Mazda at the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s (SEMA) annual show in Las Vegas this week unveiled CX-7 Adrenaline — a fully running prototype designed to showcase Mazda’s “commitment to performance.”
The SUV has been upgraded to give it sports car-like handling and performance. Mazda engineers converted the CX-7’s stock six-speed automatic transmission to a six-speed manual from the Mazda 6. Adrenaline pushes out more than 300 horsepower, thanks to a re-tuned engine with a modified intake system, header with a free-flow exhaust and more boost from the re-plumped turbo.
A wider, lower stance and a bolder face give the all-wheel-drive Adrenaline an aggressive stance. Unique design cues include new front and rear exterior styling, a clam shell front clip, wrap around rear spoiler and an innovative rear glass design. New fenders and doors give Adrenaline a three-inch wider overall stance. Wheel wells are filled out through the fitment of 22-inch EXE wheels with matching Yokohama tires. Gallery after the jump…
11/02, 12:54 PM
posted by:
Bush
It’s no longer an SUV. It’s a sports wagon. That’s not an issue with me. I like it (minus the paint job).
11/02, 12:55 PM
posted by:
A4
its a kabura SUV
pretty sweet if you ask me
11/02, 1:10 PM
posted by:
interphase
The designers of the Volvo C30 will probably have something to say about that tailgate
Otherwise I quite like it, good profile.. lose the colour from the rims though.
11/02, 1:13 PM
posted by:
moogleii
Lol you’re right, it looks just like it. Then again, Ford owns them both right?
11/02, 1:15 PM
posted by:
nowei
I think the paint is pretty sweet, and I like the fact that it’s not really an SUV (or CUV) anymore. Its got me thinking that there might be a Mazdaspeed CX-7 some time in the future.
I kinda think this is one of the problems facing passenger cars at the moment though. In another thread we were discussing the exciting-ness of cars, and I kind of feel that companies are trying to make exciting crossover vehicles while neglecting the passenger car market. Again, being a (pretty much) Japanese company I think Mazda is doing a better job than most other manufacturers–I mean, they’ve got the RX-8, Mazdaspeed6, Mazdaspeed3, and the Miata–but their focus is primarily on the CX-7. This is the car they’re pushing, and in the ads they’re even trying to sell it as a sports car (or a replacement for a sports car). Yet it isn’t a sports car is it? Not even this adrenaline model.
/no
11/02, 1:15 PM
posted by:
BAMF
I like it, because it just looks like a big hatch, which is the same reason I like the Infiniti FX. I would love to see more SUVs like that.
11/02, 1:36 PM
posted by:
pirelli
Those headlights look like they’re straight off the latest Hyundai concepts. They must be the next big thing.
11/02, 1:46 PM
posted by:
Saud
I think I’ll pass
11/02, 1:48 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
Wow, it looks similar yet distinct from the regular CX-7. Good job, Mazda. I can’t wait to see how the CX-5 and CX-9 will look like once they’re in production.
11/02, 2:37 PM
posted by:
Foster
OF A HYUNDAI more like the hyundai takes everything from other cars. Now idots like you saying it the other way around. Dont confuse yourself
11/02, 3:46 PM
posted by:
joshthenurse
Mazda- release this car with the 6-speed manual and the line will form behind me at the dealership!
11/02, 3:50 PM
posted by:
Scott Kempton
Wow—I like it. A lot. It has a really nice stance to it—much better than the stock CX-7. And the paint job that fades from white to yellow is really nice too.
11/02, 3:52 PM
posted by:
Scott Kempton
Did y’all notice the “docking station” for your iPod on the dash? It’s right above the video screen.
11/02, 5:12 PM
posted by:
bepsf
I don’t know about this – I mean the only thing that’s slightly original here are the Chilewich-style woven vinyl rugs.
The white dash and door panels are nice but are impractical for production, the glass tailgate and split rear seats are Volvo C30 (and Ford Pinto Runabout & Volvo P1800ES before that…), the fascia and split glass roof panels are almost exactly like the Opel Antera concept and the faded-yellow paint looks like its been parked under a carport in LA with the nose exposed to full sun for the past 20 years, and what’s with the 80’s-Velour-Sofa-Fabric on the roof pillars?
Where’s the innovation and new ideas???
11/02, 5:16 PM
posted by:
bepsf
Re: iPod docking station
Yeah, right up high & forward where it can be seen when the machine is parked and a smash & grab can spot it easily, yet out of reach for practical use when driving. Nice touch…
11/02, 6:17 PM
posted by:
pirelli
Foster, I’m sorry you hate Hyundais, but that’s not the point. Where have you seen these Mazda headlights before? I’ve never seen anything like them on a production car. However I have seen similar headlights on the latests Hyundai concepts, like I said. Grow up.
11/02, 6:42 PM
posted by:
Random Jerk
Re: Ipod docking station
11/02, 6:46 PM
posted by:
Random Jerk
Re: Ipod docking station
The whole point of a docking station is to use controls built in the vehicle (steering wheel) so being in reach is irrelevant. Seeing that the iPod is a portable music device, I don’t know why anyone would leave it sitting on the dash to be stolen.
11/03, 9:22 AM
posted by:
Me
That color combo sucks.
11/03, 10:50 AM
posted by:
MyGodBeatsYourGod
Baby-diaper yellow with a little baby powder on the face.
Otherwise, very nice.
…
11/03, 1:04 PM
posted by:
GL1
ALL SUV’s look like Barns anyway…. So what..
04/04, 10:06 AM
posted by:
rishi CX7
Okay, this is soo bull****. I love the CX-7, and i bought one last month. AND NOW THEY LAUNCH THIS? I already Frickin’ buy the original (with touch screen, sport fwd) and now the OH SO AMAZING adrenaline is out. How can i just give my new CX-7 away soo soon?
Damn it, what was i thinking, or what was MAZDA thinking? maybe they could have launched them at the same time, damn it. I can’t modify mine like this!
HELP ME!