Mazdaspeed 3 to Get Detuned Mazdaspeed 6 2.3L Turbo

From the date of its launch, the Mazda3 has been nothing less than a success story for the Japanese firm. Over the past year, the sedan and five-door Sport models have picked up where the previous-generation Protegé left off, racking up a healthy array of awards. With an attractive blend of upmarket quality and European-influenced performance, all at an affordable price, its no wonder that 3s are becoming extremely popular across the country.

Mazdas next step for its compact all-star is to crank up the heat with a Mazdaspeed treatment. The pumped up 3 will expand

The Mazda3 has been nothing less than a success story for Mazda, picking up where the previous-generation Proteg? left off. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

Unlike the Mazdaspeed Protegé, the companys initial attempt to gain ground in the sport compact marketplace, the forthcoming Mazdaspeed 3

The pumped up Mazdaspeed 3 will expand on the sport-tuned range which currently consists of the featherweight Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata and the soon-to-come turbocharged, all-wheel drive Mazdaspeed 6. (Photo: Mazda Motor of America)

The heart of the hot 3 will be the same turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four featured in the Mazdaspeed 6, but detuned from 260 to 220 horsepower to maintain distance between the two models. The powerplant is based on the normally-aspirated 2.3-liter unit with variable valve timing, found in the top-of-the-line Mazda3

Unlike the Mazdaspeed Proteg?, the forthcoming Mazdaspeed 3 will be a serious street machine with true performance credibility. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

With less horsepower under its hood and a lighter, more compact frame, plus to reduce development costs that would have to be passed on to the consumer, its nearly certain that the tuned 3 will remain front-wheel drive. The powertrain configuration, most likely backed up by a six-speed manual gearbox, should result in 0 to 60 mph times of around 6.4 seconds and a top speed of at least 155 mph, equaling that of its midsized sibling.

The decision to opt for front-wheel drive

As for its looks, the 2003 MX-Sportif concept should provide clues as to the Mazdaspeed 3s appearance, with larger wheels, a lowered suspension and a subtle but tasteful bodykit bringing out its aggressive character. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Like all other Mazdaspeed products, the 3 will undergo extensive development and thousands of miles of track work to determine proper calibration of its suspension system. As usual, the Mazdaspeed team must walk a fine line, balancing between ride comfort and performance, but must also find ways of eliminating torque steer and improving feedback from

Despite all the buzz around the 3, Mazdaspeed hasnt lost focus on its other projects, namely the forthcoming versions of the Mazdaspeed RX-8 and long-rumored RX-7. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

As for its looks, the 2003 MX-Sportif concept should provide clues as to the Mazdaspeed 3s appearance, with larger wheels, a lowered suspension and a subtle but tasteful bodykit bringing out its aggressive character.

Relatd Vehicle Listings