Mazda makes the MAZDASPEED3 even more desireable!

[WMUCarGuy]

Mazda has decided to give the Mazda3 a 2008.5 mid-year refreshing and the car is set to get some great new options!

Enhancements on the standard Mazda3S Grand Touring model:

EXTERIOR ENHANCEMENTS:
-Sunlight Silver and Cosmic Blue are being discontinued and are being replaced by Crystal White Pearl Mica, and Metropolitan Gray Mica. I'm thrilled about this because I've always been jealous that Canada got the MS3 in white, but the US didn't, but now I can get mine in white!

INTERIOR ENHANCEMENTS:
-Everything that was once a Dark Gray trim is now being replaced with PIANO BLACK (center console, decorative strip, trim panels, switch panels, steering trim, etc.)

-All CD players are now MP3 compatible

-Illuminated vanity mirrors for both driver and front passenger

-Restyled gauge clusters with white stylus

Enhancements to the MAZDASPEED3 Grand Touring model:

All of the above plus...

-The seats of the MS3 GT model are currently grey cloth with black leather bolsters. In the new car, the grey cloth on the seats are being replaced by black ALCANTARA! So now the seats will be alcantara and leather!

-The decorative trim strip will feature the "MAZDASPEED" logo

[bullitt_60]

It's a cool car, but the front wheel drive bothers me. I have heard that torque steer is much reduced over other high hp FWD cars. Now if they made an AWD version, sign me up!

[Hallen]

Originally Posted by bullitt_60

It's a cool car, but the front wheel drive bothers me. I have heard that torque steer is much reduced over other high hp FWD cars. Now if they made an AWD version, sign me up!

yep, the only reason I don't really want one is because it is front wheel drive. I just like rwd better.

It would put my car to shame on the track though. It has a lot more hp than my car does.

I do like what Mazda is doing with their MazdaSpeed program. If they just made something other than the Miata that was rwd....
(Not that I dislike the Miata, I am just to big to fit in it)

[Todd Benne]

From the reviews I have read, most say the MS3 is a better driver's car than the MS6. I like the performance of the MS3, I am just not too fond of the five door styling. If they offered the car in the Mazda 3 sedan body it would be more appealing. I have driven fwd for several years now, in this type of performance car, and have gotten quite used to it. Driven correctly, they are just as quick as a rwd version and you can still hang the tail out quite nicely.

I almost purchased the MS Protege a few years ago. The local Mazda dealer was not as easy to deal with so I purchased the Sentra Spec-V instead. Fun car to toss around town running errands.

[wrxinsc]

Don't know about the new body style, but I wouldn't mind an 08 STi.

the all-new 5-door WRX STi is the ultimate performance Subaru. Power is provided by a turbocharged, 2.5-liter Boxer engine delivering 305 horsepower to all four wheels through Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Performance features also include Driver Control Center Differential that offers three selectable automatic performance modes in addition to the six manual differential-locking settings. The system also integrates the vehicle dynamics stability control and traction control system for increased road-holding.

[bullitt_60]

Originally Posted by Hallen

It would put my car to shame on the track though. It has a lot more hp than my car does.

As long as it's fun to drive and it brings a smile to your face that's all that matters. I've tried to "keep up with the Jones'" for a while and there is always someone faster.

Originally Posted by Todd Benne

I almost purchased the MS Protege a few years ago. The local Mazda dealer was not as easy to deal with so I purchased the Sentra Spec-V instead. Fun car to toss around town running errands.

I've heard from a ton of people that the Spec-V is a blast to drive. I'd like to try one out sometime.

Originally Posted by wrxinsc

Don't know about the new body style, but I wouldn't mind an 08 STi.

My best friend drives an '04. Unbelieveable. Slot car shot out of a cannon.

[Todd Benne]

A doctor friend of mine bought the Subbie a couple of years ago. He said he was having a hard time adjusting to the mannerisms of the AWD. So we went for a test run. Hmm, I found no real issues. He sold the car and bought a Jetta instead.

Bullitt, the Spec is a ton of fun to drive. Tons of torque, slot car handling. Awesome brakes for the car. I ordered mine with no ABS, no traction control, just bare bones. It's a hoot to pull away from the gold chain driving his 3 Series in the twistys.

[bullitt_60]

Originally Posted by Todd Benne

A doctor friend of mine bought the Subbie a couple of years ago. He said he was having a hard time adjusting to the mannerisms of the AWD. So we went for a test run. Hmm, I found no real issues. He sold the car and bought a Jetta instead.

Bullitt, the Spec is a ton of fun to drive. Tons of torque, slot car handling. Awesome brakes for the car. I ordered mine with no ABS, no traction control, just bare bones. It's a hoot to pull away from the gold chain driving his 3 Series in the twistys.

I think I know the mannerisms that bothered him. It's the only car I've ever been in that has front oversteer in tight corners. The front of the car literally want to pull the whole car around. Also, once you commit to the throttle in a corner there is no going back. If you let off the throttle the car will oversteer into the opposing lane....or barricade. This is only during spirited driving however.

Shoot, drop you car off in Atlanta and I'll give her a go.

[Hallen]

Originally Posted by bullitt_60

As long as it's fun to drive and it brings a smile to your face that's all that matters. I've tried to "keep up with the Jones'" for a while and there is always someone faster.

They don't beat me in the corners, that is for sure. Only cars with race rubber on them push me in the corners. But my car only has 170hp, so I lose to most cars on the straights. But that's OK. I have a blast doing what I do.

Originally Posted by Todd Benne

It's a hoot to pull away from the gold chain driving his 3 Series in the twistys.

Don't always assume a BMW driver is a rich guy. I drive one, but it is older and it needed a lot of work when I got it, which I did myself. I am willing to pay more for a used car to get a BMW, but I am not willing to pay for a new BMW.

Second, the majority of BMW drivers are just in it for the bling and are not true enthusiasts. Chance are, those types have never had the RPMs above 3k. Although it is fun to see them disappear in your mirrors, I wouldn't read too much into it.

I do take a lot of satisfaction watching a Porsche disappear behind me on the track. But, it totally depends on the experience and intent of the driver. If they are learning and having fun at the speed they are going, then they are doing it right. I have let Datsun's get by me. I am sure they are giggling about blowing the doors off of that "fancy" BMW too . Of course, if you put Bill Auberlen in my car, it would be a different story.

I do like Mazda's programs. Their support of Spec Miata is very cool. I wish other manufacturers would follow suit. There are not that many alternatives out there for light weight, moderately powered, rear wheel drive cars at a reasonable price.

[bullitt_60]

Originally Posted by Hallen

They don't beat me in the corners, that is for sure. Only cars with race rubber on them push me in the corners. But my car only has 170hp, so I lose to most cars on the straights. But that's OK. I have a blast doing what I do.


Don't always assume a BMW driver is a rich guy. I drive one, but it is older and it needed a lot of work when I got it, which I did myself. I am willing to pay more for a used car to get a BMW, but I am not willing to pay for a new BMW.

Second, the majority of BMW drivers are just in it for the bling and are not true enthusiasts. Chance are, those types have never had the RPMs above 3k. Although it is fun to see them disappear in your mirrors, I wouldn't read too much into it.

I do take a lot of satisfaction watching a Porsche disappear behind me on the track. But, it totally depends on the experience and intent of the driver. If they are learning and having fun at the speed they are going, then they are doing it right. I have let Datsun's get by me. I am sure they are giggling about blowing the doors off of that "fancy" BMW too . Of course, if you put Bill Auberlen in my car, it would be a different story.

I do like Mazda's programs. Their support of Spec Miata is very cool. I wish other manufacturers would follow suit. There are not that many alternatives out there for light weight, moderately powered, rear wheel drive cars at a reasonable price.

Do you have an E32 3-series? I've been pondering buying a 2002 as my next toy. I need something different.