Spy Photos: Future Mazdaspeed 3

Spied testing this week on the Nürburgring circuit, the new five-door hatch's profile looks generally unchanged, but the side detailing is completely new. A new dual-exhaust system highlights the sculpted rear bumper design. The rear wing is similar to the current model's, but appears to be slightly larger on this prototype.

Those enthusiasts hoping for a front-mounted intercooler will be disappointed, as the hood scoop indicates that the top-mounted intercooler layout of the current Mazdaspeed 3 has been carried over to the new car.

Although the '10 Mazda 3 sedan gets a 2.5-liter engine, the Mazdaspeed 3 could retain the existing 2.3-liter, with Mazda massaging the turbo for more power, better boost response and improved fuel economy.

Inside Line says: Although the new Mazda 3 sedan will bow at the L.A. show next month, the Mazdaspeed 3 hatch will not join it on the stand this fall. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor