Together with the Kabura Concept, at the next Detroit Auto Show Mazda will unveil the CX-7, a SUV vehicle specifically designed for the North American market.

Design

"Prominent front bumpers, A-pillars rooted at the body’s leading edge and Mazda’s signature five-pointed grille make this model instantly recognisable as a Mazda. Large 18-inch aluminium wheels and a sporty interior fulfil every car enthusiast’s innate desire to jump in and drive, while high quality is achieved through detailed craftsmanship."

“The North American market continues to play a pivotal role in Mazda Motor Corporation’s global future,” said Jim O’Sullivan, President and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. “Vehicles such as CX-7 and others in the pipeline, designed and engineered specifically for the North American market, will make Mazda an important and influential force in the industry."

Features

The Mazda CX-7 is powered by the MZR 2.3-litre DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) TURBO, an intercooled 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine, that produces a hearty 244 bhp at 5,000 rpm.

Matching the sporty appearance is Mazda CX-7’s powerful and dynamic performance. While key powertrain features are shared with the Mazda6 MPS (set for launch in January in the UK), the Mazda CX-7 is exclusively tuned to deliver 258 lb-ft of torque at just 2,500 rpm for healthy throttle response.

Combined with Mazda’s six-speed Sport automatic transmission, at least 99 per cent of maximum torque is available all the way to 5,000 rpm where peak horsepower is delivered. Furthermore, the Mazda CX-7 is estimated to deliver over 23 mpg in combined driving.

The chassis features fully independent suspension, four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with standard four-wheel ABS, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS).

The driving system can be selected by the driver: front-wheel drive or the exclusive Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive, where a computer controlled coupling feeds up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels.

The CX-7 will go on sale in the North American market in the spring of 2006. The specifications of the European version will be revealed in late 2006.

(Source: Mazda)