The article from Auto Express here is about the MS6. but it includes this tidbit

 

Sweet!
Should be fun to see what they can do to the Mazda 3


I just hope this doesn't turn into a ...."how could they make an MS 3 before an MS RX-8....blah blah blah" thread.

 

I don't care how they stack up to the non MS RX-8.

What I do care about is if they decide to detune the MS 3 like Porsche does with their cars, in order to keep a clear line between the price ranges.

What I'd give for a little less marketing for a little better car making.

 

Agreed, it's stupid. Just make the best car you can and don't worry about how it will look to owners of another car. I totally respect Subaru for what they did with the Forester XT, they didn't care if it was faster than the current WRX. They fibbed with the horsepower numbers, but they certainly didn't tone it down just to prevent some jealous WRX owners from making a stink.

Lets just hope the MS3 is a better car than the MSP from a power and tuning standpoint or else it'll be a disappointment for most.

 

Well everything I can find here say FWD, MZR DISI turbo engine. Horsepower specs are at the "detuned" level being used in other vehicles... like 240-250hp. No hood scoop... similar setup as the MS6. Dual outlet exhaust, bigger rims/tires, retuned suspension and it's based on the 5 door model.

 

I am going to make an educated guess it is going to weigh around 3200lbs which is Evo territory. Shame if it is only fwd.

 

Lets hope it doesnt come with MS6 fake large exhaust........=D, MS6, now MS3, sooo.... MS8 anyone? or Mazda would make a Mazdaspeed 5 first... hahaha
________
MARIJUANA SEED

 

^^ they do have MS parts for the new MPV like they do for the RX-8. Who knows...

 

So where is the 400lbs coming from?

 

You might be right, but I owned a 2003.5 Ti grey MSP for about a year and it was absolutely the funnest FWD car I've ever owned. That car was amazing. It wasn't the fastest thing in the world, but the way everything came together was...magic. I actually felt more confident taking that thing through the canyons than I do the 8, and that's saying a hell of alot. I've seen a few with upgraded internals putting 300+ to the wheels. The best way I could describe that car was a FWD 4 door miata...hard to imagine I know, but it's the way the car felt.

Plus it had the coolest stereo of any car in its range.

 

MS Protege is one cool little car to drive, here's hoping the MS3 will be just as fun as its predecessor

 

I think the 8 is next for the Mazdaspeed treatment (for the US)! I don't remember in what order Mazda started selling the current line of cars but I think they started with the 6 then the 3 and last they released the 8 (of course the MX-5 followed)! I could be mistaken! If I'm right though this could explain the timing of the Mazdaspeed versions of the cars!

 

I love hearing good things about my car

Anyway, it seems to me they will be dropping the ball on the MS3. It needs to be AWD and not FWD. With the MSP they cut the power down and drained the car with fuel and it was FWD and had torque steer like a bitch. With the MS3, the car will have the power but be plagued with FWD. For the power the car is rumored to have it needs to have AWD. Also the hatch/wagon is ugly, shame on Mazda if they do not produce it in sedan form

 

That was one of the first details I noticed about the car. Overall, I love the MS6 but the huge exhaust openings that sit right in front of the actual exhaust tips looks retarted.

 

Eh, SRT4.

I think to stay in the pricepoint they want.... it'll be FWD.

 

Eh, still torque steer and usless spinning of the front tires.

Though, I do understand the need to stay with a pricepoint but if it sold with 220hp-240hp w/ AWD for <25k I would hit it. May just be me though.

 

Perhaps a not so educated guess.

I just looked up the weight and it is rated at 2826 for the MT. Would be cool if it comes in under 3000lbs then. That leaves plenty of room for awd as long as there is room in the packaging.

 

I'm just saying it's been done successfully (at least in my opinion).

Yes, torque steer but a differential makes FWD manageable. I'd be surprised if they go AWD. The MS6 starts at 28 so mid-low 20's should be expected for the MS3.

 

the prototypes at 7stock did not have AWD

 

Mazda is pretty certain about FWD only, sorry all you awd fanbois

 

You beat me to it

 

I have a lsd and the torque steer is horrible....but I have it under control now.

Anyway, its Mazda so it will be and stay fwd to keep prices down.

 

So can we name the competitors of the MS3?-

Cobalt SS, RSX-S, Saturn Ion Redline, Sentra GT-R, Civic Si. (Neon SRT-4 is dead)

I am guessing they price this thing at $22.5k. But like other MS models- they don't expect to sell a ton and come at the end of a model's makeover.

 

WRX could probably go on that list also...

 

the SRT-4 was the fastest of the group, plus because it was a factory turbo, horsepower upgrades were as easy as cake. And with the new MS3 having a factory turbo, if they keep the price around the srt4 sales will be fine if not better.