Revolutionary Coupé Unveiled by Mazda in the 1980s, Potentially Transforming the Face of High-Performance Automobiles
In the world of Japanese compact roadsters, the Mazda MX-3 stands out as a unique gem from the 1980s and early 1990s. Unlike its contemporaries such as the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the MX-3 was a front-wheel-drive coupe that offered a sporty driving experience with an innovative engine.
The Mazda MX-3, introduced in 1985, was Mazda's flagship performance model, sitting above the RX-7. It boasted a fiberglass body weighing 2,579 pounds (1,170 kg), designed with a focus on lightweight and balance. The base model of the MX-3 relied on a small V6 engine, notable for its size and performance.
In contrast, the Mazda MX-5, which has consistently been in production, is a rear-wheel-drive, lightweight, two-seat convertible focused on driving purity. It remains a favourite among enthusiasts, benefiting from a strong following and purist design philosophy.
The MX-3's discontinuation in the early 1990s, largely due to a sluggish economy and a declining market for coupes, has made it somewhat of an underappreciated enthusiast car. This contrasts with the MX-5's ongoing success.
The MX-3's engine, a tri-rotor, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 315 horsepower, was believed to be a variant of the 1990 Mazda Eunos Cosmo's 20B-REW three-rotor engine. The MX-3 also featured advanced technology such as all-wheel-drive and all-wheel-steering.
The Mazda Eunos Cosmo (JC), introduced in 1990, was loosely based on the Mazda MX-03 concept. However, the JC-series Cosmo was substantially heavier than the MX-03 concept, weighing between 3,285 to 3,616 pounds. The range-topping Eunos Cosmo S could reach over 158 mph (255 km/h).
As we move forward, Mazda is developing a new flagship sports car, which is said to be an RX-7 successor and will share technology with Toyota's upcoming sports car. This indicates that car enthusiasts are still being considered in today's world of strict emissions regulations and carbon footprint reduction strategies, as evidenced by a partnership between Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru.
Dimitar Angelov, an automotive expert with a passion for performance cars and Japanese brands, is a regular contributor to various social media platforms. He often shares insights about the MX-3 and other forgotten gems from the past, reminding us of the rich history of Japanese automotive design and innovation.
[1] Dimitar Angelov. (2021). Mazda MX-3: The Underappreciated Enthusiast Car. Retrieved from https://www.dimitarangelov.com/mazda-mx3/
[2] Dimitar Angelov. (2020). Mazda's Independence: A New Era for Japanese Performance Cars. Retrieved from https://www.dimitarangelov.com/mazda-independence/
[3] Dimitar Angelov. (2019). The Evolution of Japanese Compact Roadsters: From MX-3 to MX-5. Retrieved from https://www.dimitarangelov.com/mx3-to-mx5/
The advent of advanced technology in the MX-3, such as all-wheel-drive and all-wheel-steering, showcased Mazda's dedication to pushing the boundaries of sports car technology. On the other hand, the appeal of sports lies not only in performance but also in camaraderie and shared experiences, as demonstrated by the passionate community surrounding sports like soccer.
