My 2.3L Mazda3s gets, on average, only 4MPG more than my 3.0L Mazda6s (about $15/month cost difference), and I drive the 6s a LOT more aggressively than I do the 3s.

Give the 2.3L a load to pull (I once brought a chest-of-drawers about 700 miles with 2 people in the in the Mazda3) and it starts to guzzle the fuel down; getting worse than my 6s does with a comparable load. Perhaps with a cam swap geared towards more torque, the MZR would do alright in a SUV-type application. But as it is, it's not good for it.

 

I do hope it offers the best fuel economy possible, something Mazda is just OK with in my opinion, but it needs to still have power or else it would not be worth it.

The current 3L V6 would be nice...

 

I really like it. I've seen plenty of pics of the concept (including the one posted), and have actually been hoping they'd produce it. I've never cared for trucks and SUV's until recently as vehicles like the FX45 and Murano have come to market. They look more athletic (not to mention stable...) than the average truck-based SUV. The interior on the Crossport is amazing as well. Way to go Mazda. I'm sure this vehicle will be a huge success.

 

I would buy it. I'll need more space by the time that it is available. Thank you again Mazda!

 

Engine has been confirmed. The engine is a 2.3 liter DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) Turbo......

 

 

nice!

 

276 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque......

 

This is the engine in the MPS3 and MPS6, BTW.....CX-7 production to start in Feb 06.

 

hahah i was just telling someone yesterday it was going to get that engine:D

damn no press release

 

If this news is true, goodness gracious, Mazda may have the ultimate winner on their hands. Where on earth are they going to be built? I hope they don't under-estimate the potential need as seems to be the situation with the 3.

 

I would not lie to you......you and I have too good a thing going for me to lose it over some lame untruth.....

 

This spec has been confirmed for the US market, the hp figures are lifted from the MPS6 and may vary prior to the CX-7 release. Hopefully these numbers will increase....

 

I'm giddy with excitement :D

 

me too- all cx7 production is supposed to be in japan. however since its based on the Lincol Navigator chasis there might besome production inNA. they are going to sell bushels of these!!

 

Zoom,
Correct me if I'm wrong but the chassis is the 6 platform which is being used on several Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles.

 

What? The Navigator? Um. No.

Mazda has stated numerous times that it's based off a modified Mazda6 chassis.

The Navigator is based off a modified F-150 Chassis. The same used for the Expedition with minor changes. It's nowhere close to the size of the CX-7. The Navigator is a full 20 inches longer than the CX-7. Not to mention 5 inches wider, 13 inches taller, and 8 inches longer in the wheelbase. Not even close. You don't power anything that size with anything short of a 5.0L V8, let alone a turbo'd 2.3L 4-Cylinder.

 

sorry i meant aviator and yes it is the 6 platform

http://www.aicautosite.com/Previews/...ln-aviator.asp

and a quote

 

sigma jesh it was an easy tired mistake. aviator / navigator they are like practically synonyms for crying out loud :D

 

I totally forgot about the Aviator, else I probably would have assumed what you meant and just corrected you. Sorry 'bout that.

 

GREAT NEWS! 276hp thats going to be sweet!

anybody got photos from a auto show?

 

I'm sold

 

I have all the usual photos here:
http://www.truebluetitan.com/content...s.php?album=16

I cannot wait!!! I hope it's the same size as the Murano, that was my last vehicle and it was perfect all around...except for the fact thatit wasn't the 8. The force is strong with this one.

 

google images http://images.google.com/images?clie...=Search+Images

 

^^^^^looks like an 8 on juice!!!!