Report: Mazdaspeed3 supposedly on the way by December, to drop turbo engine for high-revving natural aspiration

In lieu of the latest next generation 2014 Mazda3 being unveiled in both hatchback and sedan form, driving enthusiasts and fans have been stuck wondering as to whether or not Mazda will reintroduce the hot performance Mazdaspeed3 version amidst the crunch to produce more fuel efficient automobiles—which usually translates into a major sacrifice in performance.

But a new report from AutoExpressUK claims that Mazda has confirmed the return of its Euro-spec hot hatchback, known as the Mazda3 MPS—which has been rebadged as the Mazdaspeed3 for our market ever since it was created.

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Click here for our original post on the 2014 Mazda3 hatchback.

Word is that Mazda will be dropping the entire turbocharged setup that powered the last generation model, in favor of a naturally-aspirated high-revving engine (woooo!), thanks to the advances in Mazda’s patented SkyActiv technology. According to the report, Mazda was able to shave off quite a bit off of the fuel consumption figure by reducing the total amount of heat loss in the engine’s combustion cycle.

An unnamed source said that the Mazda3 MPS is due in December and that it will return, “but not as you would expect.” Hints point at a modified version of the current Mazda3’s 2.0L engine good for 163hp, which could churn out 200hp with a 7000RPM redline for the Mazda3 MPS.

Unfortunately, Mazda’s source said that it won’t be as fast as the outgoing 2.3L turbocharged Mazda3 MPS, but it will be “enough” to create a spiritual successor to the Honda Civic Type-R, which was axed in 2010, leaving many fans of the naturally-aspirated hot-hatch yearning for a replacement. Mazda’s decision was to seize this opportunity by having their latest hot Mazda3 take the Honda’s place in the ever persistent hot-hatch segment.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoExpressUK

Chris Chin

Chris Chin is the Editor-In-Chief of egmCarTech and is a regular contributor to Automobile Magazine.

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