2010 mazdaspeed3 to compete with cobalt ss/tc????
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From: San Jose, California
That's because salesmen and dealers are usually the last to know anything. You're usually better off getting future model car info from a homeless person sleeping in the dumpster behind the dealership. 
With that said, what they told you should be pretty accurate although I don't think it will be released in the US market quite that soon. From a cost and certification standpoint the new MS3 will more than likely continue to use a revised version of the Ford/Mazda 2.3L seeing duty in the current car or possibly the Volvo turbo five pot which is used in the Euro Focus ST and RS as well as in the compact Volvo C30/C40/V50 models which also share the same platform. This new 3 still rides on that updated Ford C1 platform (which was initially developed for the Euro market Focus that replaced the older C170 platform we still have in the US until next year). Volvo had adapted and uses the older Haldex Generation 3 AWD system in the C40/V50 (but not the C30) so some of the C1 variants can physically accept that drivetrain configuration although from a cost standpoint I'd bet Mazda stays with FWD for the foreseeable future.
The Gen 3 system Volvo uses is more for poor weather traction anyways and isn't a "sporty" system. It has to detect front wheel slip and there is a lag before it sends torque to the rear wheels. Mazda's does have their AWD system they used in the last MS6 but it was already deemed too big and would not fit the smaller 3's platform and from a performance standpoint the newer Haldex Gen 4 XWD system would probably work but hasn't been used on the C1 cars yet. If Mazda's performance engineers are anything like the ones working on the latest near-300 hp Focus RS they'll probably also avoid AWD due to the weight penalty.
With that said, what they told you should be pretty accurate although I don't think it will be released in the US market quite that soon. From a cost and certification standpoint the new MS3 will more than likely continue to use a revised version of the Ford/Mazda 2.3L seeing duty in the current car or possibly the Volvo turbo five pot which is used in the Euro Focus ST and RS as well as in the compact Volvo C30/C40/V50 models which also share the same platform. This new 3 still rides on that updated Ford C1 platform (which was initially developed for the Euro market Focus that replaced the older C170 platform we still have in the US until next year). Volvo had adapted and uses the older Haldex Generation 3 AWD system in the C40/V50 (but not the C30) so some of the C1 variants can physically accept that drivetrain configuration although from a cost standpoint I'd bet Mazda stays with FWD for the foreseeable future.
The Gen 3 system Volvo uses is more for poor weather traction anyways and isn't a "sporty" system. It has to detect front wheel slip and there is a lag before it sends torque to the rear wheels. Mazda's does have their AWD system they used in the last MS6 but it was already deemed too big and would not fit the smaller 3's platform and from a performance standpoint the newer Haldex Gen 4 XWD system would probably work but hasn't been used on the C1 cars yet. If Mazda's performance engineers are anything like the ones working on the latest near-300 hp Focus RS they'll probably also avoid AWD due to the weight penalty.
yah man this works. I think im still gonna go with cobalt ss/tc. It performs amazing out of so many cars.
it beat all of these cars around the nurburing as well
8:22 - Chevrolet Cobalt SS/TC
8:22 - Nissan Skyline GT-R R32
8:22 - BMW M3 E46
8:22 - BMW M Coupe E36/7
8:22 - Mercedes CLK 63 AMG
8:24 - Subaru Impreza WRX STI(2005 model)
8:25 - Jaguar XKR (Sport Auto)
8:25 - Porsche Cayman S (Sport Auto)
8:25 - Audi RS4
8:26 - BMW 335i E92 Coupe,
8:26 - Nissan 350Z (
8:28 - Porsche 911 Carrera (993)
8:32 - Porsche Boxster S (2000)
8.34 - BMW Sauber F1.06 Formula One car, (with Nick Heidfeld driving)
8:36 - Opel Astra OPC(previos sport compact record holder )
8:38 - Honda NSX (1998 model)
8:39 - MazdaSpeed 3 (with Mark Ticehurst, a factory Mazda driver)
8:39 - Honda S2000 (auto, 2000)
and Car and Driver's Lightning lap results.
2:45.9 - 2008 Mosler MT900S
2:48.6 - 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR
2:54.6 - 2008 Ferrari 430 Scuderia
2:55.6 - 2008 Nissan GT-R
2:58.2 - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
3:00.7 - 2005 Ford GT
3:01.1 - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
3:01.2 - 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z51
3:01.6 - 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe
3:01.8 - 2007 Porsche 911 GT3
3:03.6 - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette C6
3:04.0 - 2008 Cadillac CTS-V
3:04.5 - 2007 Lotus Exige S
3:04.6 - 2007 Audi R8
3:05.6 - 2008 BMW M3
3:05.8 - 2007 Porsche 997 Turbo
3:05.9 - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
3:06.5 - 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
3:09.2 - 2006 Lotus Elise
3:09.3 - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
3:09.5 - 2006 Porsche Cayman S
3:10.0 - 2006 BMW M6
3:10.5 - 2007 BMW 335i Coupe
3:11.0 - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
3:11.2 - 2007 Audi RS4
3:11.7 - 2007 BMW Z4 M
3:12.5 - 2006 Nissan 350Z Track
3:13.0 - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Turbocharged
3:13.3 - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR
3:13.5 - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR
3:13.7 - 2008 BMW 135i
3:14.0 - 2008 Lexus IS F
3:14.6 - 2008 Audi S5
3:15.0 - 2008 Honda S2000 CR
3:15.7 - 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP
3:16.0 - 2007 Mazda Speed 3
3:16.3 - 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
3:16.6 - 2008 Lotus Elise SC
3:17.5 - 2008 Infiniti G37 Sport
3:18.2 - 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8
3:19.0 - 2006 Mazda RX-8
3:19.0 - 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
3:20.6 - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged
3:20.8 - 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT-4
3:20.9 - 2006 Ford Mustang GT
3:21.8 - 2008 Volkswagen R32
3:22.9 - 2007 Mini Cooper S
3:24.8 - 2008 Honda Civic Mugen Si
3:25.1 - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
3:26.5 - 2006 Honda Civic Si
3:26.6 - 2008 Volvo C30 T5 Version 2.0
3:29.3 - 2006 Mazda MX-5
the thing that i like the most is how much GM improved the ss/sc model to the ss/tc. A total of 7 Seconds faster. That is a really really good improvement.
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I doubt the 2010 Speed 3 will be able to beat the Cobalt SS/TC Ring time of 8:22 and this is why...The only production FWD car yet to beat that time is the Renault R26.R and look what it took the achieve that number \/ ...I dont think we'll be seeing anything like this on a Speed 3.
Renault MéganeRS R26.R' RING TIME OF 8:17
Lightweight DNA To improve the power to weight ratio, the Mégane R26.R has been on a strict diet, losing 123kg compared to the standard R26.
This has been achieved by the removal of:
- Rear seats and seat belts
- Passenger airbag and curtain airbags (the driver’s airbag remains)
- Climate control (air conditioning remains as standard)
- Rear wash/wipe and heated rear window
- Front fog lamps
- Headlamp washers
- Radio/CD player
- Most of the soundproofing
Other new elements are:
- carbon fibre bonnet
- tailgate and rear side windows in polycarbonate
- Sabelt seats with carbon fibre shell and aluminium base
- Rear spoiler
- Optional titanium exhaust
- Optional roll cage
A chassis without compromise
The suspension and brakes have been modified to make the most of the new, lighter weight and to provide the maximum performance. The front independent suspension is maintained but with the following new parts:
- new front springs (14mm/100kg compared to 13.4mm/100kg)
- new rear springs (16.2mm/100kg from 15.1mm/100kg)
- the shock absorber settings are also re-calibrated
- the brake discs are grooved instead of drilled
- new alloy wheels are fitted with a different offset increasing the track by 4mm
- Toyo Proxes R888 225/40R18 tyres are available as an option in place of the standard Michelin Pilot Sport 2 235/40R18
- Stiffer lower arm bushes
To guarantee the best possible traction, the R26.R retains the limited slip differential from the Mégane Renaultsport 230 F1 Team R26. This is a mechanical differential with helical teeth and retains the same transfer rate of 33%. The combination of this limited slip differential and independent steering-axis front suspension minimises torque steer and enables the power to be applied earlier during cornering.
A performance car needs brakes that are both powerful and resistant to fade. The Mégane R26.R has large 312mm ventilated discs at the front with Brembo four-piston callipers that provide stopping power at the highest level. To resist fade, the discs are grooved as opposed to drilled.
http://www.zed-cars.eu/discussion/Topic32382-3-1.aspx
More pictures found here:
http://www.topspeed.com/cars/renault...ure257721.html
Renault MéganeRS R26.R' RING TIME OF 8:17
Lightweight DNA To improve the power to weight ratio, the Mégane R26.R has been on a strict diet, losing 123kg compared to the standard R26.
This has been achieved by the removal of:
- Rear seats and seat belts
- Passenger airbag and curtain airbags (the driver’s airbag remains)
- Climate control (air conditioning remains as standard)
- Rear wash/wipe and heated rear window
- Front fog lamps
- Headlamp washers
- Radio/CD player
- Most of the soundproofing
Other new elements are:
- carbon fibre bonnet
- tailgate and rear side windows in polycarbonate
- Sabelt seats with carbon fibre shell and aluminium base
- Rear spoiler
- Optional titanium exhaust
- Optional roll cage
A chassis without compromise
The suspension and brakes have been modified to make the most of the new, lighter weight and to provide the maximum performance. The front independent suspension is maintained but with the following new parts:
- new front springs (14mm/100kg compared to 13.4mm/100kg)
- new rear springs (16.2mm/100kg from 15.1mm/100kg)
- the shock absorber settings are also re-calibrated
- the brake discs are grooved instead of drilled
- new alloy wheels are fitted with a different offset increasing the track by 4mm
- Toyo Proxes R888 225/40R18 tyres are available as an option in place of the standard Michelin Pilot Sport 2 235/40R18
- Stiffer lower arm bushes
To guarantee the best possible traction, the R26.R retains the limited slip differential from the Mégane Renaultsport 230 F1 Team R26. This is a mechanical differential with helical teeth and retains the same transfer rate of 33%. The combination of this limited slip differential and independent steering-axis front suspension minimises torque steer and enables the power to be applied earlier during cornering.
A performance car needs brakes that are both powerful and resistant to fade. The Mégane R26.R has large 312mm ventilated discs at the front with Brembo four-piston callipers that provide stopping power at the highest level. To resist fade, the discs are grooved as opposed to drilled.
http://www.zed-cars.eu/discussion/Topic32382-3-1.aspx
More pictures found here:
http://www.topspeed.com/cars/renault...ure257721.html
Last edited by rallyracer; Jan 6, 2009 at 02:33 PM.
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Posts: 9,440
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...Mazda's just trying to catch up to our old time
Last edited by rallyracer; Jan 5, 2009 at 05:47 PM.
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I almost think this is a joke. Did anyone else noticed the optional tires as well? Toyo 888's are R compound and probably in the area of 60 treadwear, Cobalt SS turbo is sold with 280 treadwear tires. A tire swap along would run quicker than 8.17. Either their drivers suck, their engineers suck, or it was a joint effort.
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I almost think this is a joke. Did anyone else noticed the optional tires as well? Toyo 888's are R compound and probably in the area of 60 treadwear, Cobalt SS turbo is sold with 280 treadwear tires. A tire swap along would run quicker than 8.17. Either their drivers suck, their engineers suck, or it was a joint effort.
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Posts: 1,070
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From: Boston & SoCal
There's speculation that it won't be around next year but I don't think it's official yet. My educated guess and going off what GM has publically stated interprets them saying when the Cruze hits the North American market the Cobalt will remain in production to mean the Cruze sedan may replace the Cobalt sedan but the Cobalt coupe may be the one to live on for another year or so until a replacement Cruze coupe or hatch is developed. With all the volatility with the domestic manufacturers it's hard to say for certain but that would be my logical guess. And if that's the case and considering some of the MY'10 models aren't that far off I bet we'll see at least one more model year of the current Cobalt SS Turbo.
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And a tune with some mods maybe a better aero package. Yeah I am thinking it would be a few ticks faster in full race trim and mods .
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Thats the point, there is no official track time for the MS3...that is the only one i have seen...
...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_sqd...rd-at-the-ring
...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_sqd...rd-at-the-ringif they want to they better start testing on the "Ring" like they did with the new balt. haha
do you know what your talking about? it is all round a tons better automobile. dual wishbone rear suspenion, it is wider with a perfect wheelbase..and it actually is faster than the old ones stock on stock..subaru is one of the few companies besides Mini that is making good sales this year..they kno what the hell they are doing..
dude they dont pull times on amatuer drivers on open track days are you dumb? they dont come out with official times for cars around the ring on open track days..? lets see you source on all this info? and if oyu didnt make it up is it even credible?
do you know what your talking about? it is all round a tons better automobile. dual wishbone rear suspenion, it is wider with a perfect wheelbase..and it actually is faster than the old ones stock on stock..subaru is one of the few companies besides Mini that is making good sales this year..they kno what the hell they are doing..
dude they dont pull times on amatuer drivers on open track days are you dumb? they dont come out with official times for cars around the ring on open track days..? lets see you source on all this info? and if oyu didnt make it up is it even credible?
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yeah i put a full car on a speed 3 with a DP and exhaust
Last edited by widowedeight; Jan 11, 2009 at 10:57 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
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I wouldn't be totally sure the guy at the dealership knows what he is talking about, but thanks...
...i can wait 4 months!
...i can wait 4 months!
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25% WEIGHT REDUCTION GOALS..http://mazda3revolution.com/mazda3-g...ecs-confirmed/
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