The 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 was recently caught being put through the motions on the world famous Nurburgring race track in Germany and it’s definitely a big departure from the current generation. Often criticized as being too staid looking to be a “hot hatch” worthy of competing with the likes of the Volkswagen GTI, Honda Civic Si and Subaru Impreza WRX, the next generation Mazdaspeed 3 has been designed to be anything but ordinary.
In the front, the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 takes on styling cues from the upcoming 2010 Mazda 3 with a smooth, sleek front end but adds one significant difference: a huge hood scoop. Unlike the previous Mazdaspeed 3, the new generation will introduce more air through a hood scoop which will likely cool off a larger, more powerful turbocharged motor. Before getting into rumored motors, the remainder of the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 exterior includes flared out wheel arches similar to the RX-8, more aggressive side skirts and a redesigned rear bumper that includes sculpted openings for a new dual exhaust system.
As of this writing Mazda hasn’t confirmed what motor will be used in the new Mazdaspeed 3 but rumor has it the new ‘Speed will either use the 2.5 liter four cylinder from the next generation Mazda 3 (plus a turbo) or a Volvo sourced T5 (turbo five cylinder) producing around 300 horsepower. One popular online car site predicted the current 2.3 liter four cylinder in the Mazdaspeed 3 will be carried over into the next generation at the same power output. We question the logic behind why Mazda would bother adding a large hood scoop to the new Mazdaspeed 3 if they aren’t going to use an engine more powerful than the current iteraiton.
There is much concern over the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3’s ability to manage a three hundred horsepower engine while maintaining its front wheel drive only configuration. It’s widely expected that Mazda will either offer all wheel drive standard or take advantage of Ford’s new RevoKnuckle FWD suspension system that reduces torque steer and allows automakers to put more power to the front wheels. If the RevoKnuckle FWD system is in fact a possibility then it conflicts with rumors that claim the upcoming Mazdaspeed 3 will not have a limited slip differential.
Inside, the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 will see many of the same new interior design elements as the 2010 Mazda 3 including a two tier dashboard with information and radio data display screen residing above a newly contoured center dash panel. Below the radio controls are three large, recessed radio dials that control fan speed, heat and air conditioning outlets and temperature.
The next Mazdaspeed 3 is most likely going to continue on as a hatchback only model and we still await official word from Mazda on what interior options they plan to carry over from the more mainstream Mazda 3 model. Based on spy shots of the Mazdaspeed 3, it appears that Mazda will continue their plan to not include a sunroof on Mazdaspeed 3s in order to improve aerodynamics. Mazda has also reshaped the rear spoiler on the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 prototype which will increase downforce and improve the driving experience at higher speeds.
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