MPS 3 (Mazdaspeed3 for us) to get 256hp, rx7 tidbit
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MPS 3 (Mazdaspeed3 for us) to get 256hp, rx7 tidbit
HIROSHIMA, Japan — Mazda is readying a 'hot hatch' version of the Mazda3 — and we're talking jalapeño! The 3 MPS (Mazda Performance Series) uses the same 2.3-liter engine as the bigger 6 MPS, and this could make the car the hottest hatch on the market.
The 6 MPS puts out 256 horsepower — way more than the VW Golf GTI (197 hp) or the forthcoming Opel/Vauxhall Astra VXR (237 hp). This should give the 3 MPS a 0-to-60 mph time of below 7 seconds — blistering performance.
The 3 MPS will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and will go on sale shortly after. Its aggressive styling affirms Mazda is quickly shaking off its fuddy-duddy image, helped by the RX-8 and MX-5 sports cars.
These are likely to be joined in future by a new version of the classic rotary-engined RX-7 two-door coupe. This would sit between the MX-5 and the RX-8 and be powered by the RX-8's powerful rotary engine. Mazda insiders maintain the car will be built, but it is still at least three years away.
What this means to you: Continuing the trend in North America, Mazda is attempting to boost its brand by shedding its dull skin and pumping more exciting models.
Source: Edmunds
The 6 MPS puts out 256 horsepower — way more than the VW Golf GTI (197 hp) or the forthcoming Opel/Vauxhall Astra VXR (237 hp). This should give the 3 MPS a 0-to-60 mph time of below 7 seconds — blistering performance.
The 3 MPS will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and will go on sale shortly after. Its aggressive styling affirms Mazda is quickly shaking off its fuddy-duddy image, helped by the RX-8 and MX-5 sports cars.
These are likely to be joined in future by a new version of the classic rotary-engined RX-7 two-door coupe. This would sit between the MX-5 and the RX-8 and be powered by the RX-8's powerful rotary engine. Mazda insiders maintain the car will be built, but it is still at least three years away.
What this means to you: Continuing the trend in North America, Mazda is attempting to boost its brand by shedding its dull skin and pumping more exciting models.
Source: Edmunds
Mentioning of the rx7 was good, but they better be serious about TT'ing the rx8's rotary, and it better be every bit as good as the FD's performance wise. The rx8's rotary as it stands (238hp, too peaky) doesn't cut it when the last model we had 255hp.
Mazda's lineup is looking better every year.
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Re: MPS 3 (Mazdaspeed3 for us) to get 256hp, rx7 tidbit
I would definitely expect it to be better than just under 7 seconds with those weight and power specs.
Somewhere in the 5.x second range I would tend to guess?
Somewhere in the 5.x second range I would tend to guess?
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Re: MPS 3 (Mazdaspeed3 for us) to get 256hp, rx7 tidbit
I would believe it would be faster than that.. But I have a hard time believing it would be faster than the MS6 and RX-8. Then again, the 3 did get HIDs and Navigation before the 6 did..
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Re: MPS 3 (Mazdaspeed3 for us) to get 256hp, rx7 tidbit
If its getting the motor, is it getting the AWD system as well? cause if thats the case, It may be able to do a pretty succesful job of evo hunting...
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Re: MPS 3 (Mazdaspeed3 for us) to get 256hp, rx7 tidbit
Mazda had a nice exibit at NYIAS with the rotory engine talking abotu how advanced the engine is, and how stupid and low-tech piston engines are....when the Mazda 6, 5, and 3 as well as the Miata surrounded him.
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Re: MPS 3 (Mazdaspeed3 for us) to get 256hp, rx7 tidbit
Originally Posted by Burmite
The RX-8 has a "powerful" rotary engine? Since when?
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Re: MPS 3 (Mazdaspeed3 for us) to get 256hp, rx7 tidbit
lots of power... but VERY inefficient. High tech? A wankel is a mere "whoops" of building a positive displacement supercharger...
even the 159lb/ft of tq is respectable - but they are high winding engines. Their advantage is the motor is extremely small and extremely light. You rev it high and hard to get the power... but again, without all that reciprocating mass, it runs buttery smooth.
even the 159lb/ft of tq is respectable - but they are high winding engines. Their advantage is the motor is extremely small and extremely light. You rev it high and hard to get the power... but again, without all that reciprocating mass, it runs buttery smooth.
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Re: MPS 3 (Mazdaspeed3 for us) to get 256hp, rx7 tidbit
Originally Posted by DrewSG
Can you name another engine that has 238HP out of a mere 1.3L of displacement?
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From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Re: MPS 3 (Mazdaspeed3 for us) to get 256hp, rx7 tidbit
Please note when comparing displacement, that a wankel-style rotary has more combustion events per revolution of the crank than a piston engine, and therefore will make more power with less displacement, simply because it is firing more often, much like a two stroke engine. Rotary displacement vs. conventional engine displacement is not an apples to apples compro...
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Re: MPS 3 (Mazdaspeed3 for us) to get 256hp, rx7 tidbit
Originally Posted by Geoff Chadwick
lots of power... but VERY inefficient. High tech? A wankel is a mere "whoops" of building a positive displacement supercharger...
even the 159lb/ft of tq is respectable - but they are high winding engines. Their advantage is the motor is extremely small and extremely light. You rev it high and hard to get the power... but again, without all that reciprocating mass, it runs buttery smooth.
even the 159lb/ft of tq is respectable - but they are high winding engines. Their advantage is the motor is extremely small and extremely light. You rev it high and hard to get the power... but again, without all that reciprocating mass, it runs buttery smooth.
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May 15, 2004 01:58 PM