Mazda launches hottish hatch
Mazda3 MPS to debut at Geneva motor show
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Mazda will premiere the new Mazda3 MPS at the Geneva motor show later this month. The show runs from Tuesday 28 February to Sunday 12 March 2006.
With a lightweight body and power generated by its 2.3-litre MZR DISI turbocharged petrol engine, Mazda described the car as "one of the most powerful high-performance sports compacts with front-wheel drive on the road today".
The engine appears to be the same as that in the Mazda6 MPS, in which case it provides 260bhp at 5,500rpm and 280lb-ft of torque. It propels the 1,660Kg Mazda6 MPS to 60mph in 6.6 seconds, so the 1,370Kg Mazda3 MPS should be significantly quicker.
The all-new, range-topping Mazda3 MPS will (it says here) "give sports-minded customers outstanding performance coupled with a stylishly sophisticated design and everyday practicality and comfort the Mazda3 line up is known for".
Mazda said the car was designed to embody driving fun, ownership delight and everyday convenience. Mazda3 MPS follows the Mazda6 MPS, launched in the UK in January. The car will be called Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan, Mazdaspeed3 in North America and, in other key regions including Europe, Australia and New Zealand, Mazda3 MPS.
annodomini2 said:
It will never have 260 bhp, Mazda aren't well known for performance cars, the current Mazda 3 2.0 Sport only has 141 bhp, so I wouldnt mind betting that the MPS will have under 200 bhp.
Given under the skin its a focus, ford may have something to say in that.
Agreed. They're not going to let Mazda take sales away from the Focus ST
>> Edited by wab172uk on Tuesday 14th February 12:40
turboman said:
It will never have 260 bhp, Mazda aren't well known for performance cars, the current Mazda 3 2.0 Sport only has 141 bhp, so I wouldnt mind betting that the MPS will have under 200 bhp.
It doesnt sound like you know what your talking about, but your so sure of yourself.
The current mazda sport may only have a low HP 2.0 but they will not be adding that engine to a performance hatch. It will clearly have the Turbo charged engine and I think it will have in the region of 210HP +. In fact if it does im considering one.
The sport is a warm hatch, they always come first.
>> Edited by vz-r_dave on Tuesday 14th February 14:04
iaint said:
My understanding is that Mazda have a fairly free rein when it comes to running their business and producing cars. Their continued involvement in motorsport (mainly US) shows that Ford don;t dictate mazda policy.
yup ford dont own the controling share i believe, though they do have a large portion or somat like that, just co development stuff.
I would also be impressed if mazda have a fwd transmission that can handle that power too, the the MPS6 is a 4wd IIRC
The 2.3 DISI Turbo in the Mazda 6 has 260 bhp and is combined with an Haldex style 4WD transmission.
The Mazda 3 will have the same engine, but detuned to around 200, so not to compete with the Focus ST. Obviously, it won't be long before a chip comes out to get the full original 260bhp out of it!...
323 Turbo a bit handy
RX7 in turbo form was definitely performance (especially the last twin turbo versions - loony quick, even if apparently a little fragile).
RX8 doesn't hang around.
As for the transmission - if they've got one for the 6, and assuming they are still longitudinally mounting it in 4wd form, then a 2wd variant of this box would be fairly straightforward - arguably many internal components would lead an easier life due to poorer traction in FWD and less weight of the '3'
So what is the relationship between PS and BHP please if a modern man can answer that for me ( I am still a BHP freak ).
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