Definitely deserving of the Extreme name/badging (so much for subtlety!). I'm beyond happy with my 'Speed3, but it's nice to know that the chassis can take on substantially higher performance. Here's a link to the article: http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/11/s...3-mps-extreme/.





[IMG]local://upfiles/11245/77ACF33464F248F2BC6A1ABF96C02765.jpg[/IMG]

 

i wonder wat the price difference is gonna be.... but in any case, going from 263 hp to 281 hp isnt that big of a difference.. u can get to those number with a couple simple bolt ons.

 

I think it would have looked better if they kept the stripe going instead of just ending it at the back of the hood.

 

Clearly this version of the 'Speed3 is designed to make a strong statement, but it's practically design-ready for the next FATF movie ("look at me!" styling),incontradiction withthe Mazdaspeed design philosophy.The quote below is from the official 2007 Mazdaspeed3 press release:

************************************************** ******************
MAZDASPEED DESIGN DNA

MAZDASPEED3's styling pursues a look of strength and solidity in a design that conveys the car's dynamic performance. Its form is characterized by boldly flared front fenders and effective use of strong edges on the hood. These combine with the functional forms of the bumpers, spoilers and other parts developed for aerodynamic performance. Overall, MAZDASPEED3's design is sporty and strong, befitting a high-performance model, without exaggerated styling cues.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

Exterior designers of the MAZDASPEED3 set a goal to communicate the car's high-performance character with a design that is stylish and sporty, yet subtle. While the car remains true to the basic form of the MAZDA 3 5-Door hatchback (which is part of the MAZDASPEED credo), there is a clear emphasis on the car's sporty nature. Front fenders are widened to provide clearance for the large tires and to evoke a well-planted stance. To forge a uniform identity for the MAZDASPEED series, two design elements are shared with the MAZDASPEED6: strong lines flowing back along the hood from the upper part of the five-point grille, which is also used as the air intake for the intercooler; and the aerodynamically shaped front bumper and large lower grille serving as the air intake for the radiator. An athletic yet elegant side view is created by aerodynamic side skirts and 18-inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels.

The rear view is also an expression of power, characterized by the design of the rear bumper, the large-diameter tailpipe and the roof spoiler with integrated LED brake lights.

The MAZDASPEED3 is offered in four exterior colors. Besides black, silver and red, a unique Cosmic Blue was specially developed for the MAZDASPEED3.
************************************************** ******************

 

even turning up the boost a few psi (3-4) would give you a better gain than 20hp. i have a buddy down at school who has a ms3 replaced all the turbo piping, new wastegate and BOV and turned up the boost 5psi and is running close to 300whp! with a new tune too.

 

those bbs wheels are niiiiice.

everything else on the exterior, eh. a little too tacky for me. and those pictures look like they were overdone on photoshop.

 

I have to agree. The wheels, the shape of the wheels, is very nice and certainly a BIGimprovement over the 18's offered here in the US. The flat black doesn't turn me on @ all.
Overall, the car is overdone and underdone in all thewrong places. And (I just know I'm gonna get hate mail for this,) I have NEVER understood why Mazda abandonedVelocity Red Mica for True Red.

 

Mazdaspeed upgrades for the MS3 are available without voiding the warranty, which is the onlytrue win-win for those craving more performance:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=122361

 

HEY even true red is a very sexy color.