Cars Reviews

2010 Mazda CX-7

The big news coming out of the Canadian International Auto Show for 2010 is that the CX-7 is getting a new 2.5-liter normally-aspirated four-cylinder model (the same engine is employed in the 2010 Mazda6 and Mazda3). So-equipped, the CX-7 generates 161 horsepower (at 6000 rpm) and maximum torque of 161 pound-feet of torque (at 3500 rpm). The turbocharged, 244-horsepower 2.3-liter engine remains unchanged. Further details like fuel-economy, price, and trim specification for this model will be revealed “at a later date,” and in fact there is no official confirmation that the normally-aspirated inline-four will come to America, although it would be hard to imagine Mazda not doing so.

For 2010, Mazda’s performance-minded SUV gets a makeover inside and out. The changes add up to a great value equation — the CX-7 is a great family SUV with cool styling and a sporty driving experience.

Test drivers find the 2010 Mazda CX-7 continues to offer deliciously sporty performance, especially for an SUV. Though reviewers heavily criticized the previous model’s fuel economy, a new normally aspirated engine for 2010 offers a more efficient option. “Cruising down the coast, we felt — if only for a moment — that there might be something to Mazda’s claim of ‘the soul of a sports car,’” says CNET. “The CX-7 has the heart. Mazda’s crossover certainly feels sporty in the power and the handling departments, as long as you don’t push it too hard.”

Mazda Nagare

The Nagare (pronounced “na-ga-re”) is a concept car that was introduced by Mazda at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Nagare is considered to be an exercise in natural and organic car design to explore the future of Mazda automobiles. Its name “Nagare” translates into English as “flow” and the designers specifically studied motion and the effect it has on natural surroundings when creating this vehicle.

It was designed by Laurens van den Acker, Mazda’s global design director, and his advanced design studio team in Irvine, California. As head of the international Nagare design team, Laurens’ main task from Mazda was to design first and engineering later.

Engine

Powertrain details are largely speculated at this time. Mazda has not release information on the specifics of the engine and performance because they want to focus on the design elements of the car. Some believe that the Nagare could be equipped with a future Mazda hydrogen-fueled rotary engine.

Mazda is maintaining the soul of a sports car, like all their products, with the design of the Nagare. The body work is not only form but functional in decreasing wind drag. The wheels of the Nagare are also positioned at the far corners of the envelope for quick steering response and agile maneuverability.

Wikipedia