Mazda CX-9

Sporty: The CX-9 features both sporty design and dynamic driving characteristics. Muscular front fenders, large 18" and 20" alloy wheels and a rear lip spoiler project an athletic look and give it a distinctive road presence. Although the CX-9 is engineered to provide the more refined, comfortable ride of a premium crossover utility vehicle, it still retains the pure, fun-to-drive Zoom-Zoom nature inherent in all Mazda vehicles.

Prestige: The CX-9 was crafted both inside and out to be a 'prestige' vehicle, inspiring pride of ownership with a refined appearance and upscale amenities. Leather-trimmed upholstery, high-grade trim elements and premium features such as three-zone automatic climate control and an available voice-activated navigation system with rearview camera and Bluetooth® compatibility all combine to appeal to the senses and encourage a pleasant driving experience.

Exceptional versatility: The CX-9 is outfitted with three rows of comfortable seating for a total of seven passengers, including a 60/40-split folding second-row seat and a 50/50-split folding third-row seat. It is also equipped with a wealth of premium convenience features, including power windows, mirrors and door locks, remote keyless entry, 3-zone automatic climate control and an 8-way power driver's seat. Available up-market options include a power liftgate, Intelligent Key passive entry/start system, Bose® audio, a navigation system with MP3 functionality, Bluetooth® compatibility with Audio Profile and rearview camera parking assist, plus a DVD rear entertainment system

Safety: The CX-9's stable braking and handling characteristics and 'command' seating position inspire driver confidence, while advanced technologies such as Roll Stability Control (RSC) and overhead curtain airbags for all three rows help protect the family.

Quality craftsmanship: The CX-9 solidifies Mazda´s commitment to quality with its attention to details such as tight, flush gaps between body panels, smooth and easy door, liftgate and seat operation, passenger compartment sound dampening, and an ergonomically-designed interior with driver intuitive controls and high-quality trim materials.

Comprehensive safety: The CX-9 boasts a comprehensive array of safety features offering peace of mind, including: 6 standard airbags; available all-wheel drive; Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control System (TCS) and Roll Stability Control (RSC); 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD) and Brake Assist; triple-H body construction.

• A bold five-pointed grille with chrome accent bar and muscular front fender arches project a clear Mazda family identity and present an overall theme of well-balanced continuity and proportions; side windows form a clear, open greenhouse, allowing clear visibility from all seating positions. GT models are further distinguished by a bright finish on the door handles, liftgate garnish and headlamp rings.
• Smooth, flowing profile, steeply angled windshield and backlight, and a rear roof spoiler give the CX-9 a sleek, aerodynamic look, reflecting its sporty Mazda heritage.
• Standard 18-inch (GS) and 20-inch (GT) alloy wheels and wide, grippy tires are aligned to the outside corners, giving a solid, athletic stance and emphasizing the CX-9´s Zoom-Zoom character.
• Body panel and component part gaps are consistently flush and tight for superior fit and finish, showing careful and detailed craftsmanship.
• Xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with manual leveling and lower front fascia-integrated fog lamps for optimal visibility (standard on GT models).
• Highly visible LED taillights and dual trapezoid exhaust outlets make the CX-9 easy to recognize from behind.
• Power moonroof with tilt and one-touch open/close features for open-air driving enjoyment (standard on GT models, optional on GS models).
• Optional power liftgate (GT models with Luxury Package) enhances cargo area accessibility with one-touch opening and closing.

Under the CX-9's sleek exterior is an equally impressive interior, with comfortable seating in every position and a host of premium standard and optional features. The 7-passenger Mazda CX-9 rides on one of the longest wheelbases in its segment, providing easy access to all three rows. Versatile cargo and storage spaces easily accommodate the needs of modern families.

Standard 8-way power driver´s seat with manual lumbar adjustment on GS models; GT models add power driver lumbar support, driver's seat position memory and a 4-way power adjustable front passenger's seat for maximum comfort.

• GS models are outfitted with high-grade cloth upholstery; leather-trimmed upholstery and heated front seats are standard on GT models.
• Leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic steering wheel with cruise and audio controls and leather-wrapped shift knob.
• Standard AM/FM/CD modular audio system with six speakers and auxiliary audio input jack; optional Bose® audio system, including a 6-disc CD changer and 10 speakers, provides enhanced sound quality (GT models with Luxury Package).
• Three-zone automatic climate control, including separate rear climate controls and a clean air filter, keeps all occupants in year-round comfort.
• Optional voice-activated navigation system with touchscreen, MP3 functionality, integrated rearview camera parking assist system, while Bluetooth® phone compatibility is now standard on all models.
• Optional DVD-based rear seat entertainment system, including a 9-inch LCD screen, 5.1 channel audio with an additional speaker (11 total) and a 115V AC power outlet (GT models).
• Unique GT model interior trim elements include wood finish on the centre instrument panel and power window switch side panels, and piano black accents on the steering wheel.
• Blackout-style instrument set includes electroluminescent gauges with red night time illumination and blue indirect lighting to reduce glare and enhance visibility in low-light conditions; GT models include additional blue indirect lighting over the centre console and door panels.

• Mazda's 3.7-litre DOHC V6 engine produces 273 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm.
• Standard 6-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode offers the driver a more interactive, personal relationship with the road.
• Front-wheel drive or available advanced 'multi-mode' active torque split all-wheel drive system (standard on GT models).
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control System (TCS) for additional handling confidence on unpredictable road surfaces.
• 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD) and Brake Assist help provide optimum control under heavy or panic braking operations.
• Independent front strut-type suspension and rear multi-link suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars deliver smooth and nimble handling.
• Remote keyless illuminated entry system with retractable key; available Intelligent Key keyless entry/start system for hands-free convenience (GT models with Luxury package).
• Power windows include driver and front passenger one-touch up/down feature and Global Open/Close (front windows and sunroof).

Mazda's 3.7-litre MZI dual-overhead cam V6 engine is Zoom-Zoom in its newest form. Developed specifically for the CX-9, this engine produces 273 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque … more than enough muscle to launch the CX-9 with authority.

The CX-9 was designed to support the Mazda DNA, with linear/lively/torqueful performance, feel and pleasant quietness. Key goals that Mazda engineers set when developing the 3.7L DOHC engine were to:

• Provide power and performance feel equal to or better than competitive vehicles
• Achieve high performance throughout its power range while maintaining fuel economy
• Achieve linear powertrain noise, vibration and harshness (NVH)
• Reduce exhaust gas emissions

To achieve these goals, a 60-degree short-stroke V6 was designed to be state-of-the-art throughout. Computer-aided engineering analysis was used extensively - to configure the cylinder block casting, to shape intake and exhaust ports, and to design the high-volume exhaust system fitted with three large mufflers. In addition, the forged-steel crankshaft is fitted with induction-hardened journals, a full complement of counterweights and a dual-mass damper. Engineering details even extend to a roller-chain cam-drive sprocket lined with rubber for quiet operation.

Advanced features include a die-cast aluminum block with cast-in iron cylinder liners and aluminum cylinder heads to minimize weight; the block stiffness was optimized to reduce radiated engine noise. The valvetrain includes chain-driven dual overhead camshafts for minimal maintenance, four valves per cylinder with direct acting bucket-type actuators, and variable intake valve timing. A high 10.3:1 compression ratio maximizes efficiency and power output, while the throttle is electronically controlled for quick response. Finally, two close-coupled catalytic converters, one installed on each of the left- and right-hand banks of the engine, cleanse the exhaust without inhibiting power. Very low backpressure is one of the reasons why the power curve is still ascending at the 6,500-rpm redline; additionally, this efficient exhaust system contributes to a low ULEVII emissions rating.

A 6-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode affords the driver interactive control over the CX-9's abundant power, while still contributing to a smooth ride and excellent fuel economy.

The transmission's six speeds and Sport mode add another dimension to the CX-9's driving personality, allowing responsive clutch-free manual shifting for a more interactive driving experience and a more personal relationship with the road. This Aisin-supplied transmission was adopted for its ability to confidently deliver high power from the CX-9's V6 engine with increased quietness and improved performance. Broad gear ratios maximize flexibility by providing enthusiastic launch acceleration as well as quiet cruising. The top two gears are both overdrive ratios, assuring excellent fuel economy while driving on the highway.

A simple forward or backward movement of the strategically placed shift knob affords full manual control over the 6-speed automatic transmission. The manual shift Sport mode is selected by moving the shift lever from the D-range position on the shifter console to a gated slot marked '+' and '-'; the driver then pulls the lever backward toward the '+' for an upshift, and pushes the lever forward toward the '-' for a downshift. The Sport mode was designed with downshifting in the 'up' position due in part to the body's natural inclination to lean forward during deceleration.

The CX-9 can be equipped with Mazda's active torque split all-wheel drive system, which debuted on the MazdaSpeed6 (and is shared with the CX-7), featuring a more aggressive transfer of torque to the rear axle in accordance with driving conditions. This intelligent system achieves a satisfying balance between the interactive control over the vehicle that makes it particularly enjoyable to drive, and confident handling stability necessary for snowy, wet or other uncertain road surfaces/conditions; engine power and torque are efficiently transferred to the road surface for maximum performance.

The active torque split AWD system uses real-time data input on steering angle, yaw rate, lateral G-force and engine status to determine road surface and driving conditions. The active torque coupling mounted in front of the rear differential is electronically controlled in accordance with the data provided by the computer, adjusting front/rear wheel torque distribution between 100:0 and 50:50 to deliver optimum drive power to each axle. The result is the most power and traction are made available under all conditions; positive acceleration and confident handling are provided regardless of constantly changing road conditions, as well as the ability to fully balance the vehicle in a turn by skilful use of the accelerator pedal.

Unlike many competitor offerings, the torque transfer system in the CX-9 seamlessly integrates the inherent stability of all-wheel drive; because the active torque coupling is controlled electronically, it can react to wheel slippage much more rapidly than conventional gear- or fluid-controlled systems.

Suspension

The design of the front suspension system geometry is central to the CX-9's linear steering, handling precision and straight-line stability. At the front, the CX-9 features an independent McPherson strut-type suspension; this suspension adopts a six-point rubber mount, allowing it to realize both higher supporting rigidity for linear and agile handling, and the flexibility necessary to control noise and vibration. Ball-type strut bearings and lateral force control springs contribute to smoother steering feel and ride comfort.

The rear suspension is a multi-link configuration with one trailing arm and two lateral locating members per side, affording precise control of rear wheel orientation and keeping the wheel travel straight up and down to maintain the perfect contact patch throughout the suspension travel. This system employs coil springs and mono-tube dampers, featuring superior response with smooth transitions between extension and compression, as well as improved damping characteristics. To minimize intrusion into the cargo area and permit a wider load space, the rear springs are positioned between the lower lateral member and the unibody. Rear dampers are located as close as possible to each wheel to reduce friction and provide smoother motion control. Front and rear anti-roll bars are an integral part of both suspension systems to help offset body lean during cornering.

Mazda CX-9 GS models roll on wide P245/60R18 all-season tires, mounted on 18-inch alloy wheels, while GT models boast 20-inch, bright-finish alloy wheels with lower-profile P245/50R20 all-season tires. These lightweight alloy wheels give the CX-9 an athletic look, while the wide tires provide a larger contact patch with the pavement for enhanced grip, contributing to nimble handling and useful road feedback to the driver.

Responsive and direct steering control is an important component of the overall handling characteristics of any vehicle. The CX-9's rack-and-pinion steering system provides its driver with a clean, direct feel and an intuitive response to steering inputs; lag between steering input and the vehicle's reaction to driver demands is almost nonexistent, and there is minimal kickback to the steering wheel from road imperfections.

The steering system features engine rpm-sensing variable power assist; the level of power assistance varies according to the engine speed - power is boosted at lower speeds and reduced at higher speeds. This has the advantage of requiring less input effort from the driver while ensuring precise, agile steering feel, making parking and manoeuvring far more comfortable than with a conventional power steering system.

A light, stiff unibody provides a solid foundation for the CX-9. Its rigid frame incorporates Triple-H construction: H-shaped structures in the roof, floor and side structures are designed to increase body rigidity, contributing to better handling, lower levels of NVH transmission (noise, vibration and harshness) and increased crash protection. A rigid perimeter frame mounted to the unibody through six rubber isolator mounting points supports the powertrain, rack-and-pinion steering system and low friction front suspension. Computer-aided engineering analysis was used to optimize this structure, delivering high torsional and bending rigidity with minimal weight, securing a balanced, agile ride while still retaining the flexibility necessary to minimize road noise and vibration. Extra laser welds and adhesive weld bonding have been applied in critical areas for enhanced stiffness; a chassis that flexes too much detracts from performance, resulting in a vehicle that does not handle very well.

The CX-9's left- and right-hand engine mounts are highly rigid, reducing the transmission of vibration. Radiated sound emitted from the engine (such as timing chain noise) is reduced by optimizing the sound isolation structure of the exhaust manifold and adopting a bending damper to the crankshaft. Additionally, double-layer door seals, damping sheets applied to floor areas and lightweight acoustic foam filler added to body cavities helps eliminate resonance and block noise transmission from the road and underbody, ensuring a quiet, premium-quality cabin environment.

The Mazda CX-9 rides on a 2,875 mm wheelbase, one of the longest among a class of intermediate crossover utility vehicles that includes the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Acura MDX, Volvo XC90 and Subaru Tribeca, providing ample legroom for everyone and easy access to its third-row seat. The 60/40-split folding second-row seat with reclining backrest carries three in comfort, boasting both best-in-class legroom (1,010 mm) and fore/aft slide travel (approximately 120 mm). In the 50/50-split folding third row, the seating position and legroom (at 824 mm) are both class-leading, allowing even adult passengers to ride in comfort. Rear doors open to a best-in-class 75-degree angle for excellent accessibility, and entry to the third row is uncomplicated, with nearly 650 mm of access space between the folded second-row seat and the C-pillar. Large, easy to manipulate walk-in levers on the second-row seat sides require only one simple hand motion to unlatch the seat and move it forward; however, even if the second seat is occupied, passengers can access the third-row seats without using the walk-in feature. 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. Both second- and third-row seats fold flat to allow additional storage all the way up to the back of the front seats; as well, the seats can be folded flat without needing to remove the headrests.

CX-9 occupants are provided with abundant intuitive spaces for storage within easy reach throughout the cabin. Cupholders in all three rows service the driver and passengers, and each door contains an integral compartment that is ideal for holding a 500 ml (17 oz.) drink bottle. The centre console box between the front seats provides ample storage, as well as a 12-volt DC outlet and an auxiliary audio input jack for portable media devices. A front overhead console contains a storage compartment for sunglasses; on GT models, the second-row seat also features a large centre fold-down armrest with an integrated covered storage box. A driver's side seatback pocket, ideal for holding maps and other items, rounds out the CX-9's storage features.

The CX-9 was designed to push beyond normal utility expectations, expanding on the liberal space for its occupants by offering an ample cargo area for the storage of luggage and other items carried in everyday life. With the second- and third-row seats up or in use, cargo capacity is 487 litres, eclipsing many large sedan trunks; with the second- and third-row seats folded flat, cargo capacity increases to a best-in-class maximum of 2,851 litres. Additionally, an underfloor storage box provides approximately 48 litres of concealed storage, another best-in-class measurement. Finally, deep tint privacy glass on the rear side and liftgate windows protects contents from view and helps discourage theft.

Studies show that 70% of crashes on the road are full frontal or offset frontal impact crashes; therefore, a meticulously engineered front crash management structure is necessary to aid in the absorption of impact energy and its redirection away from the passenger compartment. Through the use of high-tensile steel, the CX-9's crash management system accommodates differing patterns of flex, allowing the frontal section to absorb energy very effectively in both types of frontal crashes.

The CX-9 incorporates the same progressive safety technologies found across the Mazda family of vehicles. With six standard airbags, including overhead side curtains for all three rows, and 3-point safety belts for all seating positions, the CX-9 sets a high standard for safety in the crossover utility segment. The CX-9's Triple-H architecture, side-impact door beams and crushable box pedal design are engineered to absorb and disperse impact energies away from the cabin in the event of a collision, providing an extra level of occupant protection.

• Advanced dual-stage front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with belt-use sensors, driver's seat position sensor and front passenger-side weight sensor.
• Standard dual front side-impact airbags, as well as first-, second- and third row side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, provide additional head and torso protection for all occupants in the event of a collision.
• Equipped with 3-point safety belts and adjustable head restraints for all seating positions.
• Active safety features such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control System (TCS) and Roll Stability Control (RSC) assist in providing corrective measures to aid the driver during inclement weather and other adverse driving conditions.
• Triple-H architecture provides multiple paths for impact force to travel, protecting the integrity of the passenger cabin; front and rear side-impact door beams add additional strength.
• Optimized brake and accelerator pedal layout (crushable box design) helps to prevent collision force intrusion into the footwell.
• Engine immobilizer and anti-theft alarm systems provide additional reassurance.
• The Blind Spot Monitoring System (GT models equipped with Luxury Package) helps reduce the risk of an accident by alerting the driver when a vehicle is in a blind spot.

To provide drivers with confidence during a stop, the CX-9's braking system was engineered to be highly rigid, ensuring that deceleration is more directly proportional to pedal pressure than pedal travel. The payoff associated with this more linear response is enhanced controllability; higher deceleration is attained with lighter pedal effort and shorter pedal travel, and stopping distances are significantly decreased.

The CX-9 is outfitted front and rear with large-diameter brake discs (320 mm front and 325 mm rear) to deliver stable braking performance, with dual-piston front calipers and single-piston rear calipers. In addition, both the front and rear brake rotors are vented to help dissipate heat more rapidly, reducing brake fade and retaining effective stopping power longer.

A standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) provides additional assurance; the system works by pulsating the brakes at a high rate of speed, while individually monitoring each wheel for lock-up. At the moment wheel lock-up occurs, a tiny amount of brake pressure is released to that wheel in order to encourage it to rotate again. This system is beneficial in that it aids in maintaining directional control during hard or panic braking, helping the driver steer out of hazardous situations with confidence, even on unpredictable road surfaces.

The CX-9's ABS system is further augmented with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD) and Brake Assist. EBFD works by measuring braking force versus traction and allocating brake force to wheels that have the best grip for stopping before the ABS system activates. This advanced system helps to reduce the braking distance by using the precise level of brake modulation for confident stopping and optimum occupant comfort. Additionally, Brake Assist technology senses panic or emergency stopping, and quickly applies maximum braking force in emergency situations.

Traction control systems generally come in one of two primary systems: an ABS-based system, or an engine management system. Both systems use the ABS wheel speed sensors to determine if there is wheel spin (wheel speed greater than vehicle speed). The CX-9 system uses engine management to reduce the amount of power output by reducing fuel, ignition timing and throttle position to reduce wheel slippage. This system is superior to systems that use the ABS brakes to slow down the spinning wheel - ABS systems have a tendency to be very jarring in their operation and can overheat the brakes if used for extended periods of time. The CX-9's Traction Control System (TCS) deals with the problem of the engine supplying too much power for road conditions right at the source; when wheel spin is detected, the TCS simply reduces the engine's power output until the wheel slippage stops.

In a collision severe enough to force the lower body structure into the driver footwell area, the CX-9's crushable pedal design deploys impact energy away from the area and prevents pedal intrusion that could cause a foot, ankle or lower leg injury. A mechanism allows the brake pedal to unfasten in the event of a frontal collision, allowing it to move downward and away instead of being pushed back into the cabin.

The CX-9's advanced front airbags are dual-stage. A dual-stage airbag controls the inflator output by two grades, according to the level of impact, using two pyrotechnic devices in conjunction with crash zone sensors at the front of the car. When the impact is severe, both pyrotechnic devices deploy at the same instant to give a rapid and firm deployment. If the impact is not as severe, the two explosions are time-delayed to make the deployment of the airbag softer; this essentially allows the airbag to deploy at half-speed using only one pyrotechnic device, while releasing the other charge in a way that does not affect the airbag inflation. This intelligent airbag system also employs belt-use sensors, a driver's seat position sensor and passenger side occupancy/weight sensors. These features reduce possible injury to the occupants from the airbag, as well as being a cost-saving measure - if there is no one in the passenger seat, the airbag will not be deployed.

Standard side-impact airbags deploy from the upper side of the front seats to protect the thoracic area of the driver and passenger. The side and front airbags are very similar - they both deploy rapidly, but are also very quick to deflate. Overhead side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor are also standard in the CX-9, deploying from the headliner area in all three rows and offering enhanced head protection during side impact collisions. If the sensor anticipates a rollover, it deploys the side curtain airbags early, maintaining inflation for approximately six seconds in order to guard against injury, as well as to protect the occupants from broken glass or other debris.

The driver can deactivate the BSM by pressing the BSM off switch. An indicator light illuminates informing the driver the radar has been turned off. However, manually turning off the BSM deactivates the feature only temporarily. Once the vehicle ignition is turned off, then started again, the BSM automatically activates.

The BSM is a safety feature that assists the driver in operating the CX-9 safely. It is not meant to replace defensive driving techniques. Drivers should always look over their shoulder before changing lanes and know the following precautions concerning the BSM.

The Bluetooth® hands-free phone system helps reduce the risk of an accident by allowing the driver to have both hands on the wheel, as well as focus on the road, while on the phone.Brakes The Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, standard on all CX-9, allows the driver to make and receive calls via voice or steering wheel controls, thereby reducing distraction. Experience the full potential of your Bluetooth® feature by selecting the link below, and learn more about this exciting feature, and see how simple it is to use. The CX-9 takes Bluetooth® technology even further. As part of the Navigation Package, Bluetooth® with Audio Profile has been added, allowing occupants to wirelessly transmit their play lists from their cell phones to the vehicle stereo, giving them an unlimited selection of music.

iPod®

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