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- 2008 Mazda5 5MT Sport w/ Popular Package
Next Mazdaspeed3 To Get All-Wheel Drive?
From the rumor mill (and down-under)
The next generation Mazda3 MPS looks set to get four-wheel-drive traction and a new turbocharged engine that could give it additional firepower against class leaders such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the incoming Subaru WRX.
While Mazda is refusing to go into details about the new performance hero of the Mazda3 small car - or, indeed, if a program has even begun - senior executives admit there is keen interest.
Considering the popularity of performance cars in Australia and a renewed interest in smaller versions it would me more of a surprise if a Mazda3 didn't appear.
"It's difficult to answer," said Mazda3 deputy program manager Takeo Mariuchi when asked when we could expect to see a sporty MPS version of the popular small hatch and sedan.
Mazda Australia managing director Martin Benders said an MPS is definitely of interest.
"It's still on our radar and the factory is still sort of considering it," said Benders.
"The priority is to get all the base cars rolled out and set up and worry about the speciality models going forward."
The turbocharged MPS has always driven the front wheels and has been criticised for steering wheel tug, or torque steer, under acceleration. Sending the power to all four wheels - as was the case in the previous generation Mazda6 MPS - would eliminate this and also provide better traction, for improved performance.
Moriuchi said now that the new 3 shares its underpinnings with the CX-5 SUV it opened the door for a 4WD version.
"From a technical point of view its not difficult to install a four-wheel-drive system," he told Drive.
Four-cylinder performance models have evolved substantially in the last five years.
As well as speciality pocket rockets such as the limited volume Ford Focus RS there have been higher output models such as the Volkswagen Golf R.
And Mercedes-Benz recently reset the four-cylinder benchmark with its A45 AMG that combines the world's most powerful four-cylinder with a four-wheel-drive system to give it performance that can embarrass more accomplish sports cars.
http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor-news/new-mazda3-mps-set-for-4wd-20131015-2vkht.html
From the rumor mill (and down-under)
The next generation Mazda3 MPS looks set to get four-wheel-drive traction and a new turbocharged engine that could give it additional firepower against class leaders such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the incoming Subaru WRX.
While Mazda is refusing to go into details about the new performance hero of the Mazda3 small car - or, indeed, if a program has even begun - senior executives admit there is keen interest.
Considering the popularity of performance cars in Australia and a renewed interest in smaller versions it would me more of a surprise if a Mazda3 didn't appear.
"It's difficult to answer," said Mazda3 deputy program manager Takeo Mariuchi when asked when we could expect to see a sporty MPS version of the popular small hatch and sedan.
Mazda Australia managing director Martin Benders said an MPS is definitely of interest.
"It's still on our radar and the factory is still sort of considering it," said Benders.
"The priority is to get all the base cars rolled out and set up and worry about the speciality models going forward."
The turbocharged MPS has always driven the front wheels and has been criticised for steering wheel tug, or torque steer, under acceleration. Sending the power to all four wheels - as was the case in the previous generation Mazda6 MPS - would eliminate this and also provide better traction, for improved performance.
Moriuchi said now that the new 3 shares its underpinnings with the CX-5 SUV it opened the door for a 4WD version.
"From a technical point of view its not difficult to install a four-wheel-drive system," he told Drive.
Four-cylinder performance models have evolved substantially in the last five years.
As well as speciality pocket rockets such as the limited volume Ford Focus RS there have been higher output models such as the Volkswagen Golf R.
And Mercedes-Benz recently reset the four-cylinder benchmark with its A45 AMG that combines the world's most powerful four-cylinder with a four-wheel-drive system to give it performance that can embarrass more accomplish sports cars.
http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor-news/new-mazda3-mps-set-for-4wd-20131015-2vkht.html
