Autoblog

Car and Driver announces 2010 10Best Cars

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST

Our pals over at Car and Driver, now helmed by our esteemable buddy Eddie Alterman, just released their 2010 10Best Cars. Quite an undertaking. As they put it, "58 contenders. $2.5 million total. 12,000 test miles logged." For those keeping track, this is the 28th time C/D has published their 10Best. Surprises this year? No not really. The BMW 3 Series continues its unabated drive of dominance to 10Best history with an impressive, will-probably-never-be-duplicated 19th straight win. Not to be too outdone, the Honda Accord also makes the cut for a 24th time, though not consecutive.

Also note that while the Audi S4 makes the grade, the run-of-the-mill (so to speak) A4 does not. We're also pleased to see the Ford Fusion Hybrid getting its just dues (again, it's interesting that the gas-only version doesn't). And of course, you've got your yearly appearance by the Mazda Miata MX-5, Porsche Boxster / Cayman and Volkswagen GTI. Falling off the list this year? The Chevrolet Corvette, Infiniti G37, and the Jaguar XF.

Would we have done things much differently? Probably not much, though we must admit we were pulling for the highly impressive Suzuki Kizashi to make its debut and we're a bit surprised to not see one of the new crop of pony cars on the list. Maybe next year. Alphabetical list of winners after the jump.

[Source: Car and Driver | Image Source: R.S. Owens]

Continue reading Car and Driver announces 2010 10Best Cars

Car and Driver announces 2010 10Best Cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Mazda introduces us to a happy couple, inspires 3-some

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Mazda

Customized 40th Anniversary 2010 Mazdaspeed3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

For SEMA 2009, Mazda introduced us to a pair of the happiest Mazda3 derivatives we've ever seen. Part Le Mans-winning 787B tribute, part rolling showcase (for their Mazda accessories catalog) and part 40th anniversary present to itself, this couple with their odd, knowing smiles was pretty easy on the eyes.

Built by Mazda R&D employees to show off the wide range of accessories available for the 2010 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3, these tuner cars also serve as tributes to Mazda's motorsports prowess and to 40 years of Mazda sales in the U.S. The cars are painted in a Crystal White Pearl with gray graphics that mimics the Mazda3 World Challenge race car, which itself apes the look of the Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B from 1991. There are also plenty of other changes in the mix to make these special 3s go like they show.

Both cars get forged aluminum 19x8-inch wheels with 225/40 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires stripped off the RX-8 R3, and KW coil-overs to button things down a bit, but that's about where the similarities end. The 2.5-liter engine in the Mazda3 sedan gets a thorough makeover by World Challenge-contending Tri-Point Engineering. With their Garrett GT2871R ball bearing turbo kit adding 10 psi of boost, the 2.5-liter MZR engine is now making more than 250 HP at the wheels.

The Mazdaspeed3 was already turbocharged but an AEM cold-air intake was added to increase its output by about 20 HP. Like the special Mazda3, this car gets KW coil-overs and the RX-8 R3 wheel/tire combo, but whereas the 3 got brakes from the Speed3 and Mazda5, this car gets four-piston StopTech calipers and floating two-piece rotors that are nearly identical to the ones used on the World Challenge car. We really like this sexy duo from Mazda and think we now know why they're smiling.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: 40th Anniversary Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 customs

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Mazda introduces us to a happy couple, inspires 3-some

SEMA 2009: Mazda introduces us to a happy couple, inspires 3-some originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: The Smoking Tire launches, plays with Mazda enthusiasts in New York

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Mazda

The Smoking Tire's Matt Farah inspects a first generation Miata - Click above to view the video after the jump

Remember Garage 419? Good show, right? Buncha car guys talking about cars with occasional outbursts of hoonage -- quite the winning formula (full disclosure, they had us on as a guest). Sadly, Garage 419 went off the "air" a while ago. But despair not gearhead video fans. Host Matt Farah is back with a brand new show called The Smoking Tire and after watching the first episode, it looks to be everything you liked about Garage 419 minus all the Brandon and the Frog ads.

In the debut episode, Farah and crew head to the Newburgh, New York home of Orange County Choppers to a Mazda parking lot gathering and ~~hassle~~ interview Miata and 'Speed3 owners about their respective zoom-zoomy rides. Then Farah squeezes all 6'3", 245 pounds of himself into a 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata and takes it for a spin up Bear Mountain, explaining why he recommends the nimble roadster to every 16-year-old that asks what car to buy. Obviously, comparisons to Garage 419 are inevitable, but if anything, Farah seems more relaxed and personable than before. We even smiled during the commercial. Check out the first episode after the jump.

[Source: The Smoking Tire]

Continue reading VIDEO: The Smoking Tire launches, plays with Mazda enthusiasts in New York

VIDEO: The Smoking Tire launches, plays with Mazda enthusiasts in New York originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Mazdaspeed3, the five-door sports car evolved

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Mazda, First Drive

2010 Mazdaspeed3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's easy to dismiss Mazda's "Zoom-Zoom" tagline as insufferable marketing frippery. Unlike other automakers who relentlessly cling to past motorsport achievements or well-worn brand imagery, with Mazda, there's an overwhelming sense that its U.S. arm is made up of tried-and-true enthusiasts who put a premium on driver involvement and revel in their status as The Little Guy.

It's very grassroots. And it shows.

Each of Mazda's products - from the divine MX-5 to the oft-overlooked CX-7 - embodies everything we want in a vehicle, regardless of size, capacity or utility. They just deliver. Steering, handling, balance - it's all there. And like every other automaker, we know they occasionally leave something on the table, but it never comes at the expense of the car/driver connection. Here's even more evidence: the 2010 Mazdaspeed3.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mazdaspeed3

All photos copyright Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Mazdaspeed3, the five-door sports car evolved

First Drive: 2010 Mazdaspeed3, the five-door sports car evolved originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: 2010 Mazda CX-7 gets a familiar fascia

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Japan, Crossover, Mazda, Diesel

2010 Mazda CX-7 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

One of our favorite sporty CUVs -- the Mazda CX-7 -- is due for a refresh and Mazda plans to take the wraps off the 2010 model at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. In addition to receiving Mazda's familiar "happy" family face and some new brightwork, the Euro-spec model gets a 2.2-liter turbo'd oil burner, as opposed to the US-version's 2.3-liter turbo petrol plant. The MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbo-diesel, which makes a "meh" 170 hp and a "yowza" 295 lb-ft of torque, complies with the stringent Euro Stage 5 emissions. Still not quite as tough as US diesel standards, but getting warmer.

~~There's no official word from Mazda about whether or not the US version will get the giant happy smiling face.~~ 2010 CX-7s with the big happy face are already sitting on US lots. Though of course, no diesel. Make the jump for the press release.

Gallery: 2010 Mazda CX-7

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: 2010 Mazda CX-7 gets a familiar fascia

Frankfurt Preview: 2010 Mazda CX-7 gets a familiar fascia originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Does Ford's new 2.0-liter EcoBoost four = MazdaSpeed3 four? Not really

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Ford

After Ford VP Barb Samardzich officially announced the 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine for next year, a correspondent for the Examiner.com postulated that this engine was in fact nothing more than a re-badged, smaller version of the 2.3-liter engine from the MazdaSpeed3. Certainly there are similarities in the specs: four cylinders, direct fuel injection, turbocharging, etc. and there has been plenty of collaboration between the two companies. The Mazda CX-9 even uses a version of Ford's 3.7-liter V6.

We checked with Ford and while they have not released many details about the new engine, they did provide some explanation. The EcoBoost, like other recent DuraTec-badged Ford fours, shares a block design with Mazda's similar displacement units. In fact, the EcoBoost block is the same as the Mazda L3T used in the MazdaSpeed3. However, the entire top end of the engine has been redesigned. Like the V6 EcoBoost, the four uses a new direct injection system that is presumably less expensive, allowing Ford to use these engines much more widely than Mazda does.

The Mazda engine also ~~does not have variable valve timing and~~ requires premium fuel. All of the EcoBoost engines are designed to run on regular, although they will get a bit more power with extra octane. The EcoBoost also gets independent variable timing for each of the intake and exhaust cams.

So the two engines are built on the same foundations, but they are not the same engine.

Update: I mis-read the spec table on the MS3 engine and it does indeed have variable valve timing. However, the Ford engine exclusively uses the cam torque actuated system introduced on the revised 3.0-liter V6 last year.

[Sources: Ford, Examiner.com]

Does Ford's new 2.0-liter EcoBoost four = MazdaSpeed3 four? Not really originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York: 2010 Mazdaspeed3 is shiny, happy

Alex Nunez — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Performance, Hatchback, Mazda

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the 2010 Mazdaspeed3

Yes, we saw it in Geneva in MPS guise, but if you wander over to the New York Auto Show over the next week or so, you'll get to eyeball the U.S.-spec 2010 Mazdaspeed3 in person. By now, you should know what to expect:: 263 turbocharged hot-hatch horses mated to a six-speed manual. Inside, you'll find a nicely-organized cockpit dressed up with exterior-matching color accents on the seat fabric and carbon fauxber dash trim. This is all wrapped in brand-new sheetmetal that puts Mazda's new perma-smile corporate face front and center. If you like happy-looking pocket rockets, this is a match made in heaven. If Mazda's new happy face makes you feel sad, however, know that the used-car market will give you a shoulder to cry on. Live shots of the new Mazdaspeed3 are in the gallery below.

Gallery: New York: 2010 Mazdaspeed3

New York: 2010 Mazdaspeed3 is shiny, happy originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Apr 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: 2010 Mazdaspeed3 (MPS), grin and bear it

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Mazda

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Mazdaspeed (MPS)

The outgoing Mazdaspeed3 had a lot going for it. The combination of a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four, six-speed manual, LSD and a practical hatch solidified its place in our hearts when it spent a week in the Autoblog Garage. While the aforementioned good stuff carries over to the redesigned 2010 model, any amount of stealth has been gobbled up by the new MPS' gaping maw.

Output is now rated at 256 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, and the new rear fascia with its Mazda6-inspired tail-lamps and darkened lower bumper looks great in person, but the Cheshire Cat grin and bulbous hood-scoop could give pause to buyers looking to fly below the radar while hunting WRXs and GTIs.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: 2010 Mazdaspeed3 (MPS)

Gallery: 2009 Mazda3 MPS (Mazdaspeed3)

Geneva 2009: 2010 Mazdaspeed3 (MPS), grin and bear it originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More images/details of new Mazdaspeed3

John Neff — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Mazda

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.

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VIDEO: First footage of 2010 Mazda3 MPS

Chris Shunk — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Hatchback, Mazda

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.

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Geneva Preview: Mazda3 MPS, Mazda3 i-stop to officially debut

Alex Nunez — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Mazda

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda3 MPS (Mazdaspeed3)

Next month at the Geneva Motor Show, we'll finally get a look at the highly-anticipated Mazda3 MPS (that's Mazdaspeed3 in Americanized English for y'all), as well as the new Mazda3 i-stop, which features the automaker's fuel-saving stop/start system. The i-stop system, combined with Mazda's MZR 2.0L DISI four-cylinder, deliver 12-percent better city fuel economy and helps drive down the car's emissions output in the face of the upcoming Euro 5 standards.

The Mazda3 MPS takes the jovial-looking hatchback and gives it a little more of an edge. As you can see, the happy face remains, but it's now accentuated by a substantial hood scoop, specific grille trim, and round foglamps. Out back, a pronounced roof spoiler, black bumper insert, and dual exhaust tips are visual cues that tip off the car's performance nature. Power comes, as before, from a turbocharged MZR 2.3-liter DISI four-cylinder, but no specific numbers have been released yet. For that, Mazda's making us wait. No problem, we're patient. As always, we'll bring you full coverage from the floor in Geneva when the festivities get underway.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda3 MPS (Mazdaspeed3)

Gallery: 2009 Mazda3 i-stop

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Mazda3 MPS, Mazda3 i-stop to officially debut

Geneva Preview: Mazda3 MPS, Mazda3 i-stop to officially debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda3 MPS/Mazdaspeed3 rumored to appear at Geneva Motor Show

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Mazda

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Mazdaspeed3

We've already seen the 2010 Mazda3 in sedan and five-door form, but as much as we love the standard model in all of its guises, there's one variant we're anxiously awaiting. The 2010 Mazdaspeed3 (or MPS to our friends abroad) is on the way, and according to our sources, it's coming to the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The 2010 MS3 has some huge shoes to fill after we fell in love with the current model during its time in the Autoblog Garage. We've gotten confirmation that the prototype spied at the Nurburging in October is, in fact, the new Mazdaspeed variant, although it's still unclear what turbocharged engine is being fed by that massive hoodscoop.

Early reports indicated that Mazda's boffins were hard at work retuning the current turbo'd 2.3-liter four-cylinder for duty in the 2010 model, but why invest the time in an upgrade when there's a perfectly suitable - and hugely powerful - 2.5-liter five-cylinder available from the Ford parts bin? The turbocharged Duratec fitted to the 2010 Focus RS seems like the obvious choice, with 295 hp and 302 lb-ft of torque being channeled to the front wheels through a six-speed manual and limited slip differential. We can hope - no, pray - this is Mazda's plan. And we're going to find out in just over two months time.

Gallery: 2010 Mazdaspeed3 - spy shots

Mazda3 MPS/Mazdaspeed3 rumored to appear at Geneva Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mazdaspeed 3 spotted at the 'Ring

Noah Joseph — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, Mazda

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]

Spy Shots: Mazdaspeed 3 spotted at the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda3 MPS to take on the Targa Tasmania, again

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Mazda, Australia

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.

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Noodle vs. Strudel: WebRidesTV pits MS3 against R32

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 19:17:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Hatchback, Mazda, Volkswagen

Everyone loves a good shootout and it's even better when the two vehicles duking it out are actually attainable. Enter the WebRidesTV crew who setup shop at our new favorite road course, the Horse Thief Mile at Willow Springs, to run the Mazdaspeed3 and Volkswagen R32 through their paces to see which vehicle provides the best bang for the buck in the hotter-than-hot hatch segment. While the performance and price discrepancy is rather high - the R32 is packing fewer ponies but comes in with a higher sticker - the reviewer is keen to point out that both models have their high and low points. The MS3 may put down better lap times, but the R32 might have it beat on interior accoutrements and a more Grand Touring demeanor -- as with any review, it comes down to what you value more.

You can view this newest review from WebRidesTV after the jump and check out their last shootout between the Roush and Saleen from last month.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Mazdaspeed3

Gallery: 2008 Volkswagen R32

Continue reading Noodle vs. Strudel: WebRidesTV pits MS3 against R32

Noodle vs. Strudel: WebRidesTV pits MS3 against R32 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 19:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Mazdaspeed3

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Hatchback, Mazda

click above for high-res images of the 2007 Mazdaspeed3

After the second or third hard right-hander, there was a noticeable lack of conversation in the car. Brad, my intrepid photog friend, grew quiet as I caned the Mazdaspeed3 through corner after corner, increasing the pace each time, braking later and laying into the throttle sooner. With the LSD working overtime, the handling bar continued to move until finally the howl coming from the front tires evolved into understeer. A quick lift off the throttle tucked the nose in without drama and then the quest to find the limits began anew.

I turned to ask my camera-clutching companion if all was right on that side of the car. He nodded in the affirmative and the fun continued. Mile after mile of twists and undulations were dispatched without complaint. When we finally pulled off to take stock, both of us were convinced that Mazda's 'Speed team is one of the best in-house tuners in the biz. Not particularly because of the MS3's prodigious power, but because its creators took the already competent 3 and created a cohesive package that ticks off all the right boxes for the enthusiast on a budget.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Mazdaspeed3

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Mazdaspeed3

In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Mazdaspeed3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Mazda's three 'Speed-enhanced models

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Sedan, Hatchback, Mazda, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click either image for a gallery of high-res pics.

Mazda's presence at the Tokyo Auto Salon, the great aftermarket emporium in the East, will be marked with three Mazdaspeed concepts that should give us an insight into what's in store for the automaker's in-house performance arm.

The Atenza/Mazda6 concept we saw last week will be joined by hotted-up Axela (Mazda3) and Demio (Mazda2) models that receive a fair share of body enhancements and interior upgrades. Unfortunately, Mazda has yet to release an English language press release on its Japanese site and Google doesn't seem to be keen on providing a translation. However, we know that Japanese tuning houses, Ken Style and DAMD, had their hands in the development, so we'll see what's released when the show gets underway January 11 through 13.

[Sources: Mazda, Carview]

Gallery: Mazda Mazdaspeed Concepts - Tokyo Auto Salon

2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Mazda's three 'Speed-enhanced models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Mazda3 interpretation gets it all wrong?

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Hatchback, Mazda

The blokes over from AutoExpress tapped an artist to photochop the next Mazda3, supposedly utilizing sources within the automaker, and although it looks like an inoffensive evolution of the current model, we're somewhat doubtful that it's an accurate representation of what's to come.

Earlier this week, Automotive News sat down with Mazda's design chief, Laurens van den Acker, who said that the redesigned 2009 Mazda3 would take several cues from the Nagare line of concepts. All of the concepts featured a prominent five-point grille and "flow" inspired creases flanking the sides. In the rendering above, we don't see any of those elements. Instead, it's simply the integration of a few of the cues found on the new Mazda6 and its CUV/SUV siblings.

The Brits assert that the next 3 will be built atop the longer platform slated to underpin the 2010 Ford Focus, featuring a more spacious interior with higher quality materials, with a Mazdaspeed version (MPS abroad) that will utilize the 2.5-liter mill from the new Mazda6.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rendered Speculation: Mazda3 interpretation gets it all wrong? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2007 Spotlight: Making it stick like snot with Hotchkis

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show

When it comes to comprehensive suspension tuning, Hotchkis has established itself as a premium player for both domestic and imported performance rides. Their WRX sway bars have proven to be some of the strongest and lightest on the market (not to mention three-way adjustable), and they've constantly been ahead of the curve by offering new products for vehicles soon after they appear on the market. Unfortunately, they're not as good about keeping their website up-to-date or being able to rattle off the diameter of their sway bars when inquiring minds, well... inquire.

Regardless, by the end of 2007 Hotchkis will begin offering sway bars for the E92 BMW 335i and they've got prototype bars for the Infiniti G37, due to be on sale in the beginning of 2008. They're already offering Stage One kits (springs and sway bars) for the Volkswagen GLI and the new Scion xB, and have begun to sell sway bars for both the Mazdaspeed3 and Audi RS4.

SEMA 2007 Spotlight: Making it stick like snot with Hotchkis originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sydney 2007: Aussie-only 281 HP Mazda3 MPS Extreme

Alex Nunez — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 00:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Mazda, Misc. Auto Shows, Australia

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.

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