The CX-7 is the first SUV in the history of Mazda and we had the chance to
review it right here.
The CX-7 features sporty lines and share its design with the RX-8 but if you still think that it lacks character you might like this article.
AutoExe, a japanese tuner specialized in Mazda vehicles decided to work on this new SUV, we know them pretty well as they have been on NihonCar several times with their creations for the
RX-8,
Roadster or the
Mazda 6 some months ago.
Thanks to this experience of the Zoom-Zoom style the designers and engineers worked on the "ER-03" project entirely dedicated to the CX-7, in other words everything your CX-7 could wish for but never dared to ask!
Before getting into further details let me remind you that the CX-7 is what we call a Crossover SUV, the mix of a compact sedan and a SUV, this genre is pretty new in the automotive industry but the tuners didn't take long to bring modifications for those as well, especially in Japan!
Of course the first thing you'll notice is the looks. The pictures at the bottom show a discrete and serious body kit, the quality is good and the original lines of the vehicle are kept unspoiled. I spare you the details on the usual front and rear bumpers + the side skirts and I guess your attention was caught by the large rims.
Unlike most tuners AutoExe proposes a large number of parts to improve the overall feel of the car.
The suspensions can be change, on one hand to improve the handling and on the other to give the CX-7 a lowered (30 to 40mm), more aggressive look. Another part with "double use" the new stainless muffler, it should provide a better sound as well as a much better look than the original exhaust pipes.
Still on the chassis the rigidity can be highly improved thanks to a brace set in 2 parts (front and rear), of course this might put an end to your "off-road" sessions but we all know that besides city curbs the owners of the new CX-7 will not cross mountains.
A surprising thing, at least when it is announced is the presence of a new intercooler, most of the tuners stopped proposing engine parts and leave it to the customer to come and ask for those. Anyway this intercooler will benefit from the SUV's large "mouth" to cool the 2.3 liter Turbo engine and optimize the performance.
More parts and accessories are available (turbo hose kit, brake pads, brake lines, meters...) again the result is very professionnal and of excellent quality so are there bad tuners in Japan ?? At least not on NihonCar.
Posted on 02/04/07 By F.B
