Mazda finally pulled the wraps off the 2010 Mazda 3. The new design is bold, but retains the familar Mazda family traits. The new 2.5L engine on the s trim and is now more powerful and smoother than its 2.3L predecessor. The 2.5L engine delivers an impressive 167 horsepower, 168 lb-ft of torque and a new 6-speed manual transmission or available 5-speed Sport automatic transmission with manual-shift mode. The i-trim is more fuel efficient , earning up to 33 mpg highway.
Mazda had come a long way in the past 5 years and has regained its reputation for building reliable and fun to drive cars. Look for future announcements on the Mazda 3 as well as the upcoming MazdaSpeed 3.

2010 Mazda 3

2010 Mazda 3

Ford has been releasing weekly pictures of the 2010 Ford Mustang. Rumor has it that Ford may use the 3.5 V6 in the base model. Expect the V6 to put out upwards of 260HP. Ford is also rumored to use the all new 5.0 engine in the GT. The 5.0 V8 is based on the current 4.6L 3V engine. Expect horse power between 325 and 350. Other rumors include using the 3.5 Ecoboost engine that should produce upwards of 350 horsepower. This engine will most likely be used in special verision of the 2011 Mustang. These upgrades are desperately needed to keep pace with the all new Camaro and Challenger.

Chevrolet has finally released photos of the production version of the 2010 Camaro.  Late to the show once again (as in 1967), the Camaro will have some catching up to do.  All though few details have been announced, it is known that the Camaro will have both a V6 and V8 option. The V6 has been lifted from the Cadillac CTS. With 3.6 liters and somewhere north of 300HP the base Camaro should out-run most V6s, both foreign and domestic.  The V8 Camaro, dubbed the SS, will sport the 6.2 liter engine from the Corvette. The V8 powered Camaro with the manual transmission will make north of 400HP and should provide enough power to easily smoke any 4.6 liter mustang in its path.  The muscle car war is back with the new Challenger and the updated Mustang that will be released late in 2009 as a 2010 model.  With gas prices over $4 per gallon and the government implementing new, higher fuel standars this war may be over before it starts. Whether it’s Camaro, Challenger or Mustang, I say get your order in soon as the party may not last.