Has anyone heard anything about this? I am not interested in buying one, but it seems odd to release a car in the 3 range that will outpower a 231 RX-8?

Different market i would think.
It sounds like a quick car though.

different market? a mazda 3 with that power isnt going to be too far away from the price of a rex, which is where my confusion lies.

linky - http://www.worldcarfans.com/spyphotos.cfm/country/jcf/s...zda-3-mps-spy-photos

god its ugly

Different style of cars though, surely and one is a rotary.
Not everyone wants the fuel and oil consumption of an RX8, nice cars but they drink both liquids for fun.

I'm interested to find out if they will be able put down 256 bhp through the front wheels properly?

See as Alfa failed miserably with the 250 bhp 147 GTA & Vauxhall have a hard time with the 237 bhp Astra VXR, I don't hold out much hope.

My 147 GTA was a swine to control under power.

the new mazda 6 thing with 250bhp has 4 wheel drive and it has a good rating, stick that in the mazda 3, could be a good car! even tho its butt ugly and has a dull cabin and is a bit bland.

Why can't they just stop messing about with FWD and make some normal cars with RWD.