wrong 263bhp

 

From Edmunds:

"In Japan, the Mazdaspeed 3's turbocharged 2.3-liter inline four pumps out 264 hp (JIS — the Japanese horsepower standard). For the U.S. version, Mazda assures us that the engine will produce "more than 250 hp." That's SAE horsepower — the U.S. standard — and promises to be very, very competitive."

If it's more than 250, great. But from what I have read, the number will be closer to 250 than 260.

 

Guys, keep in mind that recently some Japanese auto makers got their hand slapped for posting elevated hp numbers. I don't know if Mazda was one of them though. At any rate, the problem basically is that they were rating their hp numbers at the crank, which isn't really a big deal because all the automakers do that, but apparently they were spinning the motors without any accessories attached. However, they were also using a very potent blend of fuel that you will never be able to buy at your average gas station. It was considerably higher than 93 octane. This results in better engine performance and slightly elevated hp output. Additionally, keep in mind that when automakers send a car off to one of the car mags that the car is often, helped out, shall we say to achieve some stellar numbers. Instances of slicks being put on cars and half the transmission fluid being drained out to reduce rotating mass in the tranny have been reported. Now I'm not saying this is the case for the Speed 3. I'm a Mazda 3 owner myself and I love it, it's a great car. I have no evidence that would lead me to believe they hyped the hp numbers or set the car up for unrealistic peformance when the car mags did their reviews. I'm just saying such things happen so keep an open mind about it. Finally, lets all remember not to place too much stock in a great 0 to 60 time like 5.8 or 5.5. It sounds great, but these numbers are achieved at optimum operating conditions, with a professional driver, on a track. Conditions you will rarely find yourself driving in day to day. Things such as ambient temperature, road surface, humidity levels, tire condition, even wind speed will all affect your actual 0 to 60 times. The Speed 3 is without a doubt a really great car with great bang for the buck. My advice is if you're fortunate enough to get one, enjoy it. Don't dwell to much on numbers, just have fun with it. That's what the car is all about isn't it?

 

I doubt Mazda was one of the Japanesse companies who elevated HP ratings. Mazdas don't have that much horsepower to begine with. The most hp a Mazda has is 274 with the Mzsd6.

 

Mazda did get dinged for elevated hp numbers when the RX-8 came out. [:@]

 

Didn't they offer to buy back RX8s from anyone that was dissatisfied?

 

I can't imagine being dissatisfied with an RX8. It's just a great car. I recently read a long term test update on one and the only complaint they had was the fact that you had to remove the engine cover to add oil to the motor and it can get messy. Rotary motors burn oil, it's just a fact of their design and the RX8 is no different at about 1 qt every 3000 miles. They felt like Mazda should have made it easier for owners to add oil to the motor. But aside from that they felt the car was stellar.

 

Those that doubt need to read motortrend. 263 Hp, 280 torque, 0-60 5.6 sec, WOW. Not to mention they said one mod, a CAI, will boost hp to 300hp ATW. Can't deny the new champ on the block.

 

i don't think a cai alone will produce 27hp

 

CAI and exhaust is the rumor I heard (quite reliable source) for an extra 30 hp on the MS3