MRnewsBot
01-07-2014, 01:53 PM
We Hear: Next-Gen Mazdaspeed3 Could Benefit From AWD
http://image.motortrend.com/f/wot/1311_mazda3_mazda6_2013_sema_concepts_inspired_by_ racing_fashion/62614383+w554/2014-Mazda3-Club-Sport-Concept-front-three-quarters.jpg
Mazda broke many enthusiasts' hearts when it announced a Mazdaspeed3 with all-wheel drive was out of the question, but it appears as though the Japanese automaker may have had a change of heart, as a report from Australian outlet Drive suggests the idea may be back on the table for the next-gen hot hatch. Paragraphimage The 2014 Mazda3, unveiled earlier this summer, now shares the same basic architecture with the CX-5 crossover, which opens up the possibility of an all-wheel drive system for the Mazdaspeed3. Torque steer under acceleration was a major complaint we had about the current 'Speed3, and an AWD system would help address that issue. Having all four wheels driven would also help put it in the company of other all-wheel-drive pocket rockets such as the Volkswagen Golf R and upcoming Subaru WRX. As is, the the current hatchback's turbocharged 2.3-liter I-4 makes it a near-perfect match for the front-drive Ford Focus ST. A new turbocharged powerplant could be in the works, but previous rumors suggested the next Mazdaspeed3 might utilize a naturally aspirated engine, using a more powerful version of the Mazda3's 155-hp, 150-lb-ft 2.0-liter SkyActiv I-4.
Though the engine Mazda has in mind for the next 'Speed3 is unknown, we do know that the brand is starting with an already-capable chassis. "In the Angeles Forest above L.A., the top-performing 2.5-liter s GT variant wearing meaty 215/45R18 summer Dunlops turns in crisply and corners hard, and its steering effort builds nicely all the way up, giving some subtle tugs and jiggles as the road surface changes. You take the good with the bad -- there's modest kickback on bumps when the lateral gs are up -- but the trade-off is well worth it," we said of the standard Mazda3 in our First Drive.
We hope the timing is right this time around. An all-wheel-drive Mazdaspeed3 was shelved years ago because the automaker said it would have set its price point and competitive set beyond the hatchback’s demographic. Fast forward to today, and the hot hatch war is beginning to heat up again, presenting Mazda with the perfect opportunity to join in on the fight.
source: http://wot.motortrend.com/we-hear-next-gen-mazdaspeed3-could-benefit-from-awd-418011.html
http://image.motortrend.com/f/wot/1311_mazda3_mazda6_2013_sema_concepts_inspired_by_ racing_fashion/62614383+w554/2014-Mazda3-Club-Sport-Concept-front-three-quarters.jpg
Mazda broke many enthusiasts' hearts when it announced a Mazdaspeed3 with all-wheel drive was out of the question, but it appears as though the Japanese automaker may have had a change of heart, as a report from Australian outlet Drive suggests the idea may be back on the table for the next-gen hot hatch. Paragraphimage The 2014 Mazda3, unveiled earlier this summer, now shares the same basic architecture with the CX-5 crossover, which opens up the possibility of an all-wheel drive system for the Mazdaspeed3. Torque steer under acceleration was a major complaint we had about the current 'Speed3, and an AWD system would help address that issue. Having all four wheels driven would also help put it in the company of other all-wheel-drive pocket rockets such as the Volkswagen Golf R and upcoming Subaru WRX. As is, the the current hatchback's turbocharged 2.3-liter I-4 makes it a near-perfect match for the front-drive Ford Focus ST. A new turbocharged powerplant could be in the works, but previous rumors suggested the next Mazdaspeed3 might utilize a naturally aspirated engine, using a more powerful version of the Mazda3's 155-hp, 150-lb-ft 2.0-liter SkyActiv I-4.
Though the engine Mazda has in mind for the next 'Speed3 is unknown, we do know that the brand is starting with an already-capable chassis. "In the Angeles Forest above L.A., the top-performing 2.5-liter s GT variant wearing meaty 215/45R18 summer Dunlops turns in crisply and corners hard, and its steering effort builds nicely all the way up, giving some subtle tugs and jiggles as the road surface changes. You take the good with the bad -- there's modest kickback on bumps when the lateral gs are up -- but the trade-off is well worth it," we said of the standard Mazda3 in our First Drive.
We hope the timing is right this time around. An all-wheel-drive Mazdaspeed3 was shelved years ago because the automaker said it would have set its price point and competitive set beyond the hatchback’s demographic. Fast forward to today, and the hot hatch war is beginning to heat up again, presenting Mazda with the perfect opportunity to join in on the fight.
source: http://wot.motortrend.com/we-hear-next-gen-mazdaspeed3-could-benefit-from-awd-418011.html