Mazda CX-7

[The_Saint]

http://www.mph-online.com/web/spyphotos/009

http://www.mph-online.com/web/spyphotos/008

At last January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit , Mazda showed its MX-Crossport concept vehicle, and noted that such a sporty crossover vehicle was definitely headed to production. More recently, Mazda announced that the new SUV would be named the CX-7. Now these latest photos capture a prototype CX-7 undergoing testing in the* U.S.* southwest.



Unlike our previous photos, which caught a test mule vehicle, this prototype uses the final production body panels, wheels, etc. What is most surprising about the CX-7 is how very stylish and sporty-looking it is - just like the MX-Crossport at the auto show. Normally concept cars have futuristic styling that is greatly toned-down when the vehicle is redesigned for production. Not this time! The production CX-7 keeps the bold wheel arches, the upsweeping beltline, the steeply sloping windshield, in fact the entire style of the MX-Crossport intact. The only changes to be seen are minor ones like the absence of a clear plastic panel over the rear license plate.



Just one look at the big alloy wheels and low-profile tires is all it takes to know that this SUV is made to tear up twisty highways, not to go off-road climbing over boulders. Indeed Mazda has already made it clear that the CX-7 will have the utility of an SUV, but the handling dynamics of a sports sedan.



The size of the CX-7 will likely be similar to the MX-Crossport concept vehicle, which is 182.3 inches in length, 76.0 inches wide, and 64.2 inches high, riding on a wheelbase of 110.0 inches. The engine will likely be a 3.0- to 3.5-liter V-6. A late 2006 or early 2007 introduction is expected.

Source: http://www.thecarconnection.com

Picture:

[roofadoofalus]

import guru, which mazda dealer in ATL do you work at?

[Duncan]

Originally posted by The_Saint@Sep 4 2005, 09:49 AM

[snapback]301899[/snapback]

That's a good looker - love those thick-spoke rims.

Only thing I have against it is that, aside from the turbo-MZR Mazdaspeed model, the engines will be exclusively Ford-based - the 3.0 Duratec and the new 3.5 Hurricane. That 3.5 should put out over 250hp, though, so it'll at least be quick.

Too bad Mazda apparently can't be trusted to make its own V6 engines anymore - what was so wrong with the KL or JE?

[Nimz]

pretty cool dash

[roofadoofalus]

its not bad

[excluesiveonez]

mitsu endeavor meet lexus rx330

[moethepaki]

A little preview of what's to come...

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/disp...er=upcomingCX7

[The_Saint]

All-New Mazda CX-7

The Mazda CX-7 crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV) will make its public debut at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, and the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2006.

Arriving in the North American market in the first half of 2006 and in the Australian market a year later, the five-seat CX-7 embodies an astute blend of sports car verve and SUV practicality, resulting in a fun-to-drive SUV with Mazda’s trademark “Soul of a Sports car”. It is a vehicle that brings together performance and design like never before.

Prominent front fenders, A-pillars rooted at the body’s leading edge, and Mazda’s signature five-pointed grille clearly register this new model as a Mazda. Large eighteen-inch aluminum wheels proclaim CX-7’s Zoom-Zoom intentions.

The sporty interior fulfills every car enthusiast’s innate desire to jump in and drive. Along with this sporty overall image, high quality is achieved through detailed craftsmanship.

The Mazda CX-7 is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine, MZR 2.3L DISI TURBO that in North American tune produces a hearty 180 kilowatts at 5,000 rpm.

A High-Styled Crossover SUV With the Soul of a Sportscar

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced details of its much-anticipated upcoming 2007 Mazda CX-7 crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV). The company also confirmed that the car will make its public debut at the upcoming Greater Los Angeles Auto Show here, and the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2006.

The Mazda CX-7 is the first of three all-new Mazda vehicles that are being designed and engineered specifically for the North American market.

Mazda's five-seat CX-7 is a refreshing departure from the fleet of traditional SUVs currently plying American roads. Produced on entirely Mazda- derived platform architecture, Mazda CX-7 embodies an astute blend of sports car verve and SUV practicality, resulting in a fun-to-drive SUV with Mazda's trademark "Soul of a Sportscar." It is a vehicle that brings together performance and design like never before. The Mazda CX-7 is just right for adventurous couples driven by the urge for discovery.

"The North American market continues to play a pivotal role in Mazda Motor Corporation's global future," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "Vehicles such as CX-7, designed and engineered specifically for the North American market, will make Mazda an important and influential force in the industry. This vehicle represents everything a Mazda SUV should be: powerful, great styling, detailed craftsmanship and fun to drive. Mazda at its finest."

The distinctive exterior design of the Mazda CX-7 is an extension of the sports car motif influenced by the 1995 RX-01 and 2005 MX-Crossport concept vehicles. In addition, CX-7's strong emotional styling shows its family resemblance to the RX-8 sports car. Prominent front fenders, A-pillars rooted at the body's leading edge, and Mazda's signature five-pointed grille clearly register this new model as a Mazda. The 18-inch aluminum wheels and tires proclaim Mazda CX-7's Zoom-Zoom intentions and immediately signal that this is a vehicle built for drivers.

An interior design, also previewed by the MX-Crossport concept, fulfills every car enthusiast's innate desire to jump in and drive. The three-dial instrument cluster, sports car inspired high-mounted shifter and form-fitting front bucket seats are configured for spirited motoring. The instrument panel consists of a unique 'double-roof' structure, in which a small 'roof' over the meter cluster is positioned just in front of a large 'roof' that extends across the entire instrument panel. The 60-40 split rear seat accommodates three adults in comfort and quickly converts to an extension of the 29.9-cu. ft. cargo hold, bringing total cargo capacity up to 58.6-cu. ft. The 39-inch-long rear compartment (seats up) offers more stowage space than some larger SUVs.

Matching the sporty appearance is Mazda CX-7's powerful and dynamic performance. Mazda CX-7 is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine that produces 244-horsepower at 5,000 rpm. While key powertrain features are shared with the recently launched MAZDASPEED6, the Mazda CX-7 is exclusively tuned to deliver 258 lb-ft of torque at a remarkably low 2,500 rpm, and at least 99-percent of the maximum torque available all the way to the 5,000 rpm horsepower peak. With Mazda's six-speed Sport AT transmission, CX-7 performs as if there's an engine twice the size under the hood. Furthermore, the Mazda CX-7 delivers an estimated 23 mpg in combined driving.

A sturdy unitized body structure, fully independent suspension, and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with standard four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS), underlie Mazda CX-7's athletic road manners. Customers may select the driveline best suited to their needs: Front-Wheel Drive or Mazda's Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive. With Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive, a computer-controlled coupling feeds up to 50-percent of the engine's torque to the rear wheels for exceptional handling whether the driving conditions are dry and fast or slippery and paced.

Mazda CX-7 arrives in the spring of 2006 as a 2007 model.

Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer parts and service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than 700 dealerships nationwide. [/b]

[The_Saint]

Offical pics and info of the CX-7.
Mazda Site for the CX-7

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced details of its much-anticipated upcoming 2007 Mazda CX-7 crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV). The company also confirmed that the car will make its public debut at the upcoming Greater Los Angeles Auto Show here, and the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2006.

The Mazda CX-7 is the first of three all-new Mazda vehicles that are being designed and engineered specifically for the North American market.

Mazda’s five-seat CX-7 is a refreshing departure from the fleet of traditional SUV ’ s currently plying American roads. Produced on entirely Mazda-derived platform architecture, Mazda CX-7 embodies an astute blend of sports car verve and SUV practicality, resulting in a fun-to-drive SUV with Mazda’s trademark “Soul of a Sportscar” . It is a vehicle that brings together performance and design like never before. The Mazda CX-7 is just right for adventurous couples driven by the urge for discovery.

“The North American market continues to play a pivotal role in Mazda Motor Corporation’s global future,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. “Vehicles such as CX-7, designed and engineered specifically for the North American market, will make Mazda an important and influential force in the industry . This vehicle represents everything a Mazda SUV should be: powerful, great styling , detailed craftsmanship and fun to drive. Mazda at its finest” .

The distinctive exterior design of the Mazda CX-7 is an extension of the sports car motif influenced by the 1995 RX-01 and 2005 MX-Crossport concept vehicles. In addition, CX-7’s strong emotional styling shows its family resemblance to the RX-8 sports car. Prominent front fenders, A-pillars rooted at the body’s leading edge, and Mazda’s signature five-pointed grille clearly register this new model as a Mazda. The 18- inch aluminum wheels and tires proclaim Mazda CX-7’s Zoom-Zoom intentions and immediately signal that this is a vehicle built for drivers.

An interior design , also previewed by the MX-Crossport concept , fulfills every car enthusiast’s innate desire to jump in and drive. The three- dial instrument cluster, sports car inspired high-mounted shifter and fo rm-fitting front bucket seats are configured for spirited motoring. The instrument panel consists of a unique ‘double-roof’ structure, in which a small ‘roof’ over the meter cluster is positioned just in front of a large ‘roof’ that extends across the entire instrument panel. The 60-40 split rear seat accommodates three adults in comfort and quickly converts to an extension of the 29.9 -cu. ft. cargo hold, bringing total cargo capacity up to 58.6- cu. ft . The 39-inch-long rear compartment (seats up) offers more stowage space than some larger SUVs.

Matching the sporty appearance is Mazda CX-7’s powerful and dynamic performance. Mazda CX-7 is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine that produce s 244-horsepower at 5,000 rpm. While key powertrain features are shared with the recently launched MAZDASPEED 6 , the Mazda CX-7 is exclusively tuned to deliver 258 lb-ft of torque at a remarkably low 2, 5 00 rpm, and at least 99-percent of the maximum torque available all the way to the 5,000 rpm horsepower peak. With Mazda’s six-speed Sport AT transmission, CX-7 performs as if there’s an engine twice the size under the hood. Furthermore, the Mazda CX-7 delivers an estimated 23 mpg in combined driving.

A sturdy unitized body structure, fully independent suspension, and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with standard four-wheel anti-lock braking system ( ABS ) , Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS), underlie Mazda CX-7’s athletic road manners. Customers may select the driveline best suited to their needs: F ront-Wheel Drive or Mazda’s Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive . With Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive , a computer-controlled coupling feeds up to 50-percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels for exceptional handling whether the driving conditions are dry and fast or slippery and paced.

Mazda CX-7 arrives in the spring of 2006 as a 2007 model.

Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer parts and service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States . Headquartered in Irvine , Calif. , MNAO has more than 700 dealerships nationwide[/b]

Picture Gallery

[hitDroad]

That looks like a sleek finish. The interior's a killer!

____________________
Marie Jane

Mazdaspeed 6 Accessories - Download the Mazdaspeed Performance Accessories 2006 Catalog by Mazda USA