Noodle vs. Strudel: WebRidesTV pits MS3 against R32

Everyone loves a good shootout and it's even better when the two vehicles duking it out are actually attainable. Enter the WebRidesTV crew who setup shop at our new favorite road course, the Horse Thief Mile at Willow Springs, to run the Mazdaspeed3 and Volkswagen R32 through their paces to see which vehicle provides the best bang for the buck in the hotter-than-hot hatch segment. While the performance and price discrepancy is rather high – the R32 is packing fewer ponies but comes in with a higher sticker – the reviewer is keen to point out that both models have their high and low points. The MS3 may put down better lap times, but the R32 might have it beat on interior accoutrements and a more Grand Touring demeanor -- as with any review, it comes down to what you value more.
You can view this newest review from WebRidesTV after the jump and check out their last shootout between the Roush and Saleen from last month.

[ Via: Autoblog (Mazda) ]
[ Tag: mazda,mazdaspeed3,r32,volkswagen,volkswagen r32,VolkswagenR32,vw,vw r32,VwR32 ]

From the Awesome Files: V6 Miata auto-x weapon

You don't need to spend much time with a Miata to "get" why so many drivers are attracted to them. Perfectly executed and relentlessly entertaining, it's no surprise that Mazda's little roadster is the track-day weapon of choice for a number of people. While countless 4-banger Miatas do their thing on the autocross circuit, one Mark Snell was interested in kicking things up a level so he could run with the big boys in their 'Vettes and similar machinery. His solution? Drop a Mazda 2.5L V6 into his blue roadster's engine bay, then modify and tune it to the point where it's pushing 180 horsepower to the rear wheels. The view underhood is plenty cool -- we especially dig those Suzuki GSX-R1000 throttle bodies he's added. The Miata sounds pretty mean, too. Follow the jump for a video in which Snell gives a tour of his car and discusses the modifications he's made before taking viewers for a quick spin.

[ Via: Driving Sports ]
[ Tag: auto-x,autocross,mark snell,MarkSnell,mazda miata,MazdaMiata,miata,miata v6,MiataV6,v6 miata,V6Miata ]

VIDEO: Driving the Mazda Furai concept at Buttonwillow

Of all the Nagare-themed concepts that Mazda has released over the past two years, one stands out. The Mazda Furai concept was unveiled this past January in Detroit and it walked away with our internal Best of Show award. Built around Mazda's two-year-old ALMS Courage C65 chassis and motivated by a 450-hp, three-rotor Wankel juiced by E100 Ethanol, the Furai was a concept that stood above the rest. Part of that was due to its stunning design, but mainly because it was also runner. And run it does. We've already seen video of the Furai testing at a track in Japan, and now we get to experience what its like inside during a few hot laps around the Buttonwillow circuit. Hit the jump to check it out, and make sure your speakers are turned up to 11, unless you're still at work.

[ Via: Autoblog (Mazda) ]
[ Tag: buttonwillow, furai, mazda, mazda furai buttonwillow, mazda furai video, MazdaFuraiButtonwillow, MazdaFuraiVideo, video ]