Mazda Performance Back from the Dead ? MazdaSpeed3

In the early to Mid-90's Mazda's product offering of the 323GTX and RX-7 were great performance cars in their respective market classes. The 323GTX was the hot hatch that competed in the likes of the Dodge Colt GT, Mitsubishi Mirage GT, Honda Civic Si, Toyota Corolla GT-S. Of course anyone that knows cars from this time will remember that the 323GTX was a purebred AWD Turbo Charged Rally Maniac. With Super car offerings the FD3S RX-7 was a 1.3 Wankel Turbo motor that was amidst the Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo, Toyota Supra Twin Turbo, and even the Corvette LS1. After those models were fazed out the whole car industry was bland, including Mazda's line up of the Protege, 626, and MX-6. The only real performance model was the Mx-6, but due to its weak 176 HP 2.5L V-6, it was not as desirable as the Acura Intega GS-R.

Fast forward a couple years and Mazda produced the Mazda Speed MX-5 (Miata). This gave a great big breath of fresh air to Mazda, finally Mazda had it right with outfitting one of its best selling cars with a turbo, to make it legitimately a sports car. Then came the MazdaSpeed3.



The engine in the MazdaSpeed3 is the product of Cosworth/Ford/Mazda design, the MZR. Hailed as one of the Top 10 Engines in 2008 by Ward's, it is simply fantastic. So good in fact that this engine variety has been outfitted to the Formula Atlantic league of race cars, which boasts over 300 Horsepower in a 2.4l engine.

I love the 4AGE, I really really do. But I can not deny the fact that having a road going car with an engine with Formula Atlantic roots is amazing.



The stock MZR Turbo motor with intercooler



The Cosworth MZR with Formula Atlantic Spec.

The MazdaSpeed3 is quite amazing as that it is priced at $24K, which is $9K less than the VW R32. Don't be fooled that it costs less, because the guys at WebRidesTV tested both cars on HorseThief Mile and the MazdaSpeed3 came victorious.

Tuning potential for this car will be stellar in years to come when people realize how awesome this car is. The MazdaSpeed6 is the AWD variety, and soon enough someone will swap in that drivetrain. Either way enthuisiast of the MZR will have great aftermarket support from Cosworth both stateside or across the river in England.

I guess for me it is time to let go of the great 4AGE and move on for my lovfe of the MZR. NOT!

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Johnster