can tfind the info on it on line. someone in florida hop over there and snag some pics:D:


guy321?

Oh Really? :shocking:

I have just noticed that the Mazda Hiroshima release says that the Mazdaspeed 3 will be its name in Japan.., and Mazda 3 MPS for Europe, Australia and New Zealand, it fails to mention the US...Is this an oversight?

Surely the US will have the Mazdaspeed 3?

Everything will be faster than 8 now! :)

Seems like a good market for Mazda to get into. Maybe if they make more money on this car they can afford some more R & D for our 8's!
________
Bong review (http://glassbongs.org/)

actually it says it will be called Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan while calign it Mazdaspeed3 all thru the article. sounds to me the only place to use the Mazdaspeed moniker for this edition will be US(and maybe Canada)

Some other info here: http://www.gizmag.com.au/go/5203/

Interesting enough it also mentions something called a Mazda5 concept with a rotary engine....

Meh, I have a feeling Mazda will find a way to mess this one up given their history of FI cars, they couldn't get the MS6 right, we'll see about the MS3...

blogspot http://carscoop.blogspot.com/ has that line different ash

The car will be called Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan, Mazdaspeed3 in North America and, in other key regions including Europe, Australia and New Zealand, Mazda3 MPS.

Saw it coming. Wish they'd dedicate some time to us though.

patience people... after the MS3 there can be only one car left on deck to get the the fancy treatment....

..... yes, I'm talking about the Mazda Tribute :Eyecrazy:

How about a MS Kabura now that would be nice!

Meh, I have a feeling Mazda will find a way to mess this one up given their history of FI cars, they couldn't get the MS6 right, we'll see about the MS3...

Yes, the MS6 is not an WRX/Evo but then it was never suppose to be. I'll admit it wasn't as good as I had hoped.

A MS3 hatch would be pretty sweet going by the prelim #'s but unfortunately would be smoked by the Caliber.

Meh, I have a feeling Mazda will find a way to mess this one up given their history of FI cars, they couldn't get the MS6 right, we'll see about the MS3...

huh?

whats wrong with the MS6? Its not made to compete with the other ricer AWD econo boxes out there, they were clear with that upfront.

the MS Miata was well recieved, just late.

Did I miss something about the Turbo RX7's not being liked?

Yes, the MS6 is not an WRX/Evo but then it was never suppose to be. I'll admit it wasn't as good as I had hoped.

A MS3 hatch would be pretty sweet going by the prelim #'s but unfortunately would be smoked by the Caliber.

It's no Legacy GT, Audi A4, Jetta GLI, or numerous other cars either...

huh?

whats wrong with the MS6? Its not made to compete with the other ricer AWD econo boxes out there, they were clear with that upfront.

the MS Miata was well recieved, just late.

Did I miss something about the Turbo RX7's not being liked?

What is it made to compete with then, because it's losing handily in every comparo it's in, and none of them have been against the superior performance cars you mention, it's been against other AWD sedans or other sedans in the category. The MS6 couldn't even complete the 1/4 without almost falling on it's face because the car was most likely pulling timing because of lack of cooling or improper ECU tuning for Cali gas.

From what I've read the MS6 was supposed to be a grown up STi/Evo, understated (i.e. no scoop, wing, etc) less power but some of the same feel. Perhaps another 50hp would have helped.

From what I've read the MS6 was supposed to be a grown up STi/Evo, understated (i.e. no scoop, wing, etc) less power but some of the same feel. Perhaps another 50hp would have helped.


So would have better handling, proper cooling, less weight, proper tires, and proper steering feel. Horsepower isn't the issue in the case of the MS6.

out of the 3 MS cars that have been released, and i've driven all 3, sadly i have to say, the MS6 is the least inspiring in terms of what a Mazdaspeed car *should* feel like.... here's hoping MS3 will carry on the spirit of the MSP, because that was one little fun car, the MSP :)

out of the 3 MS cars that have been released, and i've driven all 3, sadly i have to say, the MS6 is the least inspiring in terms of what a Mazdaspeed car *should* feel like.... here's hoping MS3 will carry on the spirit of the MSP, because that was one little fun car, the MSP :)

It was a fun little car, with a weak and poorly tuned engine, it seems the MS6 is carrying on that tradition but without the great handling.

patience people... after the MS3 there can be only one car left on deck to get the the fancy treatment....

let me guess, MAZDASPEED MPV!!!

and regarding the ms3, its going to be the first good mazdaspeed car if they do it right. they better not fuck this one up here they have a good rigid hatchback platform to make a killer handling car and a good opportunity to give a good dosage of power with the turbo ford motor to this small car to make a great tuner platform and performer.

let me guess, MAZDASPEED MPV!!!

Oh yea I can see it now. I get smoked by a MS MPV :Eyecrazy:

Imagine that, something does not live up to Ike's car of the month :uhh:

..... yes, I'm talking about the Mazda Tribute
NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I still say don't make a new car, make an FI kit. Heck, they already made a good one at Australia Mazda R+D. There's a thread here talking about it. 360+hp dang it!!!! They already have the kit and the guy said it was easy (of course because he has access to the ECU source code).

I don't know about you all, but what good would it do to have a MS8 come out and still have the 8 now? If you trade in the 8 for the MS 8 probably most of us would loose money in the trade. Also, if your 8 is paid off, close to pay off, or at least below blue book, would you really want to spend ~35K and have another bill again or spend ~8k (Mazdaspeed stuff aint cheap) for a warrantied FI kit? To me I would be a little upset if they release the MS8 as another car.

I think I'm going to get flamed for that.

To me I would be a little upset if they release the MS8 as another car.

I'm really starting to doubt we'll ever see one. I don't think you have much to worry about. They got as much NA power from the Renesis as they could (proven by the incredibly strong aftermarket) as they probably don't want to repeat the FD situation. As much bad press as they got for that.... would the public receive another FI rotary with open arms?

I guess the advantage of the kit from Mazda is that you would keep your warranty if installed by a dealer??

Of course the public would accept another FI rotary, the public has a very short memory not to mention most of the public doesnt even know what an Rx7 is.

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I still say don't make a new car, make an FI kit. Heck, they already made a good one at Australia Mazda R+D. There's a thread here talking about it. 360+hp dang it!!!! They already have the kit and the guy said it was easy (of course because he has access to the ECU source code).



A. they copied rotormaster's kit
B. it was easy because they copied someone else's work.
C. they have never and wont ever let independant real tests be doen with it because its a PR gimmigk. They(Mazda Australia) wont ever make any for sale because they wont make it past their version of EPA.
D. They are using piggy back/interceptor type engine management because they DO NOT have access to the pcm. Where as MNAO does and has run test cars( the white one even driven by Sam Mitani) of SC's and TC's with stock PCM updates

:)

Not bad. There isn't THAT much different about it but then again it's not riced out either.

Gimme more Zoom!!

:)

That looks alot like the AutoExe bodykit... http://www.autoexe.co.jp/car/Axela(BK)/bk02.html

That looks alot like the AutoExe bodykit... http://www.autoexe.co.jp/car/Axela(BK)/bk02.html
I thought the same thing J8, similar to the Axela Sport around 2 years ago.
:beer05:

Just for the record, I previously owned a Mazdaspeed protege before buying my 8, and while many here would probably complain that it arrived to the party short on power, even with a turbo, those people are highly dissalusioned as to whether or not it was a success. I couldnt tell you how well the cars sold, but I can tell you that it remains to this day, the best handling front wheel drive car, and funnest front wheel drive car I have ever driven. The car wasn't meant to be a drag racer, and it shows. My best quarter mile time was a 15.5, and thats decent compared to other times ive seen with the car. However, I cant remember a single time where I was like damn, this super fun car is slooow. On the contrary, the car was perfectly balanced, drove like a dream, and had tons of goodies for a "stock" car. This is what a mazdaspeed car should be, and I dont think mazda has failed to deliver on any of the models it has created. The MP3 was hailed as a great car, but people complained it was to weak in the power department, so mazda turboed it for that extra ooomph. People wanted a turbo miata for years, and then complained when it only produced 170+ HP. Wouldnt a ton more horsepower upset the balance of the miata which is what makes it such a great car in the first place? And then people want to complain about the mazdaspeed 6. Whats wrong with it? Who cares that a comparo lists it second to a legacy gt? Most of those tests are subjective. Look at the performance numbers and they are very similar. Mazdaspeed greatly improved on the standard mazda 6, and when you look at the price of a MS6 and a top end 6, you will see that you are getting a hell of a bargain, as all of the mazdaspeed vehicles have been so far. If the MS3 is released, Im sure there will be someone around who is going to complain about it, regardless of how much of an improvement it is over the standard 3. I for one am positive that it will an awesome car, balanced, and a true bargain. However, to say that it will be the first good car from the mazdaspeed line is incorrect. Maybe you would have to have owned one to appreciate it.

Just for the record, I previously owned a Mazdaspeed protege before buying my 8, and while many here would probably complain that it arrived to the party short on power, even with a turbo, those people are highly dissalusioned as to whether or not it was a success. I couldnt tell you how well the cars sold, but I can tell you that it remains to this day, the best handling front wheel drive car, and funnest front wheel drive car I have ever driven. The car wasn't meant to be a drag racer, and it shows. My best quarter mile time was a 15.5, and thats decent compared to other times ive seen with the car. However, I cant remember a single time where I was like damn, this super fun car is slooow. On the contrary, the car was perfectly balanced, drove like a dream, and had tons of goodies for a "stock" car. This is what a mazdaspeed car should be, and I dont think mazda has failed to deliver on any of the models it has created. The MP3 was hailed as a great car, but people complained it was to weak in the power department, so mazda turboed it for that extra ooomph. People wanted a turbo miata for years, and then complained when it only produced 170+ HP. Wouldnt a ton more horsepower upset the balance of the miata which is what makes it such a great car in the first place? And then people want to complain about the mazdaspeed 6. Whats wrong with it? Who cares that a comparo lists it second to a legacy gt? Most of those tests are subjective. Look at the performance numbers and they are very similar. Mazdaspeed greatly improved on the standard mazda 6, and when you look at the price of a MS6 and a top end 6, you will see that you are getting a hell of a bargain, as all of the mazdaspeed vehicles have been so far. If the MS3 is released, Im sure there will be someone around who is going to complain about it, regardless of how much of an improvement it is over the standard 3. I for one am positive that it will an awesome car, balanced, and a true bargain. However, to say that it will be the first good car from the mazdaspeed line is incorrect. Maybe you would have to have owned one to appreciate it.

1.) You've clearly never driven an Integra Type R

2.) The 170hp DID upset the balance of the Miata

3.) The MS6 has finished 4th and 5th in the two comparos it has been in

I didn't own one because it wasn't the best car under 25k, it was maybe 5th best at the time I purchased my WRX. I testdrove one, it was fun, but wasn't as good as the WRX, RSX Type S, SRT-4, or SVT Focus.

1.) You've clearly never driven an Integra Type R

2.) The 170hp DID upset the balance of the Miata

3.) The MS6 has finished 4th and 5th in the two comparos it has been in

I didn't own one because it wasn't the best car under 25k, it was maybe 5th best at the time I purchased my WRX. I testdrove one, it was fun, but wasn't as good as the WRX, RSX Type S, SRT-4, or SVT Focus.

1.) I was waiting for this response. I certainly have driven an integra type r, time and time again. The MSP was much more confidence inspiring and I felt that it showed better response in the corners http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/Rotaryrider36/exp2.jpg

2.) I wouldnt say it upset the balance completely, as the MSM is still a very well balanced car. Anyhow, your point further illustrates mine. If you think 170hp upset the balance, than any more power would have really screwed with it.

3.) Again, these comparisons are highly subjective. Many of the points awarded in these comparisons are for visual and interior looks, as well as comfort, etc. Peformance wise, it is either on par, or better than the cars that placed better. Still, a VERY LARGE improvement over a stock 6.

Also, 2 of the four cars you listed cost 5000 dollars more than the MSP. To compare it to a wrx or rsx s gives a price advantage to those two cars. An srt 4 is considerably faster, that was never a question, but to say its more fun than the protege is again only a matter of opinion. I choose to have my fun in the turns, as do many of the people who bought one. At the time of the MSP release, the srt 4 didnt handle as well as it does now, and it still isnt that great. Can you say body roll? The only car I can not attest to because it is the only one you mentioned that I never drove, is the svt focus. I heard it was great, but never got around to trying it out.

above is the kit currently available.

this is the one in Geneva(posted earlier inthis thread as well)

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=70237

which is like the one we saw at 7stock

1.) I was waiting for this response. I certainly have driven an integra type r, time and time again. The MSP was much more confidence inspiring and I felt that it showed better response in the corners http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/Rotaryrider36/exp2.jpg

2.) I wouldnt say it upset the balance completely, as the MSM is still a very well balanced car. Anyhow, your point further illustrates mine. If you think 170hp upset the balance, than any more power would have really screwed with it.

3.) Again, these comparisons are highly subjective. Many of the points awarded in these comparisons are for visual and interior looks, as well as comfort, etc. Peformance wise, it is either on par, or better than the cars that placed better. Still, a VERY LARGE improvement over a stock 6.

Also, 2 of the four cars you listed cost 5000 dollars more than the MSP. To compare it to a wrx or rsx s gives a price advantage to those two cars. An srt 4 is considerably faster, that was never a question, but to say its more fun than the protege is again only a matter of opinion. I choose to have my fun in the turns, as do many of the people who bought one. At the time of the MSP release, the srt 4 didnt handle as well as it does now, and it still isnt that great. Can you say body roll? The only car I can not attest to because it is the only one you mentioned that I never drove, is the svt focus. I heard it was great, but never got around to trying it out.

1.) It seems you've had more seat time in both cars than I have, but the seat time I did have I felt the ITR was the better handling car, a case could be made for the Min as well. Regardless, the MSP is on a short list of FWD cars that handle really well.

2.) No, it didn't completely upset the balance. However, upsetting the balance of a car by adding horsepower can be fixed with chassis and suspension tweaks, so it seems that's a bad excuse for not adding more horsepower.

3.) The main reason the MSP lost those comparisons was because of the engine. If you planned on modding the MSP further the engine got even more frustrating.

"Also, just three points separate the top three finishers in this test. A harsh decision, but until Mazda serves up an engine to match the moves, we have to defer to those more transformed."


4.) Even in its first year before the LSD the SRT-4 handled pretty well, it wasn't the autox darling the MSP was but it was pretty damn close and I felt body roll was pretty minimal.

Don't get me wrong, the MSP was a fun little car and I liked it, but my point was that it fell short compared to other skunk works cars and even more cars if you consider some that were a little more expensive.

The msp ran 70.3mph in the 700 ft. slalom while the type r ran 67.6mph.

so which one is the real frickin' car? I guess we don't have any decent shots yet?

the oen above shown at Geneva

1.) It seems you've had more seat time in both cars than I have, but the seat time I did have I felt the ITR was the better handling car, a case could be made for the Min as well. Regardless, the MSP is on a short list of FWD cars that handle really well.

2.) No, it didn't completely upset the balance. However, upsetting the balance of a car by adding horsepower can be fixed with chassis and suspension tweaks, so it seems that's a bad excuse for not adding more horsepower.

3.) The main reason the MSP lost those comparisons was because of the engine. If you planned on modding the MSP further the engine got even more frustrating.

"Also, just three points separate the top three finishers in this test. A harsh decision, but until Mazda serves up an engine to match the moves, we have to defer to those more transformed."


4.) Even in its first year before the LSD the SRT-4 handled pretty well, it wasn't the autox darling the MSP was but it was pretty damn close and I felt body roll was pretty minimal.

Don't get me wrong, the MSP was a fun little car and I liked it, but my point was that it fell short compared to other skunk works cars and even more cars if you consider some that were a little more expensive.


Fair counterpoints, and I respect your opinions. Now lets go grab a beer somewhere.

1.) You've clearly never driven an Integra Type R

2.) The 170hp DID upset the balance of the Miata

3.) The MS6 has finished 4th and 5th in the two comparos it has been in

I didn't own one because it wasn't the best car under 25k, it was maybe 5th best at the time I purchased my WRX. I testdrove one, it was fun, but wasn't as good as the WRX, RSX Type S, SRT-4, or SVT Focus.

yeah cuz if it ain't a Type R then it ain't tight car!!!!

type R song (http://www.runeb.org/www_docs/Jexoticasite/soundandvideo/TypeRsong.mp3)

^^^^^lmao!!! ^^^^

yeah cuz if it ain't a Type R then it ain't tight car!!!!

type R song (http://www.runeb.org/www_docs/Jexoticasite/soundandvideo/TypeRsong.mp3)

wow, do u think the guy in that song was trying to be serious or funny? That was hilarious. what a loser.

^^^^ LMAO^^^^ Reminds me of some kids in high school way back in the day.

I want a burned copy for my car, so every time a Honda pulls-up and starts revving its engine I can put that in...

you guys need to hear the original honda songs that started it all, the mcnasty songs. ill go fetch them for you(the guy that sings the type R song got inspiration from mcnasty as you can tell by some of the lyrics)

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=70237



I wonder how the RX 8 would look like if had a body kit similar to this. I am sure it would look more aggressive.

Any photo shop experts out there???

skc

eery! i just had a discussion about this with someone. the MS6 and MS3 and CX-7 have similar lower grills and with the RX-8 not far from a freshening i wondered if it might get a version of this large lower opening.

I would like to see something with a more aggressive upper grill

skc

Fair counterpoints, and I respect your opinions. Now lets go grab a beer somewhere.

Next time I'm in NJ you're on, nice color choice by the way :bigok:

Next time I'm in NJ you're on, nice color choice by the way :bigok:

SOunds good and thank you. Back on topic, I remember seeing spy shots in sport compact caar of what was suppossedly the mazdaspeed 3. Of course it hinted at FI and it had a strange looking hoodscoop. Didnt look to shabby though. The mazdaspeed body pieces currently available for the car have a pretty clean look to them. If that hints at the final design im sure the car will look sweet.