Spy Shots: Mazdaspeed 3 spotted at the 'Ring
by Noah Joseph on Oct 22nd 2008 at 11:27AM 
Click above for high-res gallery of 2010 Mazdaspeed3 spy shots
With the new 2010 Mazda3 on its way, the next logical question for any gearhead worth his driving shoes is when we'll set our eyes on the next Mazdaspeed version. Well, we have our answer already if the latest batch of spy shots are to be believed.
The current Mazdaspeed3, also known as the Mazda3 MPS in Europe and the Mazdaspeed Axela in the Japanese domestic market, is a veritable barn-stormer and Mazda's performance engineers will be eager to follow up with an even hotter version of the new model. This prototype, bearing all the hallmarks of the new 3 coupled with all manner of performance bolt-ons, was spotted lapping the vaunted Nürburgring Nordschleife wearing a bit of camo and a lot of speed. The shots reveal the presence of a big ol' hood scoop, oversized alloys, a full aero kit and dual exhaust. Of course, the next question is what engine will be crammed under that gaping bonnet vent, with some suggesting a revamped version of the current model's direct-inject 2.3-liter turbo four and others the Volvo-derived 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo slated to crank out 300 hp in the new Euro-only Ford Focus RS. Tantalizing options, both, but we'll just have to wait and see what the Zoom-Zoom crew have in store for us.
Gallery: 2010 Mazdaspeed3 - spy shots
[Source: KGP Photography]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
petee209 11:32AM (10/22/2008)
This is nice and all, but for god Sakes Mazda MAKE A SEDAN VERSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Frat Stud 11:35AM (10/22/2008)
+1. Not everybody wants a wagon.
Merkidemis 11:39AM (10/22/2008)
As a parent with a 3, I'd be lost without the hatch. There is a mountain of crap you have to haul around with an toddler.
Kitko 12:00PM (10/22/2008)
Why would anyone want a sports sedan of this size is beyond me....
Torqued 12:01PM (10/22/2008)
I'm fine with offering a sedan too, but give me the hot hatch!
Alex 12:11PM (10/22/2008)
I swear to God petee, if they release a sedan of this and kill off the hatch... i'm coming for you!
Not really, but i definitely rather a hatch.
inteller 1:34PM (10/22/2008)
I want a 3 door. 5 doors just don't look hawt. That's why I stick to my SVT Focus 3 door.
Clinton 1:53PM (10/22/2008)
Because the SVT 5 door looked so different, lol.
Benfolio 1:55PM (10/22/2008)
Jeez, I said it before and I'll say it again: People bitched when the Protege5 wasn't given Speed treatment, so that's why they applied it to the hatch 3.
Luis 2:03PM (10/22/2008)
Wooo Hooo! Can't wait for this to come to market...for those of us that want it, great. For those who don't, DON"T BUY IT, IT'S NOT MEANT FOR YOU!!! (sheesh)
Torrent 2:39PM (10/22/2008)
Kitko:
Idk ask the people who bought the WRX, EVO and Cobalt sedans........
s13hybrid 2:41PM (10/22/2008)
Keep it a hatch, but make an AWD version! STI/Evo be warned.
Doug 3:56PM (10/22/2008)
I'm all over the hatchback since I have an Akita to haul around.
Here's my big pain-in-the-rear.... my lease on my PTC is up in August and I'll bet these won't be out yet!! I was planning to lease a used Mazdaspeed3 but this one makes me want to change my mind about that!
ed 10:31PM (10/22/2008)
I want a automatic regular or Twin Clutch like VW's.
MONTE 5:15PM (10/27/2008)
I understand that some people want a hatch and some want a sedan, but is it really that hard to do both? Subaru seems to have no problem making WRX sedans and coupes, so I wonder why Mazda is baffled on how to do it.
Crackberry Addict 11:35AM (10/22/2008)
my guess would be an Eco-boost version of the 2.5 liter in the new mazda 6.
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dykastdnb 11:43AM (10/22/2008)
I like it.
Anyone know when these might be available?
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garlinski 11:50AM (10/22/2008)
I like it!
I also vote it for "Best use of Black Duct Tape".
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Lincoln 1:04PM (10/22/2008)
Do you think the guy who did the tape job is a Van Halen fan?
Anyway, I like the hatch design far better than the sedan. I own a sedan now, after owning two hatches previously, and I miss being able to flip down the seats and haul large items.
Ryan 11:52AM (10/22/2008)
No sedan, no go for me... I'm personally over hatches.
Second and the most important, all that power in the front wheels is insane. I love my MS6 and it's AWD.
That being said... if this baby has AWD (which it won't) I'd gladly forgive the hatch and be the first to trade my MS6 in on this puppy.
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