Most of this torque management takes place in the MS3's ECU. First, the wastegate vents any excessive boost that may cause performance-robbing wheelspin in First and Second gear. The maximum boost of 15.6 psi doesn't come on until Third through Sixth gears. Second, equal-length hardened driveshafts and a limited-slip differential help the MS3 gain more traction, which correlates to more acceleration and less wheelspin. Finally, the conical design of the LSD, in addition to the six-speed's compact three-shaft arrangement combine to keep the drivetrain compact enough to fit between the fenders of the MS3. With 280 lb-ft of torque available at 3000 rpm, those MS3 fenders could twist right off without sufficient structural reinforcements.
Mazdaspeed engineers started with a Mazda3 body and added numerous reinforcements. Increased rigidity is provided through gussets that connect the front cowl and strut towers, including one at the bottom of the rear suspension towers (combating deformation under cornering loads). Also, a closed-section brace along the floor tunnel improves torsional rigidity. The additional bracing only adds 15 lb to the weight of the car. The compression and rebound of the dampers was also increased, as were the spring rates and sway bar diameters. When everything is put together, roll stiffness is improved by 60 percent compared to the standard 3.
Outside, the MS3 features wider fenders to contain the 18's. The power bulge on the hood includes ducting to the top-mount intercooler. The front bumper, lower grille and side skirts are also distinctive to the MS3.
I had the chance to sample the Mazdaspeed3 at Laguna Seca as well as the windy roads of surrounding Monterey. Off the line clutch take up is smoother than the MS6 and the triple-cone synchros for the first three gears made shifts feel positively silky. I could easily feel every single one of the 263 ponies, and while there was some torque steer it was not offensive in the least (unlike Jonny's refusal to wear deodorant). Mazda's obsession with torque management really shows through here. The Mazda folks claim the MS3 will do 0-60 in under six ticks and keep on going until 155mph and I tend to believe them. When it was time to slow heavily for the fabled Corkscrew, the brakes (with larger front rotors and more aggressive pads) were more than up to the task. Even with all of this rigidity and the 215/45R18 rubber, the MS3 was composed and compliant on the street.
The Mazdaspeed3 will already be on sale by the time you read this and you can opt for two flavors: the Sport at $22,240 or for another $1715 you can step up to the Grand Touring. The GT offers auto on/off HID headlights, LED taillights, rain-sensing wipers, Bose 200-watt seven-speaker surround system with six-disc changer, and leather bolsters on the seats. If you're too proud to ask for directions like me, navi can be had for another $1750.
People are already talking about a royal rumble between the Mazdaspeed3 and the upcoming Caliber SRT4 that will arrive in early '07 with a rumored 300hp. Even with its power advantage, the Dodge will have a tough time matching the composed balanced package of the MS3. If you're in the market for a competitively-priced compact this is one to get. The only thing we don't like about the MS3 is that Mazda is only importing 5,000 of them for the first model year. If you want it and can't have it, that really sucks.
By Nads
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