Mazda 'Dreamy' CX-5 presented at 2012 SEMA
Making its global debut at SEMA, the 'CX-5 Dempsey' was the creation of Mazda North American Operations' (MNAO) design team, based in Irvine, California, and was developed with Dempsey's competitive passions in mind - motorsports and cycling.
"The CX-5 is all Mazda - from its KODO design language to its inspired driving ability - and was the perfect 'clean slate' vehicle from which our Southern California team could create (these) concept vehicles," said Derek Jenkins, director, MNAO Design.
The Mazda connection to Dempsey (aka Doctor McDreamy from TV show Gray's Anatomy) comes from the fact that the actor has been racing a Mazda RX-8 with Mazda Motorsport in the GRAND-AM Rolex Series in the USA.
Described by Mazda as 'sleek, sporty and stylishly dressed to take care of business', the CX-5 Dempsey features a high-contrast custom paint scheme of glossy grey and matte black with bright red highlights, which have also been applied to the Thule 'Atlantis' roof cargo box and Specialized 'S-Works Tarmac' road bike mounted on the rear. The exterior colour scheme was developed in coordination with the high-performance, competitive architecture of the Specialized Bicycle road racer.
To main exterior colour is described as a gloss 'Anatomy Gray' (yes, really) base with thick strips of striking Brilliant Black. Luminous Red graphic lines separate the dark layers as Bright White borders and "CX-5" decals emblazon expansive surfaces such as the doors, bonnet and cargo box. A Black Mica matte finish details the entire tailgate and continues across the lower portion of the vehicle, as well as along the roofline to complete the bicycle's Carbon Satin look into the bonnet.
The vehicle sits on Mazda Design-customised 20-inch black chrome alloy wheels encased in Michelin Latitude® Sport 255/45ZR20-sized all-season tyres. Each wheel is highlighted with a single double-spoke painted in glossy Luminous Red, a colour used in a limited fashion, but still has visual impact. Satin chrome touches in the Racing Beat dual exhaust complete the ensemble.
The dark tones are maintained through the interior as well. Black perforated leather inserts are nestled within grey aniline leather bolsters featuring red accents which pick up on the exterior graphics. All leather wrapped, the steering wheel, shifter boot, armrests, door panels, centre storage bin as well as front and rear seats feature contrasting Luminous Red stitching. The full-length decorative panel is custom painted in glossy Brilliant Black and features a single Luminous Red outline with a Bright White vehicle model imprint.
Under the bonnet of the CX-5 Dempsey lurks a European-spec SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre clean diesel engine to power the all-wheel-drive system. The high-power clean diesel offers a low 14:1 compression ratio with an output of 129 kW at 4,500 rpm and 420 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm.
Mated to a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission, the CX-5 Dempsey offers racing-inspired dynamics and down-right driving fun - two things Mazda say are usually lacking in the compact SUV segment.
Secured to the rear of the vehicle via a Mazda factory hitch and Thule T2 carrier, the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4 Red features a Carbon Satin carbon fibre frame with Red Keyline highlights.
Image: Mazda