Performance
The V6 MX-3 had a factory claimed top speed of 202 km/h (126 mph) (in European trim). The US-spec MX-3 GS could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 8.4 seconds, and could travel a quarter mile in 16.4 seconds. With a turning rate of 0.89 g (8.7 m/s²), its handling capabilities were among the best in its class.
The V6 engine was impressive for the time, belonging to the Mazda K-series, which were used in a range of Mazda vehicles. These engines were designed to be smooth and hold a high torque across the rpm range. These engines used a variable length intake manifold (VLIM), in order to provide optimal torque using intake resonance. Mazda called their system on the MX-3 the "Variable Resonance Induction System" (VRIS). This engine had a 7,000 rpm redline, and a 7,800 rpm fuel cutoff. It has been rumored that Porsche designers assisted in the creation of the K series engine.
For the rear suspension of the MX-3, Mazda used its proprietary Twin-Trapezoidal Link (TTL) technology. TTL is designed to provide a smooth ride while delivering responsive handling and minimizing body lean. It achieves this by passively allowing the rear wheels to turn slightly to more closely approach their optimal angle during steering maneuvers. In this way, TTL delivers some of the benefits associated with active four-wheel steering systems while being lighter and mechanically less complicated than such systems. TTL has been used on a range of other Mazda vehicles before and since the MX-3.
Read more about this topic: Mazda MX-3
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—Melinda M. Marshall (20th century)