Mazda released more information and pictures in its new seven-passenger crossover sport-utility vehicle CX-9. Arriving in Mazda dealerships in early 2007, the CX-9 is designed and engineered specifically for North America.
PRESS RELEASE: SPACE TO STRETCH
The Mazda CX-9 rides on one of the longest wheelbases in the segment, providing easy access to its three-row seating. To ease accommodations for all drivers, the driver’s seat and steering column move quickly and easily over a long range of adjustment.
The 60-40 split second row not only carries three in comfort, it also offers approximately five-inches of fore-and-aft slide travel and a reclining backrest. In the 50-50-split third row, the seating position and leg room are both class-leading in numbers and real comfort. Entry to the third row is easy, with nearly 26 inches of access space between the folded second-row seat and the C-pillar. Even with the third row occupied, the CX-9 provides 17.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, eclipsing many large sedan trunks. Both second- and third-row seats fold flat to allow additional storage all the way up to the back of the front seats.
Extra thought is invested in small details, such as how the CX-9’s seat releases are configured. For example, releasing the second row seat in order to enter the third row requires only one simple hand motion to unlatch the seat and move it forward. Likewise, a clever strap attached behind the third row seat’s backrest serves as both a release for folding the seat and a means of pulling it back erect again.
EXTERIOR STYLING A PRIORITY
Many mid-sized crossover SUVs strive for the utilitarian look. CX-9’s front end is unmistakably Mazda, with its elegantly sculpted sporty five-point grille and wide, bold bumper. A horizontal streak of chrome floats on the front grille bar, giving a distinctive and high quality feel. Side windows form a flowing, open and modern greenhouse, allowing clear vision from all seating positions. The unique trapezoid chrome exhaust pipe accentuates the fine detail put into the design.
INTERIOR STYLING STANDS OUT
Once inside the CX-9, the driver is greeted by a neatly organized combination of cylindrical shapes and blacked-out instruments on a T-shaped instrument panel. Brightly edged gauges with metal-look trim and indirect blue illumination set a cool mood. Indirect lighting also is embedded in the front and rear door trim and ceiling for a warm glow. Horizontal elements in areas such as the center panel, door trim and seat design intersect with vertical accents to create the same harmony present in fine furniture.
Interior craftsmanship and attention to detail is visible everywhere. Soft trim is elegantly configured and constructed of top-quality materials and seats have an inviting yet sporty look and feel appropriate to this type of vehicle. The dash panel houses large, clearly marked entertainment and climate controls. Delicate stitching and the metallic look of the floating door trim-grips reveal the designer’s fine eye for detail.
ENERGETIC AND REFINED POWERTRAIN
The CX-9 is powered by a new 3.5-liter V-6 with a preliminary rating of 250-horsepower. Advanced features include dual-overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, a high compression ratio and electronic throttle control. While six-speed automatic transmissions have until now been exclusive to premium-priced SUVs, the CX-9 provides that desirable feature as standard equipment. The direct benefits to Mazda customers are optimum acceleration and passing
performance, coupled with excellent highway fuel efficiency.
Drive is either through the front wheels or via Mazda’s advanced Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive system. On all-wheel-drive models, various sensors signal control modules to automatically apportion torque to those wheels most able to provide solid traction. A computer-controlled coupling, connected with the rear differential, automatically adjusts the torque distribution, allowing up to 50-percent of the drive power to be sent to the rear wheels, depending on traction conditions. This all-wheel drive system has been especially well received in MAZDASPEED6 and CX-7 applications.
SURE-FOOTED CHASSIS & BODY
The stiff unibody of the Mazda CX-9 provides a sound foundation for a poised ride and agile handling. Computer-aided-engineering analysis was used to optimize this structure, delivering high torsional and bending rigidity with minimal weight.
In front, the perimeter frame mounted to the unibody through six rubber isolators supports the powertrain, the engine-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion power steering, and a low friction strut-type suspension system using coil springs. The multilink rear suspension consists of one trailing arm and two lateral locating members per side. To minimize cargo-compartment intrusion and permit a wider load space, the rear coil spring is positioned between the lower lateral member and the unibody. Anti-roll bars at each end maximize agility and control during assertive driving.
Twenty-inch, V-rated, low-profile radial tires (P245/50R-20) are standard equipment on the top Grand Touring model while Sports and Touring editions roll on P245/60R-18 tires. As a result, CX-9 looks and feels unusually nimble for its size and is the clear class leader for driving pleasure.
SAFETY WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
The Mazda CX-9’s safety features are highlighted by an advanced Roll Stability Control (RSC) system that uses both body-roll rate and wheel speed sensors to determine when corrective action is necessary. A momentary torque reduction, combined with an automatic brake application, assists in restoring the CX-9 to an even keel.
Four-wheel disc ventilated brakes include an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) to prevent lockup during emergency use. When excessive wheel slippage is detected, a Traction Control System (TCS) automatically reduces driveline torque to help restore traction. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) reduces driveline torque and automatically applies one or more brakes to minimize under- or over-steer during emergency maneuvers. Additional protection is provided by sensor-activated side-curtain airbags which extend from the first to the third row.
TRIM AND ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES
CX-9 is offered in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. 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 DSC, RSC and ABS with brakeforce distribution. An optionally available power-operated lift gate provides one-touch opening and closing access to the cargo hold.
Features available in models and packages include leather interior trim, power adjustment for front seats, high intensity discharge headlamps with automatic-on, rain-sensing wipers, mirror-mounted turn indicators and driver’s-seat memory.
