Mazda3Revolution.com

This Week in Mazda3: Last Chance to Enter Corksport Giveaway + Much More!

2010-02-19T06:16:33Z

In case you haven’t seen it, Corksport is giving away THREE awesome prizes in our first ever Mazda3Revolution-Corksport exclusive giveaway! Prizes include stainless braided brake lines (blue) and a front strut bar for the Mazda3. The contest ends on February 22nd, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST so enter the contest now before it’s too late!

Also picking up a lot of interest in our forums are the following topics:

How-to Replace The Overhead Ambient Lighting in a Mazda3 – For those of us with the ambient lighting, blue might not be our preference, but what can you do? Change it! This thread will give you most of the information you need to change the color/intensity of the overhead ambient lighting… Read More

How-to Install Heated Mirrors in Your Mazda3 – As discussed in the other thread, this will only work with the s trim. The i trim does not have the wires for the defrost or blinker on the car side connector. If you guys with the i trim want to do it, you can follow the same steps up to where I spliced into the car wiring. You guys would just have to run wires into the cabin, find where the +12V is carried back to the rear defroster, and tap into it… Read More

**Official Hatch Spoiler Swap Thread** – Ok so I just took off my speed3 hatch spoiler and plan to swap with Drewzilla for his stock spoiler. This is the first documented swap in the US. We believe the spoilers are interchangeable and are going to be the guinea pigs… Read More

Corksport Cold Air Box Update – Just got done doing the initial testing on our prototype cold air box for the 2010 MS3. We put a box together that is a bit different from our existing boxes on the previous generation vehicles… Read More

This Week in Mazda3: Holiday Edition

2009-12-25T07:23:22Z

Welcome to our first “This Week in Mazda3″ which is a weekly update on what you missed in our forums. There’s been lots of good stuff talked about this week so check out our top 5 threads of the week list below:

How To: TWM Shifter Bushings & Console Disassembly – First time pulling apart the center console, pull the e-brake up as high as possible, start with the cupholder open, stick your hands inside and pull as straight vertical as you can. The sides and front actually came out for me first, with the back last. But ideally the back should come out first as clip holding it in is different from the rest, and if you’re lucky, the motion will loosen the shifter housing as well.

iPhone Bluetooth Connection – Forum members talk about how to get the most out of your iPhone’s bluetooth connection with the 2010 Mazda 3.

2010 Mazda 3 vs the VW Rabbit - I had a few runs with my cousin’s stock vw rabbit (2.5L 5 cyclinder manual) against my stock 2.5L mz3 sport auto last night. After a few runs on the street, it seems like the vw is a tad faster, especially once i got into 4th gear.

2010 Mazdaspeed 3 Totaled - In this shocking survivor story, a 2010 Mazdaspeed3 driver survives a rear end impact on a freeway. The car owner can’t say much at the moment but the picture really drives home how safe the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 is.

E. Tinker’s Black Mica 2010 Mazdaspeed3 Picture Thread - One of the most popular picture threads in our M3R Rides, Meets and Pics forum, E. Tinker’s black 2010 Mazdaspeed3 is one of the finest we’ve seen yet.

From the thread:

I’ve already taken the liberty of painting the brake calipers red and have tinted the windows as well. I’ve also added an aftermarket security system and upgraded the audio system to something more suited to a vehicle with the Speed’s performance capabilities.

2010 Mazda 3 Takes on Euro NCAP Tests, Drives Away With 5-Stars

2009-11-26T06:32:42Z

We hate to see anything happen to our Mazda 3s but it’s all in good fun when it’s someone else who is doing some car mangling. The Euro NCAP tests, long known as the more intensive car crash test worldwide, have pushed a 2010 Mazda 3 around and the results are good. The 2010 Mazda 3 managed to score the highest possible, 5-stars, after running through a barrage of testing based on four points of safety: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Protection, Pedestrian Protection and Safety Assist.

Check out all the Mazda 3 carnage by visiting the Euro NCAP website or by watching the video below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O5Rupm9u80

See what other Mazda 3 drivers are saying about this test by visiting our forums.

Calling All 2010+ Mazdaspeed3 Owners: Corksport Needs Test Subjects!

2009-11-20T03:35:56Z

Have you often fantasized about what it would be like to make your mark on aftermarket automotive history? Here’s your chance: Corksport is looking for anyone with a 2010 Mazda 3/Mazdaspeed3 to give them feedback on their products and to be apart of a focus group on December 14th, 2009.

There are two requirements:

You must have a 2010 Mazda 3 or Mazdaspeed 3.
You must live around the Portland, OR metro area (or being willing to drive to Portland I suppose).

There are only a few spots left to get up close and personal with your favorite aftermarket parts supplier so jump on this opportunity while it’s still here! If interested you can reach Jason Griffith at griffith -at- corksport.com (remove the spaces and substitute -at- for @) or call Jason directly at 360-260-2675. You can also learn more about this opportunity by visiting our forum thread on the subject.

Mazda Preps Monochromatic Mazda3/Mazdaspeed3 Duo For SEMA 2009

2009-11-03T05:50:52Z

Quick! What does Mazda’s top selling model look like if you blacked out the lights, added a gray graphic over a Crystal White Pearl Mica shell and slapped on a Tri-Point Engineering turbo kit? If you guessed a custom 250+ hp 2010 Mazda3 sedan then you were right (and possibly psychic?) Debuting at the 2009 SEMA Show alongside its slightly tuned 2010 Mazdaspeed3 sibling, Mazda’s newest bun out of the oven features the stunning 19×8 wheels and tires from the much lusted for Mazda RX-8 R3 and brakes/calipers pulled straight off the Mazdaspeed3 and Mazda5 assembly lines (front and rear, respectively).

The SEMA Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 both adorn a more stealthy look with bright black grille inserts, side mirrors, fog lamp bezels, roof panel, and front headlight housing. Check out all of the changes in our photo gallery below and by reading the following press release courtesy of Mazda USA:

LAS VEGAS – With the launch of the all-new 2010 MAZDA3 and MAZDASPEED3, a small team of designers and engineers at Mazda R&D in Irvine, Calif., decided to celebrate with a pair of special projects, debuting for the first time at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.

Figuring out how to commemorate the completion of the MAZDA3 was easy. Mazda’s line of exciting, fun-to-drive cars are born from the passion of the people who design them, so starting with a MAZDASPEED3 and a 2.5-liter MAZDA3s the team took its knowledge of the Mazda parts bin and its close relationships with MAZDASPEED Motorsports suppliers, looked in the mirror, and decided to build a pair of tuner cars that show its own vision of the MAZDA3.

Both cars are painted to mimic the new MAZDA3 World Challenge race car, but in a more subdued Crystal White Pearl base coat with soft gray tone graphics. The scheme is a modern twist on the famous Renown graphics used on the Mazda 787B that won Le Mans in 1991.

Exterior details, including grille inserts, side mirrors, fog lamp bezels, the roof panel, and the formerly chrome interior of the front lamps are all given a bright black paint treatment. Combined with tinted windows, and dark red taillight lenses, the dark details tighten the car visually, emphasizing the MAZDA3′s taught, muscular shape much like a tailored black suit on an athlete.

Both cars roll on 19×8-inch wheels with 225/40-19 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires straight off the RX-8 R3. The wheels are forged aluminum, giving them strength with exceptional light weight.

The sedan was sent to Tri-Point Engineering for a boost in power. Between World Challenge races, Tri-Point installed their turbo kit, utilizing a rugged cast iron turbo manifold feeding a high-efficiency Garrett GT2871R ball bearing turbo. At a mild 10 psi of boost, the 2.5-liter MZR engine is making well over 250 horsepower at the wheels (final tuning is still being finished).

To handle this extra power, the front brakes were replaced with rotors and calipers from a MAZDASPEED3, while the rear rotors and calipers were sourced from a MAZDA5. Double-adjustable coil-overs from KW Suspension, paired with a Tri-Point adjustable rear stabilizer bar bring the handling back into harmony with the engine’s higher output.

The MAZDASPEED3, already capable of 155 mph, was already nearly fast enough. An AEM cold-air intake bumps output about 20 horsepower, but otherwise, the powertrain remains untouched. Suspension is again KW coil-overs, but this time with modified top mounts on the front struts to increase camber and provide additional cornering grip. Four-piston Stoptech calipers and floating two-piece rotors nearly identical to those on the World Challenge car are used, since the car’s original brakes were transplanted to the 4-Door.

Celebrating its 40^th Anniversary in the United States in 2010, Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

2009 SEMA Mazda3/Mazdaspeed3 Photo Gallery

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Mazda Bringing Mazda2 To U.S. and Canada in 2010!

2009-09-17T20:41:46Z

The rest of the world knows the Mazda2 as the little car that offers big value; now it looks like the U.S. and Canada will too. The Mazda2 will be offered in the U.S. and Canada by the end of 2010 and, as a sub-compact, the Mazda2 will be slotted below the current Mazda3 and serve as the new most affordable option in Mazda’s car lineup.

When asked why Mazda planned to introduce the Mazda2 to the U.S. and Canadian markets in 2010 when it had never been offered before Mazda North American Operation’s President Jim O’Sullivan had this to say:

“As consumers’ tastes and attitudes toward small vehicles have changed, we now believe strongly there is a place in our lineup for a car below our current least-expensive car, the MAZDA3. MAZDA2 will be true to everything that makes our cars stand apart from the competition: it will be stylish, fun-to-drive and a heck of a value. In short, it will be Zoom-Zoom.”

With more than 50 awards and accolades under its belt, including 2008 World Car of the Year and Car of the Year in more than 20 countries, the Mazda2 will be a welcome addition to the Mazda family in North America.

Check out pictures of the international Mazda2 (known as the Mazda Demio in Japan) below:

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Full Press Release

MAZDA CONFIRMS THAT MAZDA2 SUBCOMPACT CAR

WILL BE SOLD IN U.S. AND CANADA

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – Mazda North American Operations’ president and CEO, Jim O’Sullivan, confirmed today during a meeting of the company’s top dealers that the MAZDA2 subcompact, or B-Car classification, car will be sold in the U.S. beginning in late 2010. It was previously announced that the car also will be sold in Canada, beginning at about the same time.

“You’ve asked us for it for a while now, and we’ve been studying the market to make sure we can make a business case for it across North America,” O’Sullivan told the assembled dealers. “As consumers’ tastes and attitudes toward small vehicles have changed, we now believe strongly there is a place in our lineup for a car below our current least-expensive car, the MAZDA3. MAZDA2 will be true to everything that makes our cars stand apart from the competition: it will be stylish, fun-to-drive and a heck of a value. In short, it will be Zoom-Zoom.”

No further details were released at the meeting, other than notice that the final North American-specification MAZDA2 will be unveiled to media and the public at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. Further information on specifications, content, pricing and on-sale timing will be provided closer to launch.

MAZDA2 has been a sales and media success in markets around the world, winning more than 50 awards and being named Car of the Year in more than 20 separate countries. Additionally, MAZDA2 was named the 2008 World Car of the Year, besting all other new cars around the world.

Celebrating its 40^th Anniversary in the United States in 2010, Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

# # #

Will the introduction of the Mazda2 have you reconsidering your purchase of a Mazda3 or do you think it targets a different market entirely? Let us know in the comments below!

Special thanks to Tamara Mlynarczyk for the tip!

2010 Mazda 3 Scores Top Crash Safety Pick By IIHS (Videos Inside!)

2009-09-12T06:00:51Z

The 2010 Mazda 3 seems to be racking up awards like crazy lately with a five star rating by the NHTSA for crash safety and now garnering top safety pick by the IIHS. The second gen Mazda 3 received a ‘Good’ rating which is the highest mark available from the IIHS and also received the best marks possible in the structure/safety cage, head/neck, chest, restraints/dummy kinetics and leg/left foot categories of crash safety. Only the leg/right foot pulled a slightly lower award of ‘Acceptable’ due to potential force on the right tibia leading to possible injury.

In addition to a great safety rating for frontal impact the 2010 Mazda 3 also received a rating of ‘Good’ for side impact, the highest possible, and ‘Good’ for rear impact protection. This is a significant change from the first gen Mazda 3 which scored a ‘Marginal’ rating for rear impact protection and ‘Poor’, the lowest possible, for side impact. The newly improved crash safety ratings prove the 2010 Mazda 3 is a worthy successor to the popular first gen mazda 3 and the new changes made by Mazda are more than skin deep.

2010 Mazda 3 Frontal Crash Safety Test

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5MIZJv9QLY

2010 Mazda 3 Side Impact Crash Safety Test

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moiIKrY-yUs

91 New 2010 Mazda3 MPS Photos + Europe Gets CWP!

2009-08-31T19:36:16Z

Although we’ve known that the 2010 Mazda 3 MPS (Euro-spec) would be getting lots of cool stuff we were unaware of just how much they would have over the U.S.-spec Mazdaspeed3. U.S. based fans will be gritting their teeth once they find out Euro-spec MPS’ get bi-xenon headlights (standard or optional) and have four colors to choose from including Crystal White Pearl Mica.

Check out all 91 new photos of the 2010 Mazda3 MPS below and be sure to download the full press kit with all the gory details:

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2010 Mazda 3 How-To Guides

2009-08-20T21:55:16Z

Have you ever looked at your shiny new 2010 Mazda 3 and thought “Hmm… I wonder what I can do with it now…”? We have a new 2010+ Mazda 3 forum loaded with how-to guides on things ranging from how to create your own rear window center LED brake light to upgrading your horn to a rear sway bar install. Check them all out by visiting our 2010+ Mazda 3 how to guide forum!

2010 Mazdaspeed 3 Review: Auto123 Takes The Speed3 For a Spin

2009-08-08T21:28:34Z

Bertrand Godin over at Auto123 had a chance to toss around a new 2010 Mazdaspeed3 and among his first impressions he loved Mazda’s revisions like the controversial new styling but didn’t like the noisy engine and lack of AWD. There are some cool new pics of the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 sliding sideways in water so head over to Auto123 and check out the full review!