The Speed3 has already been in a thorn in the Evo's and STi's side since it came out. 90% of the performance for $10K less. A simple cat-back and CAI will put you dangerously close to both in a straight line. And the Speed3 isn't just a Mazda3 with a turbo bolted on. Forged crank and rods come standard. Fine, the Speed3 won't take off like an Evo but check out the trap speeds in the quarter mile; they're usually indicating the Speed3 should post faster times. A boost controller to eliminate the 1st and 2nd gear boost restrictions and better tires would do wonders for the Speed3.

Glad to see Mazda is still running strong. The Speed3 has done wonders for them, and it's good that they're pushing their strong points. I wonder if we can appy any of the characteristics from the new Speed3 and apply them to the new rotary car...

Anyway, props to Mazda. Zoom Zoom, indeed

 

Not sure how much it would effect the company as a whole but, I read that mazda is back to having controlling interest in itself again. Ford sold about half it's shares to mazda and mazda backers.

 

The Speed 3 is real fast on the straight...but it doesnt turn >"<
so much understeer

 

It should be functional due to the top mount intercooler located right in that area, and as stated mazda does functional.

 

I was under the impression it took corners well..?

 

Whatever. First, it's not that fast on the straights, and second, it handles just fine. It doesn't understeer any more than any other production FWD sport hatch.

 

in a way the front head lights reminds me of the celica head lights

 

January times for autocross:

Class: D-STOCK -----------------------------------------------------------------
1t 3/DS DON GUTIERREZ > 62.078 <
08 MAZDASPEED 3 HOUSCCA.COM
TIMES: 1) 62.925 2) 62.157 3) 62.078 4) DNF

2t 9/DS JAMES WILSON > 62.423 <
02 SUBARU WRX CAM-FX VIDEO PRODUCTS
TIMES: 1) 63.288 2) 62.680 3) 62.590 4) 62.423

3t 90/DS CLINT WILLIAMS > 62.485 <
02 SUBARU WRX
TIMES: 1) 64.107( 1) 2) 62.485 3) DNF 4) 62.574

4. 335/DS WALTER PHILLIPS > 62.668 <
05 BMW 330 CI
TIMES: 1) 64.242 2) 62.668 3) 65.545( 2) 4) 68.365( 3)

5. 77/DS DONALD BUNCH > 64.653 <
00 ACURA INTEGRA TY
TIMES: 1) 64.753 2) 65.933( 1) 3) 64.653 4) 66.879( 1)

6. 623/DS STEVEN PHILLIPS > 68.071 <
MAZDA SPEED 3
TIMES: 1) 73.397 2) DNF 3) DNF 4) 68.071

7. 280/DS NICK BROADHURST > 69.211 <
05 INFINITI G35
TIMES: 1) 72.655 2) 71.008 3) 69.398 4) 69.211

8. 111/DS MATT HARDY > 72.184 <
08 SUBARU IMPREZA
TIMES: 1) 74.603 2) 72.203 3) 72.428 4) 72.184


Here is super stock for reference:

Class: SUPER STOCK -------------------------------------------------------------
1t 44/SS TERRY PRICE > 62.844 <
06 LOTUS ELISE MY 401K
TIMES: 1) 69.976( 1) 2) 62.844 3) 64.502 4) 62.865

2. 99/SS DENNY FEIGENSPAN > 63.253 <
03 CHEVY VETTE Z06
TIMES: 1) 67.001( 1) 2) 64.106 3) 63.253 4) 63.564


I can post B-stock times too if you want. Seems the '08 mazdaspeed 3 handles just fine.

 

^^^ yah the MS3 sucks. Look how low those times are. Terrible

 

I like looking at the B-stock times.

Thought you guys would find this interesting.
Not sure if the MS3 will also get the RevoKnuckle that mechanically counters torque steer in the new Focus RS, but here's the presentation of the tech.

http://www.autolinedetroit.tv/journa...vo-knuckle.pdf

 

Yeah, a lot of Mazdaspeed3 guys have pulled on 350z, G's, STi's and Evo's on a roll race stock or with just minor mods like a cai/sri and or cbe. From a dig... Well that's a different story .

 

I definately like it. Cool front, functional lil hood scoop, cool lines from front to back. Looks nice. Im not gaga, but its an improvement i would say.

 

I just wished they at least offered a sedan Mazdaspeed 3. I really hate hatchbacks and wagons.

 

The Furai gills make the Ritalin addict face of the 3 a bit more acceptable than normal, which is good. The rest of the car looks good and I for one am glad it's still a hatchback.

 

i went to the dealership this morning to leave my car there cause I have a blown shock, and I sat in the regular Mazda3 and let me tell you I loved it. Sat in both the hatch and the sedan and wow they are very nice.

 

Stopped by the local Mazda dealer since was doing down the street. In the showroom was a Mazda3 S sedan. Interior looked and felt better than I thought it would Front end looks exactly like it does in the pics.

Mazda6 interior had some cheap plastics in it and a really bad choice of that sorta dark black/gray fake wood.

 

I love the original MS3. I was considering it as one of my cars before the SRT-4. Nothing really kept me from buying it, other than I couldn't afford one at the time.

The MS3 always amazes me and I do love that it's FWD. Sure it has its disadvantages, but it's king in the FWD jungle.

The new one looks good but I'm not really liking the front grille. I agree, it's super-smile size now. A little weird.

If it came with Revo-Knuckles, it would be game-over for the other FWD turbo vehicles. The only competitor would be the Focus RS, but luckily that doesn't come to the states.

 

I wish that focus came to the states, id go running to buy one hah

 

Dude! I swear, I must have seen dozen posts from you about how much you hate hatchbacks and wagons.

 

Poster6 must have a deep running hate for hatchbacks and wagons.

 

Looking Down at Hood, good pic of Hood Scoop for Intercooler..

 

When you look at the outline (Diameter) of the Front you can see that it is quite CURVED or ROUNDED!...

I think in reality the new 3 (MS3) will look great!

 

Wow, really loving it, shame it's FWD, RWD or AWD would be perfect.

Going to have to stop at a dealership and see one, maybe even test it ^-^

 

I thought some of you may actually like this VIDEO from the Mazda website

 

YouTube Video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Il4FJZXcI4