Mazda CX-7 Adrenaline: SEMA 2006

Motoring Channel Staff - 3/Nov/2006

Las Vegas, America — Mazda's CX-7 crossover vehicle was only just launched in Australia at the recent Sydney Motor Show, but it's already been on sale in America for a while, and it was only a matter of time before modifiers got their hands on it. 

But is this a sports car or an SUV? Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) unveiled a more powerful, more aggressive CX-7, code-named Adrenaline, which is designed and built by Mazda Design North America in Irvine, California.

Based on the all-new Mazda CX-7, Adrenaline is a fully running prototype that showcases Mazda's commitment to performance. "Adrenaline is athletically inspired for people who demand a car that is as lean and fit as they are and represents their passions, yet doesn’t sacrifice in hauling those passions around," said Franz von Holzhausen, design director, MNAO. "Adrenaline is tuned like an avid cyclist, and delivers on the promise."

To give Mazda’s latest crossover SUV a true sports car feel, Mazda engineers converted the CX-7’s stock 6-speed automatic transmission to a 6-speed manual, and, as CX-7 shares its driveline with the MAZDASPEED6 (called Mazda6 MPS in Australia: reviewed here), they naturally chose to use the same transmission found in the turbocharged Mazda6. With the help of rallyist and drifter Rhys Millen and his team in Huntington Beach, California, Adrenaline pushes out more than 300 horsepower (224kW), 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. 

Other performance enhancements include a remote oil cooler and repositioned intercooler located opposite the oil cooler in the front fascia.

A wider, lower stance and a bold new face give the all-wheel-drive Adrenaline an aggressive and firmly planted sporty 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 3-inch wider overall stance. Wheel wells are filled out through the fitment of 22-inch 'EXE' wheels with a greater-than-stock offset and 285/35 R22 Yokohama tyres, providing an aggressive look and sure on-the-road ride and handling.

Re-trimmed to suit an avid cyclist, Adrenaline's interior includes a leather-wrapped instrument panel, a center console-integrated iPOD and sporty, laser-etched front and rear bucket seats. An integrated bike rack runs down the spine of the roof, while clear moon-roof panels run from header to spoiler, adding to the feeling of space in the interior. Removable DVD systems from Visteon are integrated into the interior roof panel.

Inspired by the yellow jerseys worn by bicyclists to signify stage and overall winners, Mazda designers chose gradating yellow paint theme, which gives the impression of the vehicle punching through the atmosphere. It is bright, bold and sporty. Guaranteed to turn heads at SEMA, Adrenaline delivers on the promise of Zoom-Zoom and adroitly crosses the line between an SUV and a sports car – more practical, but just as much fun.

Related articles:

- Mazda6 MPS: Road Test (MAZDASPEED6)
- Mazda MX-5: Road Test (Miata)