Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[More images/details of new Mazdaspeed3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/02/more-images-details-of-new-mazdaspeed3/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/02/more-images-details-of-new-mazdaspeed3/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/02/more-images-details-of-new-mazdaspeed3/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for new high-res images of the redesigned Mazdaspeed3

Early last month Mazda previewed the Mazdaspeed3 that will make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show this week. We were only afforded three images and some salient details, but now just hours before the Swiss show officially begins we have a number of new pics and more information about one of our favorite sport compacts.

Browse the updated high-res gallery below and you'll see that the super smiley face of the new redesigned Mazda3 has been butched up for Mazdaspeed3 duty (the car is called the Mazda3 MPS outside the U.S.). The new car sports a hood scoop that even a Subaru WRX would be proud to wear, as well as its own unique grille trim, round foglamps, a roof-mounted spoiler, rear diffuser and its own set of wheels.

Sources are saying that the new design won't be joined by a new engine, as the same MZR 2.3L direct-inject, turbocharged four-cylinder will be used at launch though with power slightly increased to around 268 horsepower. The only other bit of tech info we have is a rumor that involves the Ford Focus RS. The Focus RS uses a special RevoKnuckle suspension system that virtually eliminates the issue of torque steer for the front-wheel-drive hot hatch, and rumor has it the Mazdaspeed3 may also take advantage of this system. Stay tuned for live coverage of the Geneva Motor Show where we'll meet the new Mazdaspeed3 in person.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda3 MPS (Mazdaspeed3)


[Source: Net Car Show]

More images/details of new Mazdaspeed3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genevageneva 2009geneva motor showGeneva2009GenevaMotorShowmazdamazda3 mpsMazda3Mpsmazdaspeed3Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: First footage of 2010 Mazda3 MPS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/video-first-footage-of-2010-mazda3-mps/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/video-first-footage-of-2010-mazda3-mps/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/video-first-footage-of-2010-mazda3-mps/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to watch video after the jump

Looking at the Mazda3 MPS, we can't help but think that it knows something we don't. Why else would it have such a smug look on its face? If it's anything like the outgoing model, owners of the Mazdaspeed3 will have the biggest smile of all. So far, we know we'll see Mazda's newest MPS model at the Geneva Motor Show, and it will receive motivation from the same direct injected, turbocharged 2.3-liter four as the outgoing model. Now, thanks to some cut and run editing, we're getting a better idea of what Mazda's sports hatch looks like on the open road. Follow the jump to see 30 seconds of the Mazda3 MPS in perpetual motion. It's a tease to be sure, but it'll have to do for now. Thanks, Rowen!

Gallery: 2009 Mazda3 MPS (Mazdaspeed3)


[Source: OzMPSclub]

Continue reading VIDEO: First footage of 2010 Mazda3 MPS

VIDEO: First footage of 2010 Mazda3 MPS originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mazda 3Mazda3mazda3 mpsMazda3Mpsmazdaspeed 3Mazdaspeed3Wed, 04 Feb 2009 08:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Mazda3 MPS to take on the Targa Tasmania, again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/mazda3-mps-to-take-on-the-targa-tasmania-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/mazda3-mps-to-take-on-the-targa-tasmania-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/mazda3-mps-to-take-on-the-targa-tasmania-again/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Targa Tasmania-ready Mazda3 MPS.

Mazda is heading Down Under to compete in the Targa Tasmania for its eighth campaign. The team, consisting of Rick Bates and Alister McRae, will be charging through the outback in one specially prepped Mazda3 MPS (or Mazdaspeed3 to those of us in NA). The 2WD Showroom Targa rules dictate that the vehicle has to remain somewhat stock, with the carpeting, power windows and audio equipment keeping things civil as the driving duo covers over 2,000 km during the six-day race. Naturally, the Mazda is outfitted with the necessary safety equipment, including a PCD roll cage, racing seats, five-point harnesses and a fire extinguisher, but the performance modifications are kept to a minimum. The MPS is equipped with upgraded springs and struts, brake pads, a new steering wheel, navigation equipment, cat-back exhaust (cats are still fitted), some additional ducting to cool off the brakes and a revised ECU. The race begins on the 15th of April and you can follow the teams' progress at Mazda Australia's Targa site.

Mazda's full press release is posted after the jump.

Gallery: Mazda3 MPS Targa Tasmania

Continue reading Mazda3 MPS to take on the Targa Tasmania, again

Mazda3 MPS to take on the Targa Tasmania, again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mazdamazda3 mpsMazda3Mpsmazdaspeed3targa tasmaniaTargaTasmaniaWed, 09 Apr 2008 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Sydney 2007: Aussie-only 281 HP Mazda3 MPS Extreme]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/11/sydney-2007-aussie-only-281-hp-mazda3-mps-extreme/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/11/sydney-2007-aussie-only-281-hp-mazda3-mps-extreme/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/11/sydney-2007-aussie-only-281-hp-mazda3-mps-extreme/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click image for hi-res gallery

You know how the Mazdaspeed3 is a pretty spiffy package, what with its 263 horses and 280 lb-ft of torque? The Australians have a better one. I know, I know -- shocking. Mazda Australia revealed the Mazda3 MPS Extreme at the Sydney Motor Show today, and it's a pretty compelling package. PCM reprogramming results in boosted mumbers of 281 horsepower and 313 lb-ft of torque. The fun doesn't end there either, as the Extreme gets a 2-inch exhaust and a suspension tuned by Murray Coote, who does the same for Australian race and rally cars. 19" BBS wheels with red MPS center caps fill out the fender cutouts, and the car itself is finished in red paint with black stripes and a black roof. It looks mean both in pictures and on paper, and it's just for our friends Down Under.

Follow the jump for the official press release and tech specs.

[Source: Mazda]

Gallery: Mazda3 MPS Extreme

Continue reading Sydney 2007: Aussie-only 281 HP Mazda3 MPS Extreme

Sydney 2007: Aussie-only 281 HP Mazda3 MPS Extreme originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 00:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingmazda3 mpsmazda3 mps extremeMazda3MpsMazda3MpsExtrememazdaspeed3sydney motor showSydneyMotorShowThu, 11 Oct 2007 00:31:00 EST