Manufacturers Get Their Specs for 2013 Mazda CX-5

’13 CX-5 is equipped with a 2.0L engine producing 155 hp and, due to Skyactiv Technology, matches that performance with competitive fuel economy.

The ’13 Mazda CX-5 comes prewired, making navigation system upgrades easy.

The team from Scosche Industries showed up to measure the ’13 CX-5 for audio system upgrades.

Several manufacturers got their hands on Mazda's all-new ’13 CX-5 during last week's SEMA Measuring Session at Mazda's headquarters in Irvine, California. With four CX-5 models available, manufacturers were eager to obtain the specs needed to prepare parts for a vehicle that is projected to be a hit with enthusiasts.

“The SEMA members who attended had the benefit of obtaining their own particular measurements for their products,” said Bill Wolf, SEMA senior director of OEM relations. “In addition, they had the opportunity to discuss the more technical aspects of their product with the Mazda product, engineering and accessory development management. Introducing a member to a Mazda executive is likely to result in the member becoming a supplier—exactly what our member programs hope to accomplish. All-in-all, a win-win for both the OEM and our members.”

The ’13 CX-5 is available in three models—Sport, Touring and Grand Touring, each offered in either front- or all-wheel drive. The five-passenger CUV is equipped with a 2.0L engine producing 155 hp and either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The CX-5 features Skyactiv Technology, which is designed to deliver greater power and torque while also achieving hybrid-like fuel economy at 26/35 mpg, according to James Kilbourne, Mazda analyst, accessory product planning and strategy.

From an aftermarket standpoint, what makes the CX-5 special is that it comes prewired so that features, such as the 5.8-in. touchscreen navigation system, fog lights and rear parking sensors, can easily be upgraded in 20–30 minutes.

“We worked with our Japanese team to push the business case for installing prewiring,” said Kilbourne. “We’ve also made more factory provisions to help support the accessory side of the business. For the trailer hitch, we added weld nuts inside the frame to help with the installation of an aftermarket hitch. For the rear parking sensors, two of the four holes are premarked.”

Measuring Sessions have also been a valuable part of SEMA’s Tech Transfer program, which grants SEMA manufacturing members access to vehicle CAD files provided directly from participating OEMs. The intent of the program is to help streamline production by minimizing or completely eliminating the necessity for reverse engineering. Chrysler, Ford, General Motors and Scion are currently participating in the program. SEMA Measuring Sessions and Tech Transfer Program are functions of SEMA's OEM department.

In addition to access to upcoming vehicles, SEMA Measuring Session participants can also ask questions of the participating OEM staff to learn more about the vehicles, the automaker's marketing plans, the intended audience and more.

The next SEMA Measuring Session features the ’13 Audi allroad Quattro.

For additional information on Measuring Sessions, Tech Transfer and additional programs available through SEMA's OEM Relations department, visit www.sema.org/oem.

’13 Mazda CX-5 Measuring Session Participants:

• American International
• American Tire Distributors
• Anzo USA
• ATS Design
• BT Western Corp.
• Koyo Cooling Systems Inc.
• McGard LLC
• MGP Caliper Covers
• Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc.
• Okada Projects
• Prestige Autotech Corp.
• Rosen Entertainment
• Scosche Industries
• TMI/Vizualogic
• Wheel Pros