Daily Car News

The 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 was recently caught being put through the motions on the world famous Nurburgring race track in Germany and it's definitely a big departure from the current generation. Often criticized as being too staid looking to be a "hot hatch" worthy of competing with the likes of the Volkswagen GTI, Honda Civic Si and Subaru Impreza WRX, the next generation Mazdaspeed 3 has been designed to be anything but ordinary.

In the front, the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 takes on styling cues from the upcoming 2010 Mazda 3 with a smooth, sleek front end but adds one significant difference: a huge hood scoop. Unlike the previous Mazdaspeed 3, the new generation will introduce more air through a hood scoop which will likely cool off a larger, more powerful turbocharged motor. Before getting into rumored motors, the remainder of the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 exterior includes flared out wheel arches similar to the RX-8, more aggressive side skirts and a redesigned rear bumper that includes sculpted openings for a new dual exhaust system.

As of this writing Mazda hasn't confirmed what motor will be used in the new Mazdaspeed 3 but rumor has it the new 'Speed will either use the 2.5 liter four cylinder from the next generation Mazda 3 (plus a turbo) or a Volvo sourced T5 (turbo five cylinder) producing around 300 horsepower. One popular online car site predicted the current 2.3 liter four cylinder in the Mazdaspeed 3 will be carried over into the next generation at the same power output. We question the logic behind why Mazda would bother adding a large hood scoop to the new Mazdaspeed 3 if they aren't going to use an engine more powerful than the current iteraiton.

There is much concern over the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3's ability to manage a three hundred horsepower engine while maintaining its front wheel drive only configuration. It's widely expected that Mazda will either offer all wheel drive standard or take advantage of Ford's new RevoKnuckle FWD suspension system that reduces torque steer and allows automakers to put more power to the front wheels. If the RevoKnuckle FWD system is in fact a possibility then it conflicts with rumors that claim the upcoming Mazdaspeed 3 will not have a limited slip differential.

Inside, the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 will see many of the same new interior design elements as the 2010 Mazda 3 including a two tier dashboard with information and radio data display screen residing above a newly contoured center dash panel. Below the radio controls are three large, recessed radio dials that control fan speed, heat and air conditioning outlets and temperature.

The next Mazdaspeed 3 is most likely going to continue on as a hatchback only model and we still await official word from Mazda on what interior options they plan to carry over from the more mainstream Mazda 3 model. Based on spy shots of the Mazdaspeed 3, it appears that Mazda will continue their plan to not include a sunroof on Mazdaspeed 3s in order to improve aerodynamics. Mazda has also reshaped the rear spoiler on the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 prototype which will increase downforce and improve the driving experience at higher speeds.

The Audi RS models are among the best that Audi has created. The Audi RS models are part of the S models that are in the market, these German based cars are considered to be among the elite in a long line of respected cars.  The RS stands for RennSport, and many of the designs within the Audi RS line are usually made in limited quantities, these are also one of the few cars that are made in a multiple label design. As one of the few cars that has been viewed as an executive and also a sports care, the RS models have gained a high level of attention from some major media support. One such resource is the movie Iron Man where it is seen driven in a racing car style by Robert Downey, Jr and also once with the stunning Paltrow behind the wheel. It is very fitting that a movie with a piece of advanced technology also shows one of the cutting edge cars in the market.

The performance has also gained some negative light, granted impressive imagery. The most recent is a high-speed chase in Oregon where the driver achieved over one hundred thirty miles per hour. This shows a lot for the Audi RS models, but also shows that any high performance car should be respected, as it can be a very dangerous tool.

Even the Audi RS Coupe has had rave success and each test thrown at the lines have shown a high level of success. Audi has been one of the few companies that gains praise for a model and enjoys it. The brand that is Audi has proven that they are in the running for designing cars made for quality, not quantity. There are few companies that offer this and the Audi RS model is a perfect example of true quality.

The RS models have also shown that they can achieve both the torque for acceleration and also for maintaining high speeds. This has been a surprise to some that have thought of Audi’s are more economical cars and never see the performance aspect that they offer. The Audi RS is one of the models that have been a cornerstone in showing the real potential that Audi has. With the meshing of a couple past lines and also the B7 framework, Audi has seen that this is one of the few cars that is not just a good showing for Audi, but for cars globally.

The Audi RS model has been a fixture in the market for the past three years, and it is just a question if the Audi RS will continue to stay in the lines that are made. As one of the ideal and most sought after lines in the automotive market, there are many that hope that Audi will continue to enhance the Audi RS model and keep the RennSport in the line up that many have grown to admire. Hopefully, Audi will take heed and give the RennSport more time in the market and continue to build upon the success that they have already had with the Audi RS design.