2005 Mazda3...

they will not have an AWD model more than likely because mazdas are known for being light weight... and they wouldn't want to compete with their cousins it would be over 25 more likely around 30k and then the 3 would no longer be their target audience younger adults 20-25 because most of them can not afford 30k cars

digi you msp would be putting around 220 at the fly due to a 12% d/t loss in front wheel drive

i would not be very optimistic about a mid year refresh

don't get me wrong i love the idea of a sub 3k lbs awd car i just don't think it is likely, and if it does happen it will be a very small number probably less than 3000
 
i just read the little chinese blurb on the Axela/3, here's a quick summary of what it said (translated as best as I can)

1. in June '05 there will be a high performance version of the Axela/3
2. it will use the '02 MPS model's 2.3 MZR system, putting out 280hp and 36.7kgm torque

(I'm guessing it meant the 2.3 turbo engine from the '02 Atenza/6 MPS concept car)

3. It is believed that once it's finalized, the engine will be tuned to meet ULEV emission standards (read: lower power output than concept numbers)
4. It is believed this high performance version will have a 6 speed manual transmission
5. the POSSIBILITY of AWD is quite high (read: NOT DEFINITE)
6. specialized suspension tuning setup
7. according to sources, this high performance setup will only be applied to the 5-DOOR body version, the sedan body is NOT in the consideration for this upgrade version.

can we say the return of the 323 GTX (in spirit at least)???? lol
 
and IMO, i would only take what that blurb says as only a somewhat reliable RUMOR, and I hope i don't have to explain what the word RUMOR means :)
 
Hong Kong and Japan use ps, but U.S. uses hp. I think that's why the #'s seem big. I think 280ps should be around 250hp???
 
HongKongnese use this method to read the Hong Kong car magazines:
If they see the publishers just tell you the horsepower and toque, but no engine model or other real spec's, that's just a FAKE news to them. Those news are mostly from some Japanese car magazines or some Japanese car web sites:)
 
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