Mazda3 to Receive Mazdaspeed Treatment Next Year

Slated for release sometime in 2006, the Mazdaspeed 3 will arrive just in time to deal with the latest wave of sport compacts. The

Despite all the buzz around the 3, Mazdaspeed hasn't lost focus on its other projects, namely the forthcoming versions of the Mazdaspeed RX-8 and long-rumored RX-7. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

3's biggest competitors in North America are expected to be Volkswagen's newly released 200-horsepower FSI-T-powered GTI hatchback, Chevrolet's upcoming supercharged Cobalt SS and Dodge's ballistic SX 2.0-based SRT-4.

In Europe, the competition is even fiercer, with the likes of RenaultSport's 222- horsepower Megane and GM Europe's 240-horsepower Opel Astra OPC. Mazda is confident that under the watchful eye of Mazdaspeed, the 3 will conquer and succeed, despite what look to be

Currently, Mazdaspeed offers minor suspension upgrades and a special aero kit package for the RX-8, but no motor upgrades. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

middle-of-the-road performance figures.

Although the 3's development is taking front stage at Mazdaspeed, the brand hasn't lost focus on its other projects, namely the forthcoming versions of the Mazdaspeed RX-8 and long-rumored RX-7.

The development team, headed by chief engineer Joe Bakaj, is experimenting with superchargers and energy-efficient electric turbochargers to improve on the 230- horsepower Renesis rotary engine. Currently, Mazdaspeed offers minor suspension upgrades and a special aero kit package for the RX-8, but no motor upgrades. The Mazdaspeed RX-8 is expected to make its debut sometime next year.