Mazdaspeed 3 gets Green Light
 

Here is a link to the news--apparently it will have a detuned version of the Mazdaspeed 6s 2.3L boosted 4-banger. Honestly this bodes well for the chances of a Mazdaspeed 8 or RX, especially with the RX8 selling at expectations per the sales records that Mazda released.
"Although the 3's development is taking front stage at Mazdaspeed, the brand hasn't lost focus on its other projects, namely the forthcoming versions of the Mazdaspeed RX-8 and long-rumored RX-7. The development team, headed by chief engineer Joe Bakaj, is experimenting with superchargers and energy-efficient electric turbochargers to improve on the 230- horsepower Renesis rotary engine. Currently, Mazdaspeed offers minor suspension upgrades and a special aero kit package for the RX-8, but no motor upgrades. The Mazdaspeed RX-8 is expected to make its debut sometime next year."



http://automobile.auto123.com/en/inf...py?artid=32779

good lord - that car will likely Toast an RX8. heh. :) Neat, though.

not sure--cause it will only have 220-240HP and front wheel drive, they may give it AWD but that'll be a surprise.

Mazdaspeed is going to be its own mark soon enough the way im looking at it. And i love it...nothing like a purely performance oriented 'manufacturer' and from japan no less. Honda has acura, nissan has infinity, toyota has lexus, but mazda will have mazdaspeed...and it will be good, and there will be much rejoicing. Mazdaspeed 3 has me excited for more.

Two words.

Boost Controller. That's fix whatever power the MS3 needs. :D I'm thinking SRT-4 fighter, with MUCH nicer interior :)

Its FWD. Mazda already annouced that aspect of the drivetrain. Its just a mazda version of the SRT-4. Sigh :(. Remember the 2.3 L3 engine has a stroke of 94mm's...so you gotta watch the increases in power. The MPS 6 has different rods then the standard 6i, but if the 3s is going to have less power, they might go with the standard set...

You already Know how I feel about this!
 

I won't go on and on and on, but how about the 8 first!

Of course... save the best for last!

the 8s the one that will require the most work, and im sure they are currently working on it, thats why it'll be last.

I don't see Mazdaspeed becoming its own brand. All those other brands you mentioned are luxury brands. Most auto manufacturers have a performance division, Nissan - Nismo, Honda - Mugen, Toyota - Toyota Racing Development.

Mazda already tried to launch a luxury brand with the Mazda Millenia, it wasn't a success and the idea of launching a new brand was scrappedi n the US before it really got started.

Why would they do that? If they went with the standard set they would have to go through the entire testing process with that engine from the ground up, repeating much of the work they just did with the MS6 engine. They would get a lot more bang for their engineering buck by simply offering a detuned MS6 engine for the MS3 and NC MSM... That way they amoritize the cost of developing that engine over 3 models, not just one.

Yes, Sarcasm my friend.

the millenia was the luxury brand, then what was the 929? ultra luxury? they should bring back the 929 it was and still is a classy looking car.

WOW, Mazda is really pushing their cars and I LOVE IT! Every car company should have a sports devision that takes their already good products to GREATOR LEVELS!

I really love what Mazda is doing...I hope the MS RX8 comes with 350HP...that would make it a KILLER on the road!

Note: I heard another coup of some sort based on the Mazda 6 might be in the works but I think this would clutter their lineup a bit...not that I would be opposed since the 6 is a good looking car.

Also, the new MT had a Super Toyota in the works...I'll have to read and report back.

Oh yeah, I knew it...I knew they were looking into an electric SC/Turbo...I wonder how good it would be????

to go on the 6 coupe idea, there used to be one called the mx6 that was similar to the 626 so it wouldnt be that wierd and plus it never was an ultraperformance car it was a FWD sporty coupe.

My mom use to have a '95 929 it was a good car. 3.0L V6 195HP RWD The 929 was supposed to anchor the stillborn Amati division for Mazda. The Millenia was to be the second vehicle in the lineup. 1995 was the last year in which Mazda had the most extensive lineup: RX7, 929, Millenia, MX6, MX3, Miata, 626, Truck, MPV.

Its not an electric turbocharger, its an electric assisted turbocharger. An electric motor spins the turbine to create pressure and aid in spool up of the turbo to decrease lag and response.

and protege and i believe navajo (although its a ford) ;)

The 929 is still a great looking car by today's standards- and a lot of luxury for a Mazda. My dad has one for road trips that is in mint condition... I keep asking for it when he's done with it. The Millenia was a disappointment to many (that came from a 929), with the exception of the cool Miller cycle engine and compressor they outfitted the 'S' model with.

The 3 MPS is to be 4WD, it's already been confirmed. They've already said they're chasing the market that wants an EVO but doesn't want to rub it in people's faces. In other words no ridiculous bonnet scoops or grills. Think of it as a Golf R32 competitor.

the article says front wheel drive tho..a.

I'll keep my eye on the 3 or the 8. If the 3 is indeed fwd then that will be dropped off my list.

Honestly, I shouldn't be looking at any other cars.

The article was GUESSING. People who actually KNOW say otherwise.

I do hope they make a sedan version of this. I've always thought the Mazda3 hatchback looked hideous. :p I'm definitely going to take a serious look at this car when it comes out cause my RX-8's gas mileage is pretty painful and I would not mind going back to a 4 banger, hopefully it'll still get good gas mileage but be quick and nimble.

Oh well, it looks like when mazda is finished upgrading all the models, the 8 will be smoked by all of them!! LOL
Nice job :o