Geneva: Mazda3 MPS and Mazda3 refresh press release and pics

[We Are Ninja]

Holy Horsepower batman. Thats alot of power in that little rocket. I smell a direct attack at the SRT-4 (no longer produced 05 was the last year)...

Dodge isn't resting on it's laurels, though. They've got a 300 hp answer... The FWD performance segment has gotten real interesting.

Still, the new bodywork does wonders for the 3; and those EVO/STi-baiting numbers. I wonder how much they'll sell the Mazdaspeed 3's for...

 

[jmv]

Dodge isn't resting on it's laurels, though. They've got a 300 hp answer... The FWD performance segment has gotten real interesting.

Still, the new bodywork does wonders for the 3; and those EVO/STi-baiting numbers. I wonder how much they'll sell the Mazdaspeed 3's for...

isn't the caliber quite heavy though?? If i recall, its 0-60 time is about the same as the neon version.

 

[CHICO2003]

they've already released the 0-60 time for the caliber srt-4?

 

[Mounty]

What is the weight of the MS3 vs. a loaded S Grand Touring?

 

[spacemonkey]

amazing...look at that interior

 

[Newf]

I don't know...I keep looking at it...It's growing on me fast...It already has a really nice stance from the factory (could be euro specific suspension?) and the front end is more refined. I can already imagine what a modified one may look like and I'm liking what I see

I feel the same way. But I REALLY don't want to jump into a hatch again. But, as much as I hate the idea, the hatch was usefull. Killer is, I'd be willing to bet that if I jumped into this car this year, I'd bet my life there would be a sedan version next year so I'd have to kick myself in the ass.

6.1 to 60? Their being conservative again like the MS6. I'd bet a lauch would be tricky but it should get to 60 in around 5.5 for sure.

 

[CHICO2003]

6.1? that would be nothing short of pathetic. Wasn't the best MSP time 6.7?

 

[Mazda3]

6.1? that would be nothing short of pathetic. Wasn't the best MSP time 6.7?

While considering Mazda said 6.6 for the MS6 and all the tests are ranging from 5.3 to 5.8, I would say the MS3 will be well into the 5sec range.

Can you imagine the pull in 3rd gear in this baby?!?! (drive2) (boom06)

 

[hyck]

it does come with lsd right ?

 

[CHICO2003]

that was the last one... this one's on crack instead.

 

[BlueMonsta]

it does come with lsd right ?

it does, read the article.
"A newly-developed limited slip differential is also adopted to provide ample torque to the inner wheel during hard cornering for smooth, predictable driving in the curve."

but shouldn't it be the outer wheel that gets more torque?
if the inner wheel gets more torque, wouldn't it cause understeering?

 

[Breeegz]

Think we'll find out when Mazda will sell it over here?

 

[Mazda3Rookie]

250km/h electronically limited? 280lb torque? 60% more roll stiffness? AAAAARGH!!! I got drool all over my keyboard...................

Well, now I have to find a "rational" justification to trade-in my 2006 M3 Touring. I already have a 5-door, so that's one less blocking point (poke)

I love how subtly aggressive the car looks in the picture. I can see already the look on the face of the drivers of "others" flashier sporty compacts being smoked by this little beast. (first)

 

[DutchMP5]

(10) I want one for sure.....

 

[dmitrik4]

stabilizer bars: 26mm front, 25mm rear. wow.

 

[Stormtrooper77]

stabilizer bars: 26mm front, 25mm rear. wow.

Either this car will a hell of a lot better than anyone expected or that is just compensation as to how heavy the car will be. I guess we'll find out.

Note: MS6 was a porker.

 

[dmitrik4]

probably both. i agree that the MS6 is a bit of a piggy (although not flagrantly so in that class), and it's one of the reasons i'm glad the MS3 isn't AWD. it's heavy enough as it is.

that said, 25mm is a huge rear bar, esp w/ that spring rate ratio. i haven't worked out the N/mm --> ft/in yet, but 33f and 30r is pretty far off the typical f/r stagger.

i'm thinking this might be a kick-ass D Stock car. too bad the wheels are only 7".

 

[Rennoc]

Im just pumped about the 6-speed and the uprgraded suspension, this car is going to destroy the competition. I am very impressed with the styling and the over all power

 

[jeffmsp]

makes you wonder how its gonna react to a 3" turboback, FMIC and EMS.. Zoom Zoom To bad theres no awd, i already have a front wheel spinner but it should make those that dont have one quite happy.

 

[We Are Ninja]

The six-speed and the hp/torque figures sound awesome. I still can't wrap my head around the looks, though. I see it and I think mini minivan... Crazy-torquey mini minivan...