|  Mazda North American Operations debuted the 2007 Mazda CX-9 seven -passenger crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV) at the 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 provides unique Mazda design and energetic performance as well as an up-market interior with class-leading space and unmatched versatility.
The CX-9 is built on the stretched CD3 platform used by the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. Although it is similar in appearance to the smaller Mazda CX-7, the CX-9 will share little of that vehicle's platform components. It is a front-wheel drive vehicle with an optional all-wheel drive system. The CX-9 is the first Mazda to use the 3.5 L Ford "Cyclone" V6, called the "MZI" in Mazda guise. Mazda claims that the MZI will generate "more than 250 horsepower", and Ford has announced that the same engine will produce 265 hp (198 kW) and 250 ft·lbf (339 N·m) in the Edge. The CX-9 will also use the Ford/GM 6F automatic transmission with a console-mounted shifter in a complex Mercedes-Benz-like gate. Because the CX-9 is aimed at a more matured audience than most other Mazda products, it is dressed to give a good first impression. Mazda wants to market it as an upscale product, and has paid good attention to detail on the exterior, which features such premium-like features as chrome-plated window sills, chrome door handles, mirrors with integrated turn signals, and highly stylized head lights and tail lights, not to mention 18-inch diameter alloy wheels as standard equipment, and 20-inchers as an upgrade option. A rearview camera for reverse parking, automatic HID headlamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power heated memory leather seats, as well as a one-touch open and close mechanism for the tailgate are two of the high-end luxury options, normally found on prestige vehicles, available on the CX-9. Overall, the CX-9 is 199.6 inches long, 76.2 inches wide and 68.1 inches tall with 18-inch wheels, and has a 113.2-inch wheelbase, which should be more than sufficient for providing comfort in each of its three rows of seats. Unlike most seven-seater SUVs, once the third row has been erected, theres normally little by the way of room for cargo volume; not so with the CX-9, which maintains 17.2 cu-ft of volume, even in this configuration. Once inside the CX-9, t he 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. S oft 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. 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. Specifications - Body Types: 5-door crossover
- Layout: front-engine, FWD (opt. AWD)
- Engine: 250-hp, 240 lb-ft of torque, 3.5L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
- Transmission: 6-spd auto w/ manual mode
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD
- External Dimensions (L/W/H w/o roof-rack /WB): 5,071 / 1,936 / 1,729 / 1,734 / 2,875 mm ( 199.6 / 76.2 / 68.1 / 113.2 in)
- Curb Weight: N/A
- Tires: P245/60R-18 (opt. P245/50R-20)
- Track (frt/rr): 1,654 / 1,644 mm (65.1 / 64.7 in)
- Seating Capacity: 7
- Cargo Volume (behind 3rd row): 487 L (17.2 cu-ft)
- Fuel Economy (city / hwy): N/A
- Safety: Roll Stability Control (RSC), Traction Control (TCS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
- Warranty (mo/km): 36/80,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
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