Took the CX-7 to the track - not bad...

[DavidTK]

I was at a local track doing some testing on my race car and thought - what the heck, let's take the CX-7 out and see how it does. The track is a 2+ mile road course and I've logged more than 1000 miles there over the years so I know the track pretty well.

I pumped up the tire pressures to prevent the tires from rolling over (after giving the car a pre-track checkup), and headed out. Overall, the CX handled pretty well for an "SUV." As expected, the car is biased toward understeer and the front tires howled when pushed mildly. However, it felt pretty planted through the turns and had predictable handling. The power was great and I got it up to 110 mph on the longest straight before having to brake for the next turn.

Which brings me to the weak point on CX for track use: the brakes faded after less than 2 flying laps, and I was pretty easy on the brakes. I could smell them cooking after a lap and a half, so I backed off, did a cool down lap, and came in. But it's not a sports car, so I wasn't expecting much.

I still managed to pass a few less experienced drivers on track - I don't think they appreciated being passed by an SUV and I suspect it's a story they won't be sharing with their buddies.

That's probably the only time I'll ever put the CX on track, but it was fun to give it a try. It was worth the look I got from my wife when I told her I took her car on track (confused)

 

[erhayes]

Surprised to hear about brake fading as the CX7 is noted for very good brakes. I do understand that 2 or 3 road test stops are entirely different than track use. Good to hear that the CX 7 did well considering it is an COV. Thanks for the info. Ed

 

[Infymus]

Don't worry about brake fade when racing with a CX7. It'll suck so much gas that you'll run out and coast to a stop.

/lol

 

[DavidTK]

The brakes were great the first few times and slowly went away. The oddest part of taking the CX on track was being able to see OVER the pit wall concrete barrier and into the pit lane. In my race car, the seat is bolted to the floor so the pit wall seems really tall.

lol...gas mileage always sucks on track. I didn't run it long enough to find out but I doubt I would see 10 mpg on track.

 

[1Sleepy93]

Just swap the brakes from the CX-9, with better pads of course, and problem solved.

Might have to change the wheels out too though since I'm uncertain if the 18's will clear the caliper.

 

[Alpha Wolf]

Use the Brembo Setup that they use on the CX7 Pace car at Laguna Seca it does lap after lap at speed without issues.

 

[mazdaspeedster3]

That is hilarious!

 

[P5w3kids]

Very few cars have good enough brakes to stand up to hard track use. And you clearly have the skill and experience needed to push the CX-7 very hard.