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The Mazda CX-5 is S-L-O-W. Slow. We've tested one that swaps gears itself and we've tested one with a row-your-own gearbox and neither fulfilled our need for rapid acceleration nor a high terminal velocity. What the CX-5 offers, however, is F-U-N. Fun. And that fun factor looks to be ratcheted up some with these three concepts Mazda's brought to this year's SEMA show. CX-5 180 Hey, bud, let's party. In the three decades since Jeff Spicoli so concisely summarized the attitude of a then-small-sect of SoCal thrill junkies in 1982's Fast Times at Ridgemont High, extreme sports have become mainstream. And as the collective passion for adventure remains at an all-time high, Spicoli's laid-back attitude has been replaced by a horde of hurried enthusiasts intent on riding the the waves and hitting the slopes in the same 24-hour period. Enter Mazda's CX-5 180, a largely visual interpretation aimed directly at celebrating the unique climate and terrain of Southern California. Sporting a pair of Burton Cheetah snowboards and a Rusty surfboard (both detailed to match the CX-5's graphics) lashed to the roof rack, the CX-5 is equipped for shredding terrain both high and low. A stylistic interpretation of legendary SoCal ski destination Big Bear Lake's summit resides on the driver's side, while the depth details for surf spot Point Dume adorn the passenger side—both with GPS coordinates, no less. The varying hues of Midnight, Denim, Tidal Blue, and Bay Blue signify depth and altitude, while the string of dashes and dots in contrasting Luminous Red indicates roads. Temperature and snow-accumulation and swell-rise details can be found on the leading edge of each of the front doors. Matte red replaces chrome on the vehicle's five-point grille, extending into the headlamps because, hey, why not? Running gear is essentially stock; power from Mazda's all-wheel-drive system is sent to a set of custom-built 20-inch darkened-chrome aluminum wheels wearing Goodyear Eagle F1 tires. Likewise, interior mods are mostly cosmetic: aqua-hued leather is fitted to the front and rear seats, the steering wheel, the door panels, the armrests, and the brake boot. Numerous additional cosmetic touches include red and white contrasting stitching and a custom-painted decoration panel in the topography theme of the exterior.
CX-5 Urban So far has the matte craze gone that Mazda has developed a custom paint process that enables the application of subtle triangular-like shapes of slightly varying hues. We have it on good authority that even the slightest hint of light imbues the otherwise-flat finish with hints of depth. Furthermore, thin pinstripes of a shade referred to as Ore appear as an accent outlining the matte-black wheels, as a precision feature in the headlamps, and as a change of shade to the five-point grille. Pompous additions known as wheel-flare extensions adorn each corner, shrouding a quartet of antagonistic 22-inch Ace Alloy Scorpio matte-black wheels. The CX-5 Urban also features a Racing Beat dual exhaust that's sure to emit a plangent tone. While we can't condone the manufacture of such a roguish vehicle, we must admit it is truly one spectacularly murdered-out hooptie.
CX-5 Dempsey So what if it's just a concept? We've been predicting the arrival of a diesel-powered CX-5 for a year or so, and we'll take it, even with the name Dempsey on the bumper—regardless of whether the reference is to McDreamy himself, Jack "the Manassas Mauler," or Clint. But before you get too excited, remember this is just a concept, and as such is equipped with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder European-spec diesel—putting out 173 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque—and a six-speed manual. After our first drive in the new Mazda 6 equipped with essentially the same powertrain, we can tell you the combo likely would do wonders for the CX-5's fun factor while inching its already-impressive mileage a few notches higher. But for now, back to the concept. Dempsey apparently is just as crazy about cycling as he is about racing, so it's only appropriate that a CX-5 bearing his name come equipped with a Specialized road bike strapped to the back. A Thule cargo box is mounted to the roof rack for all the related gear and soiled socks. So impressed with the bicycle's colors of Carbon Satin and Red Keyline were Mazda's designers, that they finished the CX-5 Dempsey in similar colors: Glossy Anatomy Gray, Brilliant Black, matte Black Mica, and Luminous Red. CX-5 decals emblazon expansive surfaces such as the doors, the hood, and the cargo box.
Mazda Design–customized 20-inch black-chrome aluminum wheels sport Michelin all-season tires, and each wheel is highlighted with a single double-spoke painted in matching Luminous Red.
from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com | |||
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Thursday, November 1, 2012
Mazda’s Trio of CX-5 Concepts: The Fun, the Fearsome, and the Functional [2012 SEMA Show]
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