The Smoking Tire heads out to Adams Motorsports Park in Riverside, CA to test out the new, controversially styled, Mazdaspeed3 on the track. While there, we enter the Speed3 in a local Time Attack race.
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Thanks Matt! Aside from that great episode all around; well put together, lots of information and a unique look at the speed3's performance.
Commenting on the Mazdaspeed3: Overall I think the new design is a great evolutionary take on the old Mazda3, but I think maybe Mazdaspeed cars should have a revised form of the smiley grill. It should say "I'm going to eat you" instead of "I'm so happy to see you".
Nice review Matt. Here's a question for you and the forum that is off topic. What kind of car would you buy on a small budget to run in a Targa Rally? I have a plan to race in Targa New Foundland in a few years and am starting to look into what car to pick up. I've thought of the MazdaSpeed 3 but am leaning toward a SpecMiata, you can buy one fully done and race ready for 10k. There are a lot of cars around that price point but the cost to get them to safety spec can be daunting. But I am a big guy (6'5") so a Miata is kinda iffy with a co-driver.
Thoughts?
Spec Miata indeed, no roof, you're good. Targa rallies you want something with ground clearance, a suspension that can take shitty roads, and something with parts available everywhere, Miata is always a good decision. That or a built Fox-body Mustang. (LX Notchback please!)
I was thinking a hard top with a GT40 bubble cut into it for clearance, how awesome would that be.
hey matt, great show. iv'e watched it sense those old g419 episodes and its just gotten better and better. i am a big fan of american le mans and ive been watching the theme song thing with the aston dbr9…r u going to do a show from a alms race? if not i think it would definitely be one thing to consider
Hey Matt.. right now I'm going thru the process of lemon lawing my 09 Civic Si coupe… I've seen the reviews for the new 2012 Si.. and it's very disappointing with the changes they have made… what do you think would be another good choice for a sport compact… I've been considering the mazdaspeed 3.. its just hard being that I have always been a honda fan..