The first spy pics of the new MazdaSpeed3 have appeared - and as a bonus to potential buyers it's being tested at the Nurburgring. The previous car wasn't tested there, and as you know the track punishes cars thoroughly. Which is a good thing: testing under these types of conditions yields a car that will handily survive the rigors of daily driving for a lot of miles or track events in high-heat conditions (such as here in Texas).
Rumors abound as to the powerplant... some folks are assuming that the Ford of Europe Escort 2.5 liter 5-cylinder DOHC turbo engine will be used. This may be a misinterpretation... note that the existing Mazda 2.3 liter 4-cylinder engine has been moved up to 2.5 liters. More important is the question of whether the Escorts trick RevoKnuckle will be used. Remember that the Escort and Mazda3 are the same car underneath. And that the RevoKnuckle would go a long way to eliminating most of the torque steer the current MazdaSpeed3 is infamous for.
Interesting pictures from AutoBlog: note the larger wheels and tires, the dual exhaust, and the much needed larger brakes. The brakes are especially a weak point in the current MazdaSpeed3. Another weak point is the top-mounted intercooler... sitting on top of the engine subjects it to extreme heat soak. Mazda has mitigated the problem this time out by adding a very large air scoop before the intercooler. That's not the ultimate fix, nothing beats a front-mount intercooler - although that would make it considerably more difficult to survive crash damage and the Federal Gov't has standards covering requirements in that area.
Apparently the car is still FWD, which is a problem. Ford and Mazda both have the hardware to get around that problem but are apparently not using it. The AWD MazdaSpeed6, for the short period of time it was in production, was the high-water mark for Mazda drivetrain sophistication.
Follow the link in the title of this post to Autoblog.com for more info.
Best Motorings are one of the greatest aspects of the hobby for Japanese car enthusiasts, but also one of the most frustrating. Why? Because it's been almost impossible to get original copies of them, and even harder to get them when they come out in Japan.
In case you're not familiar with Best Motoring, it's a monthly Japanese "car magazine" - in video form. The emphasis is on performance cars. There is usually a "battle" comparing several cars on a roadrace track. There is also testing on winding roads, on the Touge course, with drifting, and on occasion special tests such as a notable 0-300 KPH test. All the latest Japanese performance cars are tested, and occasionally they are tested against similar performance cars from Europe and North America. There is extensive in-car multiple-camera video and analysis; it's very clear which cars work better and why.
It comes in DVD form only, and that's one problem: it's region code is not compatible with 99.9%of DVD players sold in North America. DVDs worldwide are not all compatible, each geographic region has it's own "region code" and players sold in those regions can only play DVDs of the same region. So, if you want to play a DVD from Japan, you need to buy a region-free DVD player. That's not hard to do, nor is it expensive: you can get one from JList.com here in the United States. By coincidence, I bought a $30 dollar DVD player in my local food store that was unlocked. You can also find sites on the web showing how to unlock some models of players.
The drivers speak in Japanese, most of the text is in Japanese, but the performance numbers and most of the specs are all in English. Have patience and you'll learn a lot about your favorite cars.l
I've made it easier for my readers to get the real Best Motorings, as well as other videos such as Option and Hot Version as well as a large selection of Japanese magazines and books. Look at the top of my site for an Amazon store button and follow the link:
See my links for the items relevant to your particular area of interest
Read my special "how to" section about how to order on the Japanese website of Amazon (with screen-by-screen examples)
Follow the links to order.
Amazon makes it easy for you by handling the transaction - ordering is the same process as it is with any other Amazon site in the world.
Start your collection today! In my collection, I've got over 40 Best Motorings going back 10 years, as well as a large sampling of Option, Hot Version, and a number of special edition videos. My first Best Motoring was from 1998, which featured a 0-300 KPH battle of several tuner cars including Supras and GT-Rs. It was won by an 800-HP GT-R. Needless to say, I was hooked.
The MazdaSpeed3 configuration of this engine is shown to the right (click on the link for a high-res image). Of course the intercooler would have to be moved and some other plumbing would change. The HP and torque ratings could go up or down depending on these changes; it is known that a 300 HP version has been built for the future MazdaSpeed6 featuring a slightly larger turbo. Even without it, the HP and torque of the Miata could go up by 100 each.
The new Miata has an excellent suspension that will easily be up to the power increase. A little firmer tuning (or by providing the sport suspension as standard) and some additional negative camber up front would be desirable. To learn more about how the Miata is built, take my extensive cutaway tour of the Miata here: http://www.drivingenthusiast.net/sec-mazda/products/mx5-miata/default.htm
Before moving to the high-powered turbo (and very light weight) Miata, it'd be a good idea to visit Skip Barber: http://www.skipbarber.com/racing_school/racing_school.aspx The school would also be useful for S2000 or Solstice/Sky owners because of the similarities between the three cars.
Now let's discuss the competition:
The Solstice/Sky will get an increase in power, add a 6-speed manual, and offer an optional fixed to couple configuration in the 2009-2010 timeframe. The 6-speed has already been shown by Pontiac; the increase in power has already been discussed (the engine is certainly capable of more), and the coupe has already been announced. Hopefully, the terrible ergonomics of the car will improve int he same timeframe as well.
The Honda S2000 soldiers on pretty much as is for probably 2 years more. The CR model is new for 2008, although it will be in very limited release (~1400/yr) and most dealers probably won't have one. An eventual all-new S2000 has been discussed and is believed to be closer to a Miata competitor. Look for a 200 HP K engine to be the likely standard engine - it's mass-produced and will go a long way towards reducing the cost of the car (versus the current hand-built engine). If we're lucky, the Acura turbo 2.3 will be an option, enabling the car to compete one-for-one with the MazdaSpeed Miata and Solstice/Sky. If we're not, the car will be relegated to a secretary special, like the current Miata. It's hard to believe Honda could leave the S2000 at that.
As we earlier predicted, the all-new Mazda6 is nearing production. 2008 will be an abbreviated model year for the present Mazda6 (hence dropping the wagon and 'Speed6).
The following press release from Mazda includes the first official picture. Unfortunately, specifications will have to wait for the Frankfurt show. And don't anticipate a new MazdaSpeed6 until production is well along a year or so later.
Analysis of the photo shows front headlamps flowing outwards, the impression of a wider car, continuing their flow over the front wheels - aka CX-7. Note the brake ducts under the corners. Overall, the styling is a bit more mature than the current Mazda 3/6 styling, and certainly enormously more exciting visually than the staid Ford Fusion.
ALL-NEW MAZDA6 TO DEBUT AT THE 2007 FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW
All-new Mazda6 (European specification)
HIROSHIMA, Japan - Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of the all-new Mazda6 (known as the all-new Mazda Atenza in Japan) at the 62nd annual Frankfurt Motor Show to be held from Tuesday, September 11 through Sunday, September 23, 2007.
The Frankfurt Motor Show press days are September 11 and 12, and the public days are September 15-23. Mazda will hold its press conference on Tuesday, September 11, at 13:45 (local time).
The all-new Mazda6 arrives as a full redesign of Mazda’s first model to embody the Zoom-Zoom product philosophy, offering a thrilling drive to all those who still remember the love of motion first experienced as a child. Following the all-new Mazda2, the new Mazda6 is the second Mazda new generation product to evolve to the next stage, further deepening the emotional connection between man and machine - Mazda calls it “Kizuna”.
Inheriting Mazda’s tradition of responsive handling and performance that has become recognized around the world and evolving the original model’s distinctive design and exceptional functionality, the all-new Mazda6 takes a step forward in quality and offers strengthened environmental and safety performance. The result is an exciting and delightful experience that only the all-new Mazda6 can deliver.
The Mazda6 Sport Wagon is also cancelled for 2008.
Note that it's well known that a newly redesigned Mazda6 is coming very soon, so it's typical that the line has been simplified at the last moment. The all-new 6 may come out in the spring of 2008. We'll probably know in January.
Best Motorings are one of the greatest aspects of the hobby for Japanese car enthusiasts, but also one of the most frustrating. Why? Because it's been almost impossible to get original copies of them, and even harder to get them when they come out in Japan.
