Car Show

2027 Mazda3: Enduring Manual, Enhanced Features, and AWD Options

The 2027 Mazda3 arrives with an exciting blend of tradition and innovation, offering a manual transmission for driving enthusiasts alongside a host of technological upgrades and expanded all-wheel-drive options. This refresh underscores Mazda's dedication to delivering a dynamic and well-equipped compact vehicle.

Experience the Perfect Blend of Engagement and Innovation

Maintaining the Manual Legacy

For enthusiasts, the most significant news is the continued availability of the manual transmission. The 2027 Mazda3 2.5 S Premium Plus Hatchback proudly offers a six-speed Skyactiv-MT manual, paired with front-wheel drive, ensuring an engaging driving experience remains an option for those who cherish it.

Enhanced Features Across All Trims

The 2027 Mazda3 lineup sees significant feature enhancements across all models. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, alongside wireless phone charging, boosting convenience and connectivity for all occupants. Specific trims, like the 2.5 S Select Sport, receive 18-inch black metallic wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and advanced keyless entry, further elevating the standard offerings.

Expanded All-Wheel Drive Availability

All-wheel drive (AWD) is now more widely available across the Mazda3 range. The 2.5 S Preferred Hatchback can be equipped with Mazda's i-Activ all-wheel-drive system, providing enhanced traction and control. The 2.5 S Premium sedan also features i-Activ AWD as standard, coupled with luxurious leather upholstery and a premium Bose sound system.

Power and Performance: Turbocharged Options

For those desiring more potent performance, the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus continues to impress. Its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque when fueled with 93-octane. This top-tier model comes exclusively with AWD and an automatic transmission, complemented by distinctive exterior styling, including a black rear spoiler and enhanced aerodynamic elements.

Advanced Safety as Standard

Mazda prioritizes safety with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features across the 2027 Mazda3 lineup. These include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, high-beam control, Smart Brake Support, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, ensuring peace of mind for every journey.

Detailed Pricing for 2027 Mazda3 Lineup

The 2027 Mazda3 offers a range of models and configurations to suit diverse preferences and budgets. The sedan lineup begins at $26,065 for the 2.5 S FWD, while the hatchback starts at $28,355 for the 2.5 S Select Sport FWD. The manual 2.5 S Premium Plus Hatchback is priced at $33,265, and the powerful 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus Hatchback with AWD sits at the top with a starting price of $39,505. These prices include the $1,315 destination charge, offering clear value across the board.

Dodge's Re-entry into NASCAR Cup Series

Dodge is poised to make its highly anticipated comeback to the NASCAR Cup Series, a move announced by Tim Kuniskis, Stellantis North America's head of performance. This return will see Dodge fielding two Charger-based vehicles in partnership with Kaulig Racing, commencing with the 2027 season. The ambitious timeline necessitates a real-time development process, foregoing the usual multi-year preparation period, a challenge embraced by the brand and supported by NASCAR officials.

Kuniskis revealed the significant news on the eve of the 2026 SEMA show, highlighting that while a minimum of three years is typically advised for developing a Cup car, Dodge is committed to an accelerated schedule. This expedited entry means the team will adapt and refine their vehicles and program as the season progresses. Despite acknowledging the premature nature of this return, Kuniskis expressed confidence, suggesting that even if initial performance is not optimal, the learning experience will be invaluable. He also hinted at additional strategies designed to maintain Dodge's relevance and generate buzz within the competitive landscape of the series.

The decision to rejoin the series quickly has garnered a positive reception from NASCAR event management president, John Probst, who appreciates Dodge's readiness to learn on the fly. Further specific details about the car's design and the driver lineup are expected to be unveiled on December 4. This announcement marks a significant moment for both Dodge and NASCAR, signaling a fresh wave of competition and excitement for fans and participants alike.

Dodge's imminent return to the NASCAR Cup Series with Kaulig Racing in 2027 represents a bold strategic decision. The brand plans to deploy two Charger-based cars, embracing an expedited development process that will unfold in real-time on the track. This proactive approach, championed by Tim Kuniskis, underscores a commitment to innovation and adaptability in high-stakes motor racing, promising an exciting and dynamic re-entry into the elite competition.

See More

Toyota Revives Celica for WRC, Hints at Road Car Return

After extensive anticipation and various clues, Toyota has officially confirmed the revival of its esteemed Celica badge. For the immediate future, this resurgence is dedicated to the World Rally Championship, rather than consumer vehicles, although a street-legal version appears increasingly probable.

Toyota's announcement on Tuesday revealed that the new GR Celica will join the 2027 World Rally Championship roster, marking the return of one of the brand's most iconic names to the competitive stage. It will race alongside a new GR Yaris rally vehicle. While this announcement doesn't guarantee a production model just yet, it significantly bolsters rumors regarding Toyota's development of a new sports car for the road.

The Celica is once again poised for competition. Toyota will deploy the GR Celica under its new Toyota Racing division, complementing a separate Gazoo Racing team that will campaign the next-generation GR Yaris. Both vehicles are being developed at Toyota's rally headquarters in Jyväskylä, Finland, and are expected to deliver comparable power and performance under the WRC's new 2027 technical regulations, with homologation anticipated to conclude by late 2026. The participation of the Celica in rally racing suggests a promising future for the model beyond the track.

The reintroduction of the Celica name to Toyota's rally program is an exciting development, hinting strongly at the possibility of a production version in the near future. This sentiment is further supported by recent sightings of a secretive two-door Toyota prototype undergoing tests, which, given its distinct coupe-like design, is clearly not a GR Yaris. Such test runs have provided additional glimpses, increasing the anticipation among enthusiasts. While these events do not definitively guarantee a new Celica for consumers, they certainly align with and reinforce the widespread speculation.

See More