- A Japanese report suggests a hotter Mazda3 could arrive in 2027.
- An upgraded 2.5-liter turbo is reportedly under consideration.
- Neither 300 horsepower nor an AWD setup have been confirmed.
Would a 300-horsepower, all-wheel-drive Mazdaspeed3 be wonderful? Absolutely. We called for one just over a month ago after driving the Mazda3 hatchback. Has Mazda announced that it is building one? Absolutely not. Nevertheless, one speculative report from Japan has already emerged elsewhere wearing a remarkably confident “Mazdaspeed3 is back” headline.
The source is Japan’s MotorFan, which reports that Mazda may be considering a production version of the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 concept unveiled in 2024. AutoBlog picked that up and ran with it as well. Importantly, there is quite a gulf between that and a confirmed new hot hatch.
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According to the publication’s information, one powertrain being considered is a specially tuned version of the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder already offered in overseas versions of the Mazda3. In the current US car, that engine produces as much as 250 PS (186 kW) and 320 lb-ft (434 Nm) on premium fuel. So, in theory, extracting something approaching 300 PS (224 kW) sounds possible.
Notably, neither MotorFan nor Autoblog says it’ll actually make 300 ponies. The pair simply say that chasing the Toyota GR Corolla and Honda Civic Type R is the goal. To accomplish that, Mazda would have to dial up the throttle response, power, and supporting components. The AWD is also shaky but, again, technically plausible.
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Mazda already employs AWD in the Mazda3, but unlike the GR Corolla, it’s exclusively front-wheel drive-biased. That said, Honda has proven that a very powerful FWD Civic Type-R can drive better at the limit than anyone would’ve believed before it existed. There’s also no mention of a transmission, meaning anyone dreaming about a six-speed manual should keep those expectations safely parked.
What does appear plausible is the Mazda Spirit Racing badge. Mazda has already turned the Spirit Racing Roadster concept into a limited-production model, including the 200-unit 12R with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine producing 200 PS. A hotter Mazda3 would give the fledgling performance brand a second act and fill a glaring hole in Mazda’s otherwise enthusiast-friendly lineup.
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The Japanese report claims such a car could appear during the first half of 2027. Still, its accompanying images are independent renderings, the 2.5-liter turbo is merely described as one candidate, and Mazda hasn’t confirmed the project. The automaker didn’t respond to an inquiry for comment by the time of this writing. In other words, a modern Mazdaspeed3 successor may be stirring. Just don’t place your GR Corolla order on hold quite yet.
Photos: Mazda
