2010 Mazda Speed3 news, pictures, and information

THE 2010 MAZDASPEED3: TAKING SIBLING RIVALRY TO THE EXTREME

The all-new MAZDASPEED3 continues to use Mazda's award-winning MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo powerplant. Delivering 263 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 280 lb.-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm, it made the original MAZDASPEED3 the most powerful front-drive performance car under $25,000, and remains one of the strongest engines in its class today.

With no need to increase power, the development team focused on harnessing that power more effectively. Engine output itself is more consistent, thanks to the hood-mounted intercooler scoop that not only improves intercooler airflow over the grille-mounted intercooler duct of last-year's car, but also frees up grille space for a fresh-air duct to feed the engine's intake. Breathing cooler air improves efficiency, boosting both real-world power and fuel economy.

The gear ratios in the compact, three-shaft gearbox have also been revised, wîth 2nd through 5th gear all getting slightly taller to make better use of the engine's abundant torque. The new gear spacing and refined engine calibration are focused on providing more linear, seamless power delivery. The advanced torque management system, which minimizes torque steer by adjusting torque output based on gear position and §teering angle, has also been recalibrated. The new gear ratios allow more of the engine's torque to be utilized in the lower gears while still keeping torque steer at a manageable level.

Handles Like a Mazda

The new MAZDASPEED3's body shell benefits from a focused effort at strengthening the most important parts of the structure. The use of high-strength and ultra-high strength steel in the safety structures like bumpers and side impact beams has nearly doubled, making these areas both stronger and lighter. The suspension mounting points all gain rigidity from the use of thicker sheet metal in high-stress areas and extensive use of weld bonding, a hybrid joining technique combining conventional spot welds wîth structural adhesives. Torsional stiffness around the rear suspension mounts is improved roughly two percent, while deflection around the rear liftgate is reduced nearly 40 percent.

In general, a stiffer structure allows firmer suspension tuning without compromising ride comfort. In the case of the new MAZDASPEED3, that firmer suspension was accomplished wîth stiffer springs, higher damping rates, and revised mounting points for the front stabilizer bar that reduce bushing deflection and increase the bar's effectiveness. Combined wîth wider, higher-grip 225/40R18 Dunlop SP Sport 2050 performance tires, the MAZDASPEED3's new suspension tuning marries unflappable control wîth a comfortable everyday ride.

Steering feel and response have been improved through more rigid 3-point mounting of the §teering rack, compared to the previous 2-point system. The hydraulic power §teering pump has also been removed from the engine and is now driven by an electric motor. This electro-hydraulic power assisted §teering (EHPAS) reduces parasitic drag on the engine, lowers power §teering fluid temperature, and gives much more flexibility for the development team to dial in §teering feel. Rigid high-speed §teering feel can now be accomplished without suffering heavy §teering at low speeds

Brake feel in hard braking has been improved through the upgrade of the brake assist from mechanical to a new electronically-controlled system. Brake assist shortens stopping distance in panic-stop situations by applying full brake pressure during the moment of hesitation that most drivers exhibit in the instant after first hitting the brakes. The new electronically-controlled system is better at differentiating between true panic-stop situations and, for example, braking hard for turn 11 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Features and Options - Everything You Want, Nothing You Don't Need

The 2010 MAZDASPEED3 is loaded wîth all the goodies a driving enthusiast wants, but without anything that would add undue weight. Standard features and equipment include variable intermittent windshield wipers, roof-mounted aerodynamic antenna, illuminated vanity mirrors, electroluminescent gauges, aluminum pedals, MAZDASPEED -branded black/red cloth seats, door trim, interior trim, floor mats, scuff plates and black/red decoration panel; and dual-zone climate control. An available MAZDASPEED3 Tech Package offers advanced keyless entry, push-button start, a compact full-color navigation system, Sirius satellite radio wîth six months of free service, a perimeter alarm, six CD changer, and BOSE® Centerpoint® surround sound - a five-channel surround system engineered cooperatively wîth BOSE® that enhances the listening experience thanks to a digital amplifier, noise cancellation technology and 10, strategically placed, premium speakers. Because the weight and structural penalties would compromise the pure driving experience, the MAZDASPEED3 is not available wîth a moonroof option.

The MAZDASPEED3 is the third model in the 2010 MAZDA3 lineup, joining the MAZDA3 5-door, which made its North American debut at the North American International Auto Show earlier this year, and the 4-door sedan, which made its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the Únited States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico through more than 850 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

2010 MAZDASPEED3 AT A GLANCE:

Exterior

• Design based on the all-new MAZDA3 5-Door, evolved for a sportier, more aggressive appearance

• New air intake to optimize intercooler efficiency

• Front fender and front bumper designs exclusive to MAZDASPEED

• The front grille and lower bumper sections share the same black metallic paint finish

• Wedge-shaped, curving character lines on the side panels and side under spoiler for a lower-lòòking center of gravity

• New, large floating rear spoiler

• New 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels wîth the same three-dimensional design theme as the Mazda RX-8 R3 wheels


Interior

	Vital Stats
Engine : 2.3 L., 4-cylinder Power: 263 hp Torque: 280 ft-lbs
6-speed Manual

• Driver-oriented dashboard design gives a roomy, wrap-around, sporty feel

• New tachometer wîth red MAZDASPEED logo

• New LED turbo boost gauge between the driver meters

• Semi-bucket front seats wîth superior fit

• Seat upholstery in black base color wîth a red graphic design and red stitching

• Black interior color wîth an organic red graphic design throughout the cabin and red stitching for the §teering wheel, shift boot, door trim, center console


Powertrain