Mazda Enters Athletics by Sponsoring Life Time Events

Life Time and Mazda are partnering together to present the Life Time Grand Prix series of off-road cycling events. Mazda is the first automotive brand to sponsor such an event and becomes the presenting sponsor of this brand’s inaugural season of events. Life Time is a healthy lifestyle brand that already produces 30 athletic events across the country every year. The first event took place from April 7 to 10 and was called the Life Time Seat Otter Classic, offering participants an amazing off-road cycling race where they can show off their skills and fitness levels.

The Outdoors is the Place to Go

This new partnership comes together just as the new Mazda CX-50 is entering the market for the 2023 model year. Both the new SUV and the Life Time philosophy encourage people to get outdoors and enjoy the fun and experiences in nature. The various events of the Grand Prix offer various terrains to enjoy, including the gravel of the Flint Hills of Kansas and the mountain peaks of the Colorado Rockies. Those participating in all of the events will certainly enjoy seeing some of the most impressive views around the country during the competition.

What is the Life Time Grand Prix Schedule?

The schedule of events sponsored by Mazda during this series takes athletes from April to October through six different events. The official schedule is:

• April 9 – Life Time Seat Otter Classic in Monterey, CA – This race is an 80k cross-country mountain bike race
• June 4 – Garmin UNBOUND Gravel in Emporia, KS – This is a 200-mile race
• July 9 – Life Time Crusher in the Tushar in Beaver, UT – Racers travel 70 miles during this race
• August 13 – Stages Cycling Leadville Trail 100 MTB in Leadville, CO – The competition goes for 100 miles
• September 17 – Life Time Chequamegon MTB in Cable, WI – This is a 40 mile race
• October 22 – Life Time Big Sugar Gravel in Bentonville, AR – Races compete for over 100 miles of rough terrain

What Does the Mazda CX-50 have to do with These Races?

The CX-50 is purpose-built for the outdoors, offering adventure capabilities that make driving into the outdoors start a mountain biking trek at a trailhead. Of course, this SUV could be right for visiting a trailhead for hiking or taking a pair of kayaks or canoes to the river for some fun on the water.

Let’s Take a Closer Look at the CX-50

For 2023, the CX-50 is the latest compact crossover SUV that gives us a larger build than the CX-5. The new CX-50 is built in the United States for this market, making it a vehicle that should be ideal for the rough terrain offered in this vast nation. This new SUV shares a platform with the CX-30 and delivers the benefits of standard AWD to give drivers the control needed when faced with foul weather or when tacking a light to medium trail with traction challenges.

Find an Amazing Interior in this Mazda

Take the Mazda CX-50 out for a test drive, and you’ll find a premium cabin filled with impressive materials. This SUV is a bit larger than the CX-5, offering you a wider space to enjoy more comfort during the drive. The layout has the driver in mind with symmetrical controls and a small steering wheel that’s easy to use. You’ll find ample cargo room in the rear, measuring 31.4 cubic feet for your stuff. Whether you ride with the seats folded down or you travel with passengers, this SUV brings you a comfortable and upscale interior area.

Rugged Styling and a New Paint Color

The sleek style of the CX-50 gives you an attractive SUV that wears the styling extremely well. A new color called Zircon Sand offers the off-road feeling you want as a tan color that might fit in nicely when you’re out in the wilderness. You’ll find strong roof rails for your accessory rack and the small boats you’ll take to the lake or river for some fun. The rear door opening can be used as a step to reach the roof rack when you need to take items off the top of your SUV.

Mazda Went Wild With Trim Levels

There are ten different trim levels offered for the 2023 Mazda CX-50. These trims are 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Preferred Plus, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 S Premium Plus, 2.5 Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Premium, 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, and 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition.
The base 2.5 S model delivers:

• 8.8-inch full-color console display
• Push-button starting
• 7-inch TFT LCD instrument display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Mazda Connect infotainment system
• Two USB ports
• 8-speaker audio system

If you head to the top trim, specific items you’ll find for the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition model includes:

• All-terrain tires
• Exterior upgrades for a rugged appearance
• Side rocker panels
• Dirt-specific features
• Off-road hood graphics

The top trim is the most off-road-ready version of this SUV. This could be the model of the Mazda CX-50 we see at the Life Time events throughout the year.

The Powertrains of this Mazda SUV

All of the 2.5 S models off the CX-50 use a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers 187 horsepower, 186 lb-ft of torque, and 24 city/30 hwy mpg.
The Turbo models of this Mazda SUV add a turbocharger to the powertrain to give you more power for the drive. The return is 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque when using 87-octane fuel. If you opt for premium 93-octane fuel, you’ll have 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy numbers for this turbocharged model reach 23 city/29 hwy mpg.

Check Out the Mazda SUV Models at the Life Time Events

As the primary sponsor of the Grand Prix series from Life Time, Mazda will bring several versions of the CX-50 to each event. Expect these to be off-road themed to match the races they are attending. Will this new Mazda SUV become the next vehicle you choose to drive?