This car will compete..........Especially that a second and half will be taken off........Also it will handle better than the mp3.................So all the si, type s, wrx, lancer and neon will have a run for their money...........I do agree about putting a stronger engine than a turbo.........My reason is because of the lag problem........You can get rid of it by piggybacking the car...........But then again all of the aftermarket options for the turbo will be nice.............Either way the new mazdaspeed will be a great buy and wouldn't belive it will cost more than $23k........Only nock is the orange,,,maybe,,,I have to see it in person.........