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Posted on February 15, 2008 by Anthony Fontanelle | Posted under Automotive
MazdaSpeed3 Reviewed By TACH
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But the Japanese automaker did not stop there and created a faster version of the Mazda3 fittingly called the MazdaSpeed3. Recently, The Auto Channel's Steve Purdy took one 2008 MazdaSpeed3 for a test drive and found out that this vehicle is tailor made for the younger generation of car buyers who want their cars to look good and perform well. The MazdaSpeed3 is not a large vehicle but it is not light. According to Steve Purdy, the car weighs at about 3,100 pounds. Although it weighs considerably more than cars its size, the power that the MazdaSpeed3's engine produces is enough to give the auto a very fast acceleration. "The MazdaSpeed3 is the 5-door little wagon with a 263-horsepower, turbo-charged, intercooled, direct injection version of the trusty 2.3-liter 4-banger - the same engine as the MazdaSpeed6. Making an amazing 280 pound-feet of torque and mated to a slick 6-speed manual transmission it goes like scat," wrote Purdy. The power of the engine though is limited by a governor but it is still enough for the vehicle to reach speeds of 60 miles per hour from a standstill in just 5.9 seconds. "At highway speeds, say 80 or so, we punch it in 6th gear and get a surprising amount of grunt going. We could get to triple digits in no time if we dared. From 3 to about 5,500 on the tach it's a rocket," Purdy enthused. Speed is one thing and control is yet another. The MazdaSpeed3 though fares well in both areas. The handling of the vehicle is exemplary according to Purdy. "In order to sharpen the handling and achieve a 60% increase in roll stiffness the Mazda folks lowered the ride height about 10 millimeters, specified higher spring rates, increased damping and installed stiffer anti-roll bars. They also added a couple of strategically placed braces to stiffen the chassis. Larger brake rotors and upgraded calipers help bring it from 60mph to 0 in an impressive 116 feet," he explained. The performance of the MazdaSpeed3 is more amazing as it achieves that 0-60 time without even being equipped with specialized Mazda tune up parts. The performance of the vehicle is complemented by its interior. The theme on the inside is contemporary which points out that it is indeed designed for younger car buyers. About The Author: For more information about your parts needs like Mazda tune up parts visit your trusted online source. Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop. |
Tags: MAZDA TUNE UP PARTS, MAZDA, TUNE UP, MAZDA PARTS
