More custom CX-5s from 2012 SEMA
Described as "fun, functional and fearsome" in Mazda's PR, each of the concepts created by Mazda North American Operations' (MNAO) Irvine-based Design team present a different take on possible applications for Mazda's latest compact SUV.
CX-5 180
The CX-5 '180' showcases the unique recreational possibilities of the Southern California region, ie. the ability to go surfing in the morning and skiing in the afternoon.
From the ocean to the desert, highlands to lowlands, the possibilities presented by the 'SoCal' region are represented on the 180's exterior graphics, which present a stylised topographical map of Big Bear Lake and Point Dume, which are snow and surf hot spots respectively. Seasonal statistics for each region are featured on the front doors, including temperature highs and lows, snowfall and surf rise, as well as the all-important GPS co-ordinates.
Big Bear Lake's snowy summit is featured along the left side of the 180, with appropriate snowboards up top, while Point Dume's depth details sprawl along the right-hand side with the painted-to-match surfboard gracing the roof rack on that side.
Highlighted by custom-crafted colours, the mapping components featured on the CX-5 180 include dark hues of 'Midnight' and 'Denim' to reflect depth, while lighter shades of Tidal Blue and Bay Blue signify height. Dashes of Luminous Red are used across the entire vehicle to indicate roads. The same red makes its way onto select spokes of the Mazda Design custom-built 20-inch black chrome alloy wheels, which are wrapped in all-season Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 265/40R20-sized tyres.
A custom matte red finish replaces the stock chrome of the vehicle's five-point grille and continues into the headlamps. At the rear, the CX-5 180 features a satin chrome dual exhaust by Racing Beat, with Burton Cheetah snowboards for surfing the slopes and a Rusty surfboard for shredding the surf completing the exterior outfitting.
Complementing the exterior are Aqua leather trim on the front and rear seats, steering wheel, door panels, armrests and the brake boot. Contrasting Bright White leather inserts appear on the door panels, steering wheel and seats. French seam accents in red and white stitching are added to the armrests and seats, with the red reflecting the exterior's accents representing roads and trails.
A customised trapezoidal stitching pattern is detailed on the steering wheel, which is marked by a subtle white leather strip, while a custom-painted decoration panel in the topography theme of the exterior adds the final touch.
CX-5 URBAN
As the name suggests, the CX-5 'Urban' concept isn't about outdoor adventure and recreation like the 180, but more about the "inner city", with inspiration coming from fashion and architecture.
With a Mazda Design-developed custom paint process, the stealth-like dark surface of the CX-5 Urban features multi-dimensional shadows with each triangular-like design shaped to reflect each bend and twist of the vehicle's sheet metal.
Utilising the KODO "Soul of Motion" design language of the production model CX-5, the Mazda Design team translated this initial blueprint into seemingly flat, black surfaces that evoke depth at just the slight hint of light. On the design, no two shades of the Black Mica finish touch.
Additional to the CX-5 Urban's dark night appearance are 'Ore' facets, presented as thin pinstripes on matte paint surfaces, 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 front grille.
To further sculpt the aggressive nature of the CX-5 Urban are customised wheel flare extensions which envelop the muscular 22-inch Ace Alloy Scorpio matte black wheels and Nitto NT420s 295/30R20 all-season tyres.
As with the other CX-5 custom concepts, the Urban is also fitted with a Racing Beat dual exhaust.
CX-5 DEMPSEY
Presented in more detail in a separate post, the CX-5 Dempsey takes its name from actor and race car driver Patrick Dempsey, with the addition of the rear-mounted bicycle combining the TV star's two competitive passions - motorsports and cycling.
The CX-5 Dempsey is distinguished by a high-contrast custom paint scheme of glossy 'Anatomy Gray' paint base with thick strips of 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.
Under the bonnet lurks a European-specification 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 the 2.2 diesel is a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission.
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. Satin chrome touches in the Racing Beat dual exhaust complete the athletic ensemble.
The black/grey/red palette is carried through to the interior as well. Black perforated leather inserts are nestled within grey aniline leather bolsters featuring red accents which correlate with 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.
Presented alongside the three CX-5 concepts at this year's SEMA was a race-inspired version of Mazda's MX-5 sports convertible - the 'Super25'. This is a follow-up to the 'Super20' concept previously built for the SEMA show.
Images: Mazda
