2007 MAZDA CX-9: ZOOM-ZOOM WITH EVEN MORE ROOM
MazdarnNorth American Operations (MNAO) debuted the 2007 Mazda CX-9 sevenrn-passenger crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV) at the New YorkrnInternational Auto Show. Arriving in Mazda dealerships in early 2007 ,rnthe CX-9 is designed and engineered specifically for North America. ThernMazda CX-9 provides unique Mazda design and energetic performance asrnwell as an up-market interior with class-leading space and unmatchedrnversatility.
Like the Mazda CX-7 presented earlier this year,rnthe CX-9 is a clean break from the traditional boxy SUVs crowding thernUS market. While styling echoes the CX-7, CX-9 is not a lengthenedrnthree-row CX-7, and CX-7 is not a shorter-wheelbase CX-9. Engineeredrnwith Mazda's "Soul of a Sportscar" signature , CX-9 deftly blendsrnsporty driving spirit with seven-passenger SUV practicality. Standingrnout from existing crossover SUVs - vehicles that deliver SUVrnpracticality with a passenger car driving experience - the Mazda CX-9rnis the insightful solution not only to the modern family's complex needrnbut also to the enthusiast driver's desires . A nd of course Zoom-Zoomrnis standard.
"The North American market continues to play arnleading role in Mazda Motor Corporation's global future and financialrnhealth," emphasizes Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "Thernall-new CX-7 and CX-9 were engineered specifically for North America tornhelp us fulfill ambitious goals. The CX-9 represents everything a MazdarnSUV should be, offering ample power, striking appearance, fun-to-drivernvitality , precision build quality and unexpected versatility. Whilernother vehicles in this category focus only on what's behind the driversrnseat for the family, we have engineered a unique solution that isrnequally as exciting for the driver. "
MazdarnC X-9 targets y oung couples and modern families . Thesernoutwardly-focused families haven't lost their desire for high-intensityrnleisure activities, learning experiences and social interaction. It isrnalso ideal for couples with grown children who pursue an activernlifestyle. Mazda CX-9 is specifically designed to make these complexrnpursuits as easy and as pleasurable as possible.
SPACE TO STRETCH
ThernMazda CX-9 rides on one of the longest wheelbases in the segment,rnproviding easy access to its three-row seating. There's ample room forrnadults in every position and sufficient cargo space to accommodaternmodern American families. Under the sleek exterior is an interior thatrnwill impress demanding customers with its space, utility, versatility,rnand premium features.
To ease accommodations for all drivers,rnthe driver's seat and steering column move quickly and easily over arnlong range of adjustment. The 60-40 split second row not only carriesrnthree in comfort, it also offers approximately five- inches ofrnfore-and-aft slide travel and a reclining backrest. In the 50-50-splitrnthird row, the seating position and leg room are both class-leading inrnnumbers and real comfort. Entry to the third row is easy, with nearlyrn26 inches of access space between the folded second-row seat and thernC-pillar. Even with the third row occupied, the CX-9 provides 17.2rncubic feet of cargo capacity, eclipsing many large sedan trunks. Bothrnsecond- and third-row seats fold flat to allow additional storage allrnthe way up to the back of the front seats.
Extra thought isrninvested in small details, such as how the CX-9's seat releases arernconfigured. For example, releasing the second row seat in order tornenter the third row requires only one simple hand motion to unlatch thernseat and move it forward. Likewise, a clever strap attached behind thernthird row seat's backrest serves as both a release for folding the seatrnand a means of pulling it back erect again.
EXTERIOR STYLING A PRIORITY
Manyrnmid-sized crossover SUVs strive for the utilitarian look. The MazdarnCX-9, however, is designed to evoke a strong pride of ownership.rnWithout sacrificing versatility or efficiency, the CX-9 strives for thernsophisticated appearance of a vehicle costing two to three times asrnmuch. Its smooth and flowing silhouette, prominent wheels and tires,rnmuscular fenders and steeply angled windshield and backlight give thernCX-9 a dramatic-but-refined look.
CX-9's front end isrnunmistakably Mazda , with its elegantly sculpted sporty five-pointrngrille and wide, bold bumper . A horizontal streak of chrome floats onrnthe front grille bar, giving a distinctive and high quality feel. S idernwindows form a flowing, open and modern greenhouse, allowing clearrnvision from all seating positions. The unique trapezoid chrome exhaustrnpipe accentuates the fine detail put into the design.
INTERIOR STYLING STANDS OUT
Oncerninside the CX-9, t he driver is greeted by a neatly organizedrncombination of cylindrical shapes and blacked-out instruments on arnT-shaped instrument panel . Brightly edged gauges with metal-look trimrnand indirect blue illumination set a cool mood. Indirect lighting alsornis embedded in the front and rear door trim and ceiling for a warmrnglow. Horizontal elements in areas such as the center panel, door trimrnand seat design intersect with vertical accents to create the samernharmony present in fine furniture.
Interior craftsmanship andrnattention to detail is visible everywhere. S oft trim is elegantlyrnconfigured and constructed of top-quality materials and seats have anrninviting yet sporty look and feel appropriate to this type of vehicle.rnThe dash panel houses large, clearly marked entertainment and climaterncontrols. Delicate stitching and the metallic look of the floating doorrntrim-grips reveal the designer's fine eye for detail.
ENERGETIC AND REFINED POWERTRAIN
Atrnthe heart of every Mazda lies a spirited engine. The CX-9 is powered byrna new 3.5-liter V-6 with a preliminary rating of 250-horsepower .rnAdvanced features include dual-overhead camshafts, four valves perrncylinder, variable valve timing, a high compression ratio andrnelectronic throttle control. While six-speed automatic transmissionsrnhave until now been exclusive to premium-priced SUVs, the CX-9 providesrnthat desirable feature as standard equipment. The direct benefits tornMazda customers are optimum acceleration and passing performance,rncoupled with excellent highway fuel efficiency.
Drive is eitherrnthrough the front wheels or via Mazda's advanced A ctive T orque -Srnplit A ll- W heel D rive system. On all-wheel-drive models, variousrnsensors signal control modules to automatically apportion torque tornthose wheels most able to provide solid traction. A computer-controlledrncoupling, connected with the rear differential, automatically adjustsrnthe torque distribution, allowing up to 50-percent of the drive powerrnto be sent to the rear wheels, depending on traction conditions. Thisrnall-wheel drive system has been especially well received in MAZDASPEEDrn6 and CX- 7 applications.
SURE-FOOTED CHASSIS & BODY
Thernstiff unibody of the Mazda CX-9 provides a sound foundation for arnpoised ride and agile handling. Computer-aided-engineering analysis wasrnused to optimize this structure, delivering high torsional and bendingrnrigidity with minimal weight. Extra laser welds and adhesive weldrnbonding have been applied in critical areas for enhanced stiffness.rnDamping sheets applied to floor areas and acoustic foam filler added tornbody cavities assure a quiet , high quality cabin environment.
Inrnfront, the perimeter frame mounted to the unibody through six rubberrnisolators supports the powertrain, the engine-speed-sensitivernrack-and-pinion power steering, and a low friction strut-typernsuspension system using coil springs. The multilink rear suspensionrnconsists of one trailing arm and two lateral locating members per side.rnTo minimize cargo-compartment intrusion and permit a wider load space,rnthe rear coil spring is positioned between the lower lateral member andrnthe unibody. A damper is located as close as possible to each rearrnwheel to provide excellent motion control with minimal friction.rnAnti-roll bars at each end maximize agility and control duringrnassertive driving.
Twenty-inch, V-rated, low-profile radialrntires (P 245/50R - 20) are standard equipment on the top Grand Touringrnmodel while Sports and Touring editions roll on P 245/60R - 18 tires.rnAs a result, CX-9 looks and feels unusually nimble for its size and isrnthe clear class leader for driving pleasure.
SAFETY WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
ThernMazda CX-9's safety features are highlighted by an advanced RollrnStability Control (RSC) system that uses both body-roll rate and wheelrnspeed sensors to determine when corrective action is necessary. Arnmomentary torque reduction, combined with an automatic brakernapplication, assists in restoring the CX-9 to an even keel.
Four-wheelrndisc ventilated brakes include an Anti-lock Brake System ( ABS ) tornprevent lockup during emergency use. When excessive wheel slippage isrndetected, a T raction C ontrol S ystem (TCS) automatically reducesrndriveline torque to help restore traction. Dynamic S tability C ontrolrn(DSC) reduces driveline torque and automatically applies one or morernbrakes to minimize under- or over-steer during emergency maneuvers.
Additionalrnprotection is provided by sensor-activated side-curtain airbags whichrnextend from the first to the third row. These inflatable restraintsrndeploy in the event of a lateral collision or a rollover to reduce thernlikelihood of injury and limb or head ejection. Inflation is maintainedrnfor approximately six seconds for maximum effectiveness, although thernonly way these systems work properly is when used in combination withrnseatbelts. Pretensioner devices automatically remove slack from thernbelt system immediately after a moderate or greater frontal collisionrnand load limiters are incorporated to provide some give as the occupantrnmoves forward. The CX-9 's front headrests incorporate new designrnfeatures which are designed primarily to reduce neck injuries duringrnrear impacts.
CX-9 's robust unibody uses the Mazda AdvancedrnImpact-Energy Distribution and Absorption System to help protect itsrncabin from deformation harm in the event of a collision. A combinationrnof large-section members, some made from high-tensile steel, envelopernthe passenger compartment to absorb impact energy while guardingrnagainst intrusion.
TRIM AND ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES
CX-9 is offered in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring.
Morerndetail on specific model content will be available closer to launch,rnbut standard features on all trims include air conditioning, powerrnwindows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control,rnand six airbags. To help avoid accidents, all CX-9s are fitted asrnstandard with D SC, RSC and ABS with brakeforce distribution. Anrnoptionally available power-operated lift gate provides one-touchrnopening and closing access to the cargo hold.
Featuresrnavailable in models and packages include leather interior trim, powerrnadjustment for front seats, high intensity discharge headlamps withrnautomatic-on, rain-sensing wipers, mirror-mounted turn indicators andrndriver's-seat memory.
