Slated for release sometime in 2006, the Mazdaspeed 3 will arrive just in time to deal with the latest wave of sport compacts. The 3s biggest competitors in North America are expected to be Volkswagens newly released 200-horsepower FSI-T-powered GTI hatchback, Chevrolets upcoming supercharged Cobalt SS and Dodges ballistic SX 2.0-based SRT-4. In Europe, the competition is even fiercer, with the likes of RenaultSports 222- horsepower Megane and GM Europes 240-horsepower Opel Astra OPC. Mazda is confident that under the watchful eye of Mazdaspeed, the 3 will conquer and succeed, despite what look to be middle-of-the-road performance figures. Although the 3s development is taking front stage at Mazdaspeed, the brand hasnt lost focus on its other projects, namely the forthcoming versions of the Mazdaspeed RX-8 and long-rumored RX-7. The Mazdaspeed RX-8 is expected to make its debut sometime next year. Mazdaspeed has confirmed that there WILL NOT be tuned versions of the 5, the new seven-seat MPV minivan, or the hatchback and sportwagon versions of the 6. Although these vehicles feature the same mechanical underpinnings as their harder-edged siblings, their body structures are not stiff enough to cope with the demands that would be made by their upgraded powerplants and performance capabilities. Bakaj insisted, "We will only put an MPS [Mazdaspeed] badge on a car if it is credible." The powertrain configuration, most likely backed up by a six-speed manual gearbox, should result in 0 to 60 mph times of around 6.4 seconds and a top speed of at least 155 mph, equaling that of its midsized sibling.
I think it won't take much to make the MS3 look AWESOME...with the right set of rims (I do like the stockers) and lowered stance. (thumb)
