I just posted about this in another thread...

wait for Hypertech to release their Max Energy Sport Power Programmer (they are still working on the programmer for the 2010 Mz3). here is the programmer for the 1st gen. 3, so you can get an idea of what it will offer: Hypertech. highlights: adds 6-7 hp & 7-10 ft-lbs. torque, allows you to increase speed limiter (25 - 75 mpg in 5 mpg increments), allows you to increase or decrease rev limiter, and more. a bunch of people on mazdas247 are running these on their 2010 MS3s and first gen. Mz3s/MS3s and really seem to like them.

 

this is very interesting, will look into that.
Funny how they do bikes at 186 and cars at a low 118 :mellow 1:

 

I am lost for why the programming would generically govern the speed so low, well outside a reasonable margin of error.

Here's a history lesson for you: it's part of the same "gentleman's agreement" amongst the Japanese auto manufacturers that also limited max. hp to 280 for many years: it's all about the concept of "mutual self-restraint," which started in the 70s and 80s to stop street gangs from disrupting traffic and breaking traffic laws as well as to reduce road fatalities. here's a brief article about it from the Japan Times: Why Japan finally got its foot off the brake | The Japan Times Online. I believe most of the Japanese manufacturers still limit speed to 112 mph (180 kph) or 118 mph (190 kph).

 

AHAH. good article, I'd guess it was limited at 118, because it was clearly over 112, and slightly more than 115, just rounded

 

yeah, 118 sounds right. you should check out that Hypertech programmer.

 

seriously? i rarely post and this is what happens?

http://mazda3revolution.com/forums/2010-mazda-3-discussion/1642-top-speed.html

http://mazda3revolution.com/forums/2010-mazda-3-discussion/1236-top-speed.html