Don’t Expect a Fast 3 or 6 from Mazda in This Generation

2016 Mazda3 (Credit: © Mazda)

There have been rumors and reports of new-generation Mazdaspeed3 and 6 models in recent years. Recently, Mazda has admitted it was considering revealing a new Mazdaspeed3 at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, but as we now know, Mazda shelved the fast 3 and instead released the Koeru concept, which eventually became the CX-4 crossover. Today, Motoring.co.au learns more about Mazda’s plans for these two performance models, and it’s not good news for Mazdaspeed fans.

» Related: Mazda CX-4 Shows Minimal Changes from Concept to Production in Teaser Images

According to Mazda executive, Masahiro Moro, the automaker is “trying to elevate again [the Mazdaspeed models] a little bit more” as the team feels the last Mazdaspeed3 was “childish.” Moro didn’t dive too deep into what made the Speed3 childish, but I do know that this model had its fair share of pain points, like its crazy torque steer. Moro also implied that these new Speed models will up their maturity with more upscale cabins in the future.

For now, according to Moro, Mazda’s engineering team is working hard on second-generation Skyactiv II vehicles, which could include a fourth-gen Mazda3. Once this task is complete, Moro says “then we are building on that to come up with [performance models].”

While there is no particular schedule for these new Speed models, I suspect we are looking at 2020 at the earliest, given the latest 3 and 6 models arrived in 2014.

What will power these new Speed models? The likely culprit is the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that powers the new-generation CX-9. Mazda will reportedly retune this engine to just shy of 300 horsepower before dropping it in the athletic 3 and 6 bodies.

We’ll keep an eye out for more updates on the new Speed 3 and 6 models and bring you updates as they become available. Stay tuned.