For the 2008 model year, Mazda increased engine displacement to 3.7 litres. Mazda states that the new engine generates 204 kilowatts (273 hp) and 366 newton metres (270 ft·lbf) of torque. The engine went into production in June 2007 at Mazda’s engine plant in Japan. The 2008 CX-9 uses an Aisin F21++ six-speed automatic transmission with a console-mounted shifter in a complex gate. Mazda also introduced a Blind Spot Monitoring System, and a Rearview Mirror mounted Backup Camera System. Also added Collision avoidance/blind spot warning detector. Click here to read more.. »
After spending an afternoon driving the new CX-9, that clarification by the Mazda P.R. gentleman seemed unnecessary. Yes, the CX-9 is bigger. In fact, it’s startlingly bigger. But Mazda’s new flagship is a lot more than a 9/7ths CX-7. It has a certain solidity-fluidity-something the 7 doesn’t even try for, even taking into account its higher price, which ranges from about $29,500 for the front-drive, 18-inch-wheeled Sport version to $39,500 for the AWD Grand Touring rolling on 20 inchers. There’s a feeling of structural density here that’s well beyond any previous Mazda, due in no small part to the welding, and more welding, laser-welding, and laser-plus adhesive bonding of its Mazda6-based 199.8-inch-long unibody. Click here to read more.. »
