http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/22/spy-shots-mazdaspeed-3-spotted-at-the-ring/



With the new 2010 Mazda3 on its way, the next logical question for any gearhead worth his driving shoes is when we'll set our eyes on the next Mazdaspeed version. Well, we have our answer already if the latest batch of spy shots are to be believed.

The current Mazdaspeed3, also known as the Mazda3 MPS in Europe and the Mazdaspeed Axela in the Japanese domestic market, is a veritable barn-stormer and Mazda's performance engineers will be eager to follow up with an even hotter version of the new model. This prototype, bearing all the hallmarks of the new 3 coupled with all manner of performance bolt-ons, was spotted lapping the vaunted Nürburgring Nordschleife wearing a bit of camo and a lot of speed. The shots reveal the presence of a big ol' hood scoop, oversized alloys, a full aero kit and dual exhaust. Of course, the next question is what engine will be crammed under that gaping bonnet vent, with some suggesting a revamped version of the current model's direct-inject 2.3-liter turbo four and others the Volvo-derived 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo slated to crank out 300 hp in the new Euro-only Ford Focus RS. Tantalizing options, both, but we'll just have to wait and see what the Zoom-Zoom crew have in store for us.

I see that hatch gains the front fender flares, too. And a hood scoop for the Speed.

It is about time they put a scoop on the thing.

hmmm...i was hoping for a sedan version...but that looks nice too...

That is a serious hood bulge there for the intercooler, maybe they are making room for a larger engine as well as the intercooler?

Looks like a Toyota from what you can see of it...I'm not a fan so far...

Also I doubt they'll put the 5-cylinder engine in there, I don't know how well that'd go over. Then again, it is Mazda...they're certainly no stranger to unusual engine designs.

Hmmmm, I guess no FMIC by the looks of the huge scoop. The 2.5 turbo would be cool. Closest we'll ever get to a Focus RS.

Holy hood bulge!

Not liking the hood scoop but am liking it better than the sedan. AWD version mebe? No? That'd be sweet!!! I'm liking this better than the Sedan but we will see once the black tape comes off.

I think it looks like a focus....

would be great if it was AWD...rumor mill says that it will have the 5cyl turbo engine from the Focus RS making around 300 hp. I like the scoop so far, I think the whole car will be far more aggressive looking than the current ms3...but lets hope its not handicapped by FWD or a higher price tag...