2010 Mazdaspeed 3 Caught Testing on N�rburgring

Posted on 22. Oct, 2008 by DeuxEx3 in Mazdaspeed3 Guide, What's Hot

The internet exploded this morning with the first ever photos of the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3/Mazda 3 MPS caught testing on the famous proving ground of the N�rburgring in Germany. There is huge amount of information to know about the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 so check out each section below for more info and spy photos.

2010 Mazdaspeed 3 Motor, Platform & Suspension

The 2010 Mazda 3 sedan will be offered in the United States with a 2.0L and 2.5L four cylinder duet with the latter of the two producing upwards of 175 hp – 180 hp. For the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3, expect Mazda to push their 2.5L from the Mazda 3 to its limits by bolting on a turbo and bringing power north of 300 hp.

Speculation has also led many to believe there is a possibility that Mazda and Ford’s relationship is alive and well with the potential use of Volvo’s 2.5L T5 (turbo five cylinder) as the powerplant to produce about 300 hp in the new Mazdaspeed 3.

Platform & AWD Potential

On what will underpin the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3: Though it’s unlikely that Mazda will continue to use the current Mazdaspeed 3’s platform, based on Ford’s global C1 platform, the possibility does still exist. A viable alternative would be Ford’s new C2 platform which WCF notes as being all-wheel-drive capable.

The last time Mazda used AWD was on the previous generation Mazdaspeed 6 and it’s pretty unlikely we will see this system on the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3. Also, because the upcoming Mazdaspeed 3 will not have a limited-slip differential (per AutoCar) it leaves us wondering exactly how the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 could safely manage 300+ hp going to the front wheels. MotorAuthority suspects Mazda might take advantage of Ford�s new RevoKnuckle FWD suspension system to manage the power.

Exhaust

There isn’t much known about the exhaust setup at this point but we do know, based on the spy shots below, that it will be a dual exhaust system.

Much More Aggressive Style

The previous generation Mazdaspeed 3 was sometimes criticized as being too bland in the styling department so Mazda has nipped and tucked the new ‘Speed3 to show off its much more muscular stance.

Image Courtesy of Global Motors

From the front we can see that the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 has a huge hood scoop to feed the turbocharged beast inside and a much more aggressive front end design reminiscent of the Mazda Nagare concept.

Image Courtesy of Car Magazine Online

Around back and along the side you can see more of the Mazdaspeed 3’s sleek new aerodynamic styling with scuplted sideskirts and a more pronounced rear bumper with scalloped openings for the nearly integrated dual exhaust setup. The revised rear spoiler provides the rest of the aerodynamics around the back.

Luxury Features?

The Mazdaspeed 3 is a hot hatch first and a daily driver second but we fully expect Mazda to offer up most of the same options that will be available on the 2010 Mazda 3 including integrated turn signals in the side mirrors and a new interior layout.

Auto Show Premiere

The 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 has been rumored to appear at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show and Geneva Auto Show. No official announcement by Mazda has been made.