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Mazda considering a 'hyper' Mazda3 with the 250-hp 2.5-liter turbo four

Mazda boss Akira Marumoto said last year there'd be no Mazdaspeed version of the new Mazda3 because the hot hatch segment wasn't a priority for the carmaker. Then Mazda engineer Dave Coleman told Road & Track that without "an engine on the shelf that would fit properly," an MPS variant made no sense. The first reader comment on our Coleman post read, "Engine — you have it; cue up the 2.5T." Mazda might have been listening. Program manager Kota Beppu told Autocar he'd like a "hyper" Mazda3, the outlet figuring the 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo would make the most sense for power. Autocar wrote "the project had not been officially signed off, [but] insiders suggest that is a formality." When Car and Driver queried Mazda and its sources about the report, the magazine realized "the company is seriously considering a high-performance hot hatch." What's more, "Drew Cary, senior manager for brand communications, said, 'We encourage people to ask for it, though. Our planners and executives are watching and listening to fans.'" The turbocharged 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G four-cylinder — which doesn't sell in Europe — makes 250 hp on premium gasoline and 310 pound-feet of torque in the Mazda6, CX-5 and CX-9. A next-generation SkyActiv-G is predicted on the way next year, bringing more boost and power. Even as is, we're talking a chunky lump of power to send to the front wheels, and Beppu mentioned torque steer. The new Mazda3's all-wheel drive would alleviate that bugbear. Unlike the raw, fast-twitch reflexes of the last Mazdaspeed3 from 2013, Beppu says a new model "needs to be responsible and friendly ... more friendly than a Golf GTI." And, "It should be fast." The polished looks and interior address the necessary perceptions. CD's done the math on the current 2.5-liter and predicts a five-second sprint to 60 miles per hour, which is Volkswagen Golf R and Honda Civic Type R territory, so GTI comparisons could be a case of aiming low. Imagine a 300-hp engine with a touch more torque and a six-speed manual ... If Mazda follows through with such a product, it could take two years to get the green light. However, we're told that Mazda's Los Angeles research and development center has already built a proof-of-concept to encourage and anticipate that green light.

2014 Mazda6 i-Eloop to net 40 mpg hwy, 28 mpg city

Even before Mazda unveiled the 2014 Mazda6, it had introduced its innovative, non-hybrid i-Eloop (Intelligent Energy Loop) brake regeneration system. This technology converts kinetic energy into usable electricity using the alternator, a DC/DC converter and a capacitor mounted just behind the front fascia. During deceleration, the alternator captures energy that is then stored in the capacitor, which can later be used to directly power electric devices like climate control and audio systems. When i-Eloop power is used, it reduces the load on the engine and helps to conserve fuel.
Now available on the Mazda6, i-Eloop is only available on the $29,695 Grand Touring trim level as a part of the $2,080 GT Technology Package, meaning that buyers desiring i-Eloop will have to spend at least $31,775 (not including destination). The added price of this technology should be worth it for those looking for optimal fuel economy as the i-Eloop, combined with the package's active grille shutters, will bump the sedan's fuel economy numbers up to 28 miles per gallon city and 40 mpg highway - both are improvements of 2 mpg over the standard Mazda6 Grand Touring. The GT Technology Package also includes a Sport mode, lane departure warning, high beam control, radar cruise control and forward obstruction warning - the latter two technologies are currently offered in a $900 package that is being discontinued.
i-Eloop will eventually be offered on other Mazda products including the 2014 Mazda3. Scroll down for the official press release on the Mazda6's fuel-saving i-Eloop technology.

Next-gen Mazda3 teased in new video, should debut next month

Despite being one of the oldest vehicles in its class, the third-gen Mazda3 is still a favorite here at Autoblog. It's handsome, comfortable and one of the best-driving compacts around. While we had hoped to see a new Mazdaspeed3 hot hatch before this model expired, it seems that's not the case. Today, Mazda released a short teaser video showing a very brief glimpse of what appears to be a new hatchback. A caption says there's more to come next month. That leads us to believe we'll see the next Mazda3 in late November at or around the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. We don't know much about the new model, though it does look like the hatchback will carry over. That's no surprise given the Chevy Cruze, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Elantra all offer five-door variants. You can include the hatch-only Volkswagen Golf on that list, too. The sedan is a given considering how popular the body style is in America. Expect the design to draw a lot from the Mazda Kai concept we saw last fall. It's harder to say what Mazda might stuff under the new 3's hood. Skyactiv-X would be great, but the compression-ignition gasoline engine likely won't be ready in time for the Mazda3's debut. That's a shame, as the engine shows a lot of promise and would be a good and unique feature for Mazda. Until the EV infrastructure improves and the associated costs go down, more efficient internal-combustion engines will still have a place in the market. Check out further info on the Skyactiv-X technology here, and stay tuned later next month for more news from Mazda. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Mazda Hatchback Sedan