autoevolution
 

Mazdaspeed3 AWD, 300 HP Canceled?

It's quite hard to describe the current economic environment as friendly to high-performance models and many automakers do nothing more than to migrate towards hybrids, electric cars or greener models. Mazda seems to follow the same trend of the industry and is reportedly planning to cancel the Mazdaspeed3 Evolution, a sporty model that could bring a final output of more than 300 horsepower.

The reason is the same we keep hearing nowadays: the economic chaos that makes a high-performance model improper for the automotive industry.

According to motortrend.com quoting a source familiar with the matter, the 300 horsepower output and the all-wheel drive system would result in an exaggerated price for its class, thus making the car a waste of time and resources. It seems the Japanese manufacturer is already prepared to start the production of the sportiest Mazdaspeed3, as the company plans to use the same transmission available on Mazdaspeed6. Furthermore, the all-wheel drive could easily be tweaked to fit the Speed3, the source explained.

Mazda is afraid that a past episode in which a high-performance model failed to impress could happen once again when it comes to Mazdaspeed3 Evolution.

The company launched back in 1993 the twin-turbo rotary RX-7 in the United States, a model that generated a very high output but, just like today's Mazdaspeed3, it came with a too high price - around $30,000 - for the buyer segment it was addressed to. Due to this fact, the car only brought poor sales, forcing the parent company to cease production after model year 1995.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories