VIDEO: Frustrated BMW Driver Takes a Fit on Mazda3 Owner for Challenging Him

This Mazdaspeed3 owner was driving on a scenic road with a few soft twists somewhere in Northern California when at some point a BMW 335i saloon pulled out in front him and started lifting the pace. The Mazda driver decided to follow along keeping, however, a relatively safe distance from the bimmer.

What could be an interesting drive almost turned into a fight as the tool driver in the BMW stopped his car and approached the guy in the Mazda to show off his most prized talent aside from driving a bimmer: the ability to form actual swear words.

Luckily for him, the Mazdaspeed3 driver was far more cool headed than most people would be in this situation. Watch the clip below.

Via: E90Post

New 260HP Mazda3 MPS to go on Sale in the UK on October 1st

Mazda has confirmed UK pricing for the all-new Mazda3 MPS that goes on sale October 1. The... smiley faced hot hatch is being marketed in the UK in a single trim level with pricing set at £21,500 (on the road) including mica or metallic paint finish. Based on the second generation Mazda3, the MPS is motivated by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four that makes 260 horsepower and 380Nm or 280 lb-ft of torque and drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

The Japanese firm announces a 0 to 62mph (100 km/h) sprint time of 6.1seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph or 250 km/h.

Standard features on the UK-spec model include Bluetooth technology, a surround-sound BOSE premium audio system with 10 speakers, plus steering-wheel mounted audio controls, front bucket sports seats, a new MID (multi information display) with a compact satellite navigation system that uses a high-resolution 11 cm (4.1 inch) screen mounted in the dashboard's upper section and automatic dual zone climate control air conditioning.

Video: 2010 Mazda3 MPS - Mazdaspeed3 Teaser

Having already released official photos of its new 2010 Mazda3 MPS, the Japanese automaker took the next step and published a 30 second-long teaser video of its hot hatch that will bow at the Geneva Motorshow in early March. All we know about the new iteration of the sporty Mazda3 MPS is that behind that annoyingly happy face is the same turbocharged 2.3-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder engine of the current model. It remains to be seen if Mazda's engineers have performed any upgrades to the engine that delivers an output of 260HP in the 2009 Mazda3 MPS launching it to 100km/h (62mph) in 6.1 sec and on to a top speed of 250 km/h or 154mph.

2010 Mazda3 MPS - MAZDASPEED3: First Official Photos

Today, Mazda published the first official photos of the all-new Mazda3 MPS - known in the U.S. as the Mazdaspeed3, that will be uncovered at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3. The Japanese firm was tight lipped about the hot hatchback's specifications in its press release, as the only detail revealed was that the Mazda3 MPS will continue to use the outgoing model's turbocharged 2.3-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder engine.

No performance figures were released, but the current MPS's MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine produces (in European-spec) 260HP at 5500 rpm and 380 Nm of torque at 3000 rpm launching the car to 100km/h (62 mph) in 6.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 250 km/h (154 mph).

The photos show that the company's exterior designers had an easy job with the Mazda3 MPS / Mazdaspeed3 which has been fitted with a wide hood scoop, different lower grille trim, large rear wing, twin tailpipes, side sills and a set of newly designed alloy wheels.

For a hot hatch that wants to compete with the likes of the VW Golf GTI, Ford Focus ST and Opel / Vauxhall Astra OPC / VXR, the whole package seems a wee bit subtle and somewhat uninspired if you ask us, but maybe that's what Mazda was aiming for.

Insider: New Mazda3 MPS - Mazdaspeed3 will Debut in Geneva

Having already unveiled the sedan and 5-door hatchback versions of the '3', Mazda is now preparing to take the wraps off the sportiest variant of its C-segment model, the Mazda3 MPS or as it's known in the US, the MazdaSpeed3, at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March. While this is something that you may have heard as a rumor in the past, we are in a position to verify the debut as a fact.

What we couldn't manage to extract from our source is what kind of engine will find its way under the hood of the 2010 Mazda3 MPS / MazdaSpeed3. The most obvious choice is a turbocharged version of the 3's new 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder unit, but we wouldn't be surprised if Mazda takes advantage of its FoMoCo ties and uses a variant of the Focus ST / RS 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine that can deliver up to 300HP.

2009 Tokyo Auto Salon: Mazda6 Circuit Trial Version

Even though most of the automotive world will be turning its attention this weekend towards Detroit and the 2009 North American International Auto Show, in Japan, automakers are readying their tuning proposals for the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon that runs from January 9 to 11. Mazda will be presenting several cars at the show, including Mazdaspeed modified, track-ready versions of the new Axela, RX-8, Demio (Mazda2) and Atenza (Mazda6) called 'Circuit Trial'. In this post we've included the first photos of the Mazda6 Circuit Trial.

Like the other Circuit Trial models, the Mazda6 has been modified to offer higher levels of performance without sacrificing the comforts you'd expect from an everyday car. Mazdaspeed's upgrades include an M'z Custom bodykit with front, rear and side lip spoilers, race-inspired decals, a rear wing, Recaro bucket seats, sport interior trim and, larger diameter and grippier tires with dark alloy wheels made by Yokohama. The Circuit Trial Mazda6 also benefits from a lowered, sports tuned suspension and more powerful brakes.

Pics via: Carview

Mazda to Present Circuit Trial Versions of New Mazda3, Mazda6 and RX-8 at Tokyo Salon

While the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon that will be held in Japan from January 9 to 11, isn't considered a major event from a global perspective, nevertheless Mazda has announced that it will showcase a lineup of 13 vehicles and eco-friendly technologies. Mazda's exhibits will include the next-generation Axela (known as the Mazda3 in international markets), which is being revealed for the first time in Japan. Other exhibits will include "Circuit Trial" versions of the new Axela, RX-8, Demio (Mazda2) and Atenza (Mazda6) and six customized versions of the new Biante minivan, which went on sale earlier this year.

It goes without saying that the most attention-grabbing models are the Circuit Trial versions that have been developed by Mazdaspeed. The racing circuit ready variants of the Mazda2, Mazda6, Mazda3 and RX-8 will feature an array of equipment and performance upgrades that include M'z Custom aeroparts, Recaro bucket seats and large diameter tires and alloy wheels made by Yokohama.

Mazda's exhibits at Tokyo Auto Salon 2009

No.	Model	Vehicle/Accessory type
1	All-new Mazda3 (N.A. spec model)	Reference exhibit
2	All-new Mazda Axela Circuit Trial*2	Reference exhibit
3	Mazda RX-8 Circuit Trial	Reference exhibit
4	Mazda Demio Circuit Trial	Reference exhibit
5	Mazda Atenza Circuit Trial	Reference exhibit
6	Mazda Biante WAGONIST Custom	Production accessories
7	Mazda Biante SYTLE WAGON Custom	Production accessories
8	Mazda Biante Rotas RV Special	Production accessories
9	Mazda Biante Columbia Sport MTB Special	Production accessories
10	Mazda Biante DAMD	Production accessories
11	Mazda Biante KENSTYLE	Production accessories
12	All-new Mazda Roadster NR-A	Production vehicle
13	Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid	Reference exhibit

Mazda3 MPS Extreme 282Hp: 2007 Sydney Show

Mazda took us by surprise today by unveiling a modified version of the Mazda3 MPS (Mazdaspeed3 in the U.S.) at the 2007 Sydney Motorshow. Dubbed “Extreme”, the show car has received engine, suspension and exhaust upgrades that according to Mazda, improve performance by about twenty per cent. This is not the first time that Mazda Australia has developed specially tuned versions as they presented a turbo-charged version of the RX-8 in 2004 and a rally-ready Mazda2 in 2005.

The Mazda3 MPS Extreme’s 2.3-litre turbocharged engine has been modified by Mazda Australia Motorsport Manager, Allan Horsley who recalculated the car's Powertrain Control Module (PCM) raising output by 19 Hp to a total of 281 Hp at 5,300 rpm and maximum torque by 32-lbs-ft to 313.5-lbs/ft (425 Nm) at 4,400 rpm. Other mechanical modifications include a free-flowing two-inch exhaust system and a sports muffler that ensures a “deep-throat” exhaust note. -Continued after the jump

Murray Coote, one of Australia’s top suspension tuners reconfigured the Mazda3 MPS’ suspension package to complement the increased power. The car also sits 25mm lower than the standard model, giving it a sportier stance. In terms of wheels, the MPS Extreme is equipped with 19-inch BBS alloy wheels and Dunlop Sports tires (225/35ZR19).

Design-wise, the Mazda3 MPS’ features “True Red” paintjob with black stripes and a black roof and rear spoiler. Other exterior alternations include extended black wheel arches to accommodate its larger wheels and tinted windows. In the interior, the Extreme sports package brings black leather trim accentuated by red leather trimming. The red theme continues with red highlights in the dash, gear-shift knob and steering wheel and doors trimmings. (Scroll down for the spec sheet)

MAZDA3 MPS EXTREME SPECS:

Specifications
Engine
Engine Type		MZR 2.3-litre DISI turbo
Displacement	cc	2,260
Max. Power	kW	210 @ 5300rpm (Standard: 190 @ 5500rpm)
Max. Torque	Nm	425 @ 4400rpm (Standard: 380 @ 3000rpm)
Exhaust
Type	Two-inch sports
Transmission
Type	6-speed manual
Suspension
Front	Murray Coote designed
Rear	Murray Coote designed
Brakes
Front	Ventilated disc
Rear	Solid disc
Steering
Type	Hydraulic power assisted
Wheels & Tyres
Wheels	Dunlop Sports (225 X 35 X ZR19)
Tyres	19-inch alloys with "MPS" monogram