Meet the new Mazda CX-9

[Duncan]

First, the official Mazda press release with some tentative specs and basic info:

2007 Mazda CX-9 Crossover SUV to Make Global Debut at 2006 New York International Auto Show



IRVINE, Calif. -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) will unveil its all-new 2007 Mazda CX-9 seven-passenger crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV) at next week's New York International Auto Show. Arriving in Mazda dealerships in early 2007, the CX-9 is designed and engineered specifically for North America. The Mazda CX-9's design sets new standards for style, while incorporating an interior of sophisticated elegance with class-leading space and unmatched versatility. Best of all, CX-9 -- like all Mazdas -- has the Soul of a Sportscar.

Like the Mazda CX-7 presented earlier this year, the CX-9 is a clean break from the traditional boxy SUVs crowding the US market, deftly blending sporty driving spirit with seven-passenger SUV practicality.

"The North American market continues to play a leading role in Mazda Motor Corporation's global future and financial health," emphasizes Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "The all-new CX-7 and CX-9 were engineered specifically for North America to help us fulfill ambitious goals. The CX-9 has traits only a Mazda SUV could have: strong performance, agile handling, precise steering and superior quality and craftsmanship."

Mazda CX-9 targets young couples and modern families with a focus on family interests, yet haven't lost their desire for high-intensity leisure activities, learning experiences and social interaction. It is also ideal for couples with grown children who pursue an active lifestyle.

Every CX-9 is powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 engine driven through a standard six-speed automatic transmission. Final drive is through either front- or all-wheel drive. Brakes are large ventilated discs on all four wheels.

More detail on specific model content will be available closer to launch, but standard features on all trims include air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control, and six airbags. To help avoid accidents, all CX-9s are fitted as standard with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Roll Stability Control (RSC) and Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS). An optionally available power-operated lift gate provides one-touch opening and closing access to the cargo hold.[/b]

And, here are some photos in more "natural" settings:



The spacious, seven-seat interior (trimmed here in leather):



A size comparison with the equally brand-new, but smaller, Mazda CX-7. The CX-9 is on the left; note the larger doors and longer wheelbase:



And, finally, the MZI-based 3.5-liter DOHC VVT V6 engine:



Now, here's some commentary from The Car Connection direct from the CX-9's debut at the NYIAS:

Mazda Crosses Over with CX-9



Though Mazda' first crossover vehicle, the CX-7, hasn't even hit showrooms yet, the Japanese automaker rolled out a second car-based utility vehicle on Thursday. With the largest interior ever for a Mazda, the three-row, seven-passenger CX-9 will serve as a more stylish and sporty alternative to the carmaker's past minivan offerings. Under the hood? A 3.5-liter V-6, mated to a six-speed automatic. The CX-9's rear seats fold flat, while the second row is a split-fold arrangement. The CX-9 also boasts the largest production wheel ever offered by Mazda, at 20 inches. The crossover will be offered in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations, noted Robert Davis, product development chief for Mazda North America. Davis emphasized that while the CX-9 bears the "visual DNA" of the smaller CX-7, the two have virtually nothing in common, at least not mechanically. He also corrected earlier reports suggesting the CX-9 is simply a Japanese interpretation of Ford Motor Co.'s new Edge. The two crossovers are "cousins," he said, but Mazda's offering is largely based on the same platform used in the Mazda6 sedan. Mazda is clearly committed to the car/truck concept, Davis hinting, "We've got more to come."

Differentiating between two new crossover models wasn't easy, Mazda's global design director, Moray Callum, acknowledged, during an interview with TheCarConnection.com. Trying to maximize passenger space in that sort of product presents a particular challenge, he explained. But there are some visual differences, inside and out. The CX-9 is a "striking and bold" shape, he suggested, though "more refined" than the CX-7. The challenge was "keeping the sportiness that is Mazda." But that was perhaps the single most important reason to move away from the automaker's classic people mover, the MPV, and switch to a crossover, anyway, according to Callum. For all the restrictions, designers, he added, find crossovers "more liberating for us than a traditional minivan."[/b]

Oh - one quick note from TCC about the new engine:

Ford Says New V-6 Sets Class Standard

The new 3.5-liter V-6 that will come to the Ford family this year will be among the most powerful in its class, Ford announced on Wednesday in conjunction with its display at the New York auto show. Ford's V-6 will be rated at 265 horsepower and will run on regular unleaded gasoline, Ford says. The engine will make its way into the Edge/Lincoln MKX crossover vehicles; in 263-hp form it will go into the Lincoln MKZ sedan, formerly known as the Zephyr. The engine, Ford adds, is compatible with direct injection and turbocharging in future applications.[/b]

You'll note the words "direct injection" and "turbocharging" in that last sentence. That should be enough to get everyone talking here, I think...

[Jaymes81]

would this be a cousin to the 929?

[Viceroy]

would this be a cousin to the 929?[/b]

A distant cousin. Ford/Mazda kept the "9" as its full size designation, just as the "6" became midsize and "3" became compact. Of course in the 12+ years that has passed since the 929, a lot has changed with Mazda, so the similarities start and end with the number.

That may not be a altogether bad thing. I own a 1994 929 and though I have loved the car (and wish someone would come along and update it), I'm also frustrated with quality control issues like the perpetually breaking window regulators and a sunroof with similar issues.

[proxinfotech10@gmail.com]

The Mazda CX-9 is a full-size crossover SUV, also described as a "modern station wagon, built by Mazda. It replaced the Mazda MPV minivan for North America [citation needed]. The CX-9 was unveiled on April 13, 2006 at the New York International Auto Show and went on sale in February 2007.
The CX-9 is built on the Ford CD3 Platform. Although it is similar in appearance to the smaller Mazda CX-7, the CX-9 shares little of that vehicle's platform components [citation needed]. It is a front-wheel drive vehicle with an optional All-wheel drive system.
The CX-9 is manufactured at Mazda's Ujina 1 plant in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.
The CX-9 is also sold in Australia and Indonesia, where it sells in similar numbers to the smaller CX-7. Despite being manufactured in Japan, a right hand drive country, Australia and Indonesia are the only right hand drive countries in the world that sell the CX-9.

The 2010 Mazda CX-9 received a new grille, and debuted at the 2009 New York Auto Show. The 2010 Mazda CX-9 is available in the market from late September and early October in Australia in three variants: Classic, Luxury and Grand Touring.
Auto Week notes that "Compared with other midsize utes, the CX-9 is responsive and has great steering. It almost feels sporty, but not quite though.
The 2010 Mazda CX-9 comes well-equipped, with tri-zone climate control and a Bluetooth hands-free interface among the standard features. The more expensive leather-lined Touring and Grand Touring trims include many of the top options, such as higher end audio and rear DVD entertainment systems. Prices reach the $40,000 mark with all options included.
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[anjy834u]

i don't see the photos in the press release..is there something wrong with the post ?