2008 Mazda CX-7 news, pictures, and information

An advanced and sporty image was pursued in designing the interior. 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 bringing together the driver and front passenger. Helping lure drivers inside is a three-dial instrument cluster, a console supporting the shifter within close reach, three-spoke §teering wheel and firmly contoured front bucket seats, all finished wîth a high quality feel.

Detailed attention is given to the entire interior, including the cargo area. For the two-tone trim, the side surface two-tone graphic reaching from the front doors all the way to the cargo space stylishly harmonizes wîth the kicked-up beltline of the exterior side view.

A high level of craftsmanship completes the interior design. For example, the §teering wheel and shift knob are covered by high quality leather specially contoured for optimum tactile feel. The ventilation dials, glove box door knob and door armrests were all designed to provide a high quality look and feel. Soft-trim graining was engineered for perfect color match, minimal reflectivity and low gloss. Mazda's attention to detail is visible upon first glance into the vehicle.

ZOOM-ZOOM WITH ROOM

The chief designer mapped out the CX-7 wîth ample space for five occupants. The rear seat not only carries three passengers in comfort, it also splits and folds 60:40 to increase cargo capacity and versatility.

To venture far beyond normal utility expectations, CX-7 has a cargo floor that is significantly longer than competitive models at approximately 70-inches wîth a flat load surface and a lip to prevent luggage from sliding forward. With the rear seats in use, the cargo length is an impressive 39-inches and can accommodate three full-size golf bags. Rear seatback releases are located in the side of the cargo area for easy fold down from the rear. One side of the reversible trunk board is made of plastic, enabling the owner to carry soiled items without staining the carpet.

Thorough research aimed at determining what personal possessions young couples are most likely to carry resulted in glove box, floor console, and door pocket designs that accommodate life's paraphernalia. For example, the lockable center console can swallow a compact laptop computer and space is provided for coins and sunglasses. Front door pockets are handy locations for beverage bottles. Two cup holders in the center console offer a stable place to carry large containers without interfering wîth shift lever operation. A pocket attached to the front seatback is ideal for maps and brochures.

BALANCE OF AMPLE POWER AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE

The heart of every Mazda is its spirited powertrain. Únder the hood of the CX-7 is a version of the turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine, similar to that fitted to the MAZDASPEED3. Engineered to deliver high performance at all speeds, along wîth low exhaust emissions and excellent fuel economy, Mazda's MZR 2.3 DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) turbo-charged engine produces an enthusiastic 244 horsepower at 5,000 rpm in the CX-7. For 2008, the CX-7's engine has been re-programmed and fitted wîth a new catalyst, making premium fuel now recommended, rather than required.

Key building blocks are aluminum block and head construction wîth forged internal components — crankshaft and connecting rods — for long-lasting durability. Balance shafts curb noise and vibration. A large air-to-air intercooler and direct fuel injection cool temperature inside the cylinder. Shifting gasoline's change in state from liquid to vapor from the intake manifold to the cylinder provides the substantial cooling effect. The low charge temperature permits use of high compression ratio — 9.5:1 — which boosts low- and mid-range torque by approximately 10 percent over conventional turbo engines.

All CX-7s feature a standard turbocharger. The refined area of the turbine inlet port enhances throttle response at low rpm and diminishes boost lag. When the driver nudges the throttle, acceleration is reminiscent of a much larger displacement engine, one approaching twice the size of the 2.3-liter MZR engine, but without the extra weight that hampers agility and the extra consumption that boosts emissions and operating costs.
The MZR 2.3 DISI turbo engine's torque peaks at a low 2,500 rpm when 258 lb-ft of torque is available. It is tuned so that muscular feel begins at 2,000 rpm, and maintains at least 99 percent of the maximum torque all the way to 5,000 rpm, where peak horsepower is delivered.
Low exhaust emissions are achieved by connecting the catalytic converter directly to the turbocharger to shorten the time required for the catalyst to become effective. The CX-7 meets stringent federal Tier 2 Bin 5 and California LEV-II emissions standards. ( posted on conceptcarz.com)

DETERMINED DRIVE

	Vital Stats
Engine : 2.3 L., 4-cylinder Power: 244 hp Torque: 258 ft-lbs
6-speed Automatic

Advanced transmission and drive components pass the engine's power cleanly to the pavement. The six-speed Sport AT automatic transmission provides the full manual control demanded by assertive drivers. Shifts are crisp, in keeping wîth CX-7's sportscar character.

Two drivelines are offered: Front-Wheel Drive or Mazda's Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive. The latter system uses a computer-controlled coupling integrated wîth the rear differential to deliver up to half the available torque to the rear wheels on demand. Sensors monitor engine information, individual wheel speeds, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) operation, and the CX-7's standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system to optimize torque distribution. Whether the driving conditions are dry and fast or slippery and moderately paced, exceptional handling is assured.

CRAFTY CHASSIS WITH MAZDA SPORTSCAR DNA