Mazda CX-9 News

Available in Classic and Luxury grades, the new Mazda front-wheel-drive models will offer increased choice for customers who require the flexibility of seating for up to seven but without the need for all-wheel-drive. The two front-wheel drive models are $4500 less than their all-wheel drive counterparts. All CX-9s continue to be powered by a 3.7 litre V6 engine mated to a 6-speed Activematic transmission. The CX-9 Classic FWD becomes the introductory model in the range and is equipped with an impressive list of features including 18-inch alloy wheels, auto headlamps, cruise control, three-zone climate control, power windows and mirrors plus a leather trimmed steering wheel and gear shift knob. Safety remains a priority with all CX-9s boasting a full complement of safety features including six airbags (offering protection for all three rows), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Roll Stability Control (RSC) and a reversing camera. Luxury model adds 20-inch alloy wheels, a power-sliding and tilt glass sunroof, heated power mirrors with 3-position memory and reverse tilt-down function, power adjustable leather seats with 3-position memory function and a premium Bose audio system with 10 speakers. The Luxury model is also available with a Satellite Navigation option adding a fully integrated 7-inch touch-screen satellite navigation system and Bluetooth with audio streaming. Prices for the new front-wheel drive models start from $44,425.

An all-new transmission - SKY-Drive - is under development in Japan and will be suitable for use in everything from the Mazda3 to CX-9 with diesel power.  It is part of the company's SKY development program, which is spearheaded by a 2-litre petrol engine intended to deliver a 15 per cent improvement to both torque and fuel efficiency.The first look at the SKY program came at last year's Tokyo Motor Show, where a 1.3- litre SKY engine was fitted to its Kiyora concept car.  A SKY-D engine is also on the way, according to Mazda's Masazumi Wakayama, for use in the next-generation CX all-wheel drives and the mid-sized Mazda6.The transmission for the Sky engines is an all-new auto with a five per cent efficiency improvement, although few other details are available. No-one at Mazda will discuss the number of ratios, the possible use of constantly-variable technology, or a euro-style twin-clutch deive system.  But the SKY-Drive automatic is set for introduction and its potential for diesel use is obvious."Thee SKY-G petrol engine is coming in 2011 with SKY-Drive automatic transmission," says Steve Maciver of Mazda Australia.  "The diesel is being developed to work with that transmission, but we haven't confirmed when it's coming. We haven't actually been given a date from Japan.  We're keen to get it as soon as we can. We recognise there is a demand there from customers and we're keen to satisfy that demand." The transmission is expected to cope with up to 400 Newton-metres of torque, which means it should easily work with the CX-9 at the top end and - since the CX models are all-wheel drive without a centre transfer case or crawler gears - and also with the Mazda3 and Mazda6 passenger car layouts.  "We believe the transmission is being developed on several models,"  Maciver says.

Just a week after the launch of the new MX5, the latest Mazda to get the company's new corporate "five-point" grille is the CX9.Apart from the CX9 and MX5, the new face is spreading across the Mazda range.It appears on the next-generation 3, due in local showrooms within days and the CX7 due later this year.The 2010 CX9 is expected to hit local showrooms later this year, about the same time as the refreshed CX7.The CX9 will be unveiled at next month's New York motor show.Mazda is not spilling the beans on exactly what the changes are underneath, saying only that the car will get "added options and reinforced safety features".However, the seven-seater's existing 3.7-litre V6 and six-speed automatic is expected to carry over.Unlike the CX7 though, no diesel version is tipped to be added to the range.CX9 buyers can however expect improvements in the V6's fuel economy and a mildly updated cabin.Visually, the new corporate grille is prominent, as are the revised foglights and lower air intake.New larger exterior rear view mirrors and updated tail-lights complete the look.Locally Mazda is one of the few brands that has had a good sales start this year even though its overall share has slipped almost 9 per cent.At the launch of the new MX5 last week, Mazda Australia managing director, Doug Dickson, says he remains confident this year in the face of the 20 per cent market downturn.He expects Mazda to continue to build its market share through the year despite overall sales volumes being down.The arrival of the next-generation 3 hatch and sedan is expected to be a big driver.Mazda, like other Japanese importers, has been under pricing pressure because of unfavourable exchange rates with the Japanese yen.Dickson expects the Australia dollar to rebound against the yen over the next few months."The Australian dollar could gain lost ground over the next few months," he says."So pricing pressure will disappear over the next six months."Dickson expects Mazda to sell about 70,000 vehicles this year, 12 per cent down from the 79,826 vehicles sold last year.

The company has just revealed the latest in its series of swoopy concept cars, called the Kazamai, but in reality it is a clear pointer to a CX-5.

The CX-9 is due to hit the showrooms in December, the large SUV will boast a 3.7-litre V6 engine. In Japanese spec it produces 204kW of power at 6350rpm and 366Nm of torque at 4250rpm. The Mazda CX-7 uses a 2.3-litre four-cylinder but the turbocharged petrol engine gives 175kW of power. The CX-9 is built on a different platform, having a wheelbase of 2875mm and a total body length of 5074mm. Mazda says Australia will be the first market to get the 3.7-litre version of the CX-9. It will be available in two grades; Luxury and Classic. Prices are expected to start in the low $50,000s. The CX-9 will sit on 18 or 20-inch wheels, depending on the version, and have three rows of seats. However, reasonable luggage space will remain; even when the third seating row is in use; 480 litres, which is comparable to a decent-sized normal car boot. Fold the third seat-row away and there's 928 litres of space to play with. The second-seat row is split 40-60 and can slide forward and aft 12cm. Mazda adds a wide door opening for third-row passengers to step in behind the second-row seat. CX-9s being built for Australia have stability control, roll-stability control, touch-screen audio with reversing camera, six airbags, cruise control, power windows and three-zone, climate-control airconditioning with separate control for the rear. Mazda's 'active torque split' all-wheel-drive system is used. It will automatically adjust torque distribution to the front and rear wheels from 100 per cent front wheels to 50-50.    

Adoption of these engines means future Ford Performance Vehicles could use a single or even twin-turbo, direct-injection version of the imported 3.5-litre V6 and a new 5.0-litre TwinForce V8 with cylinder deactivation technology.The TwinForce family of engines grew from Ford's existing 3.0-litre Duratec family. One of its first applications was previewed in the Lincoln MKR concept car at this year's Detroit Motor Show.The Lincoln used a TwinForce all-alloy twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 developing 321kW and 542Nm, which compares favourably with the current FPV turbo six's 270kW and 550Nm.Though Ford Australia will not comment on the specifications of its future V6s or V8s, US Ford executives have said the TwinForce unit has the power of a V8 and economy of a six. They say a TwinForce V6 can achieve 20 per cent better economy than existing six-cylinder engines.The alloy engine has the potential to be enlarged to 3.7 litres for different markets. Mazda's new CX-9 will use a 3.7-litre version when it goes on sale later in the year.Ford's group vice-president, global product development, Derrick Kuzak, says TwinForce engine technology is a key element of “how we're going after fuel economy gains without asking anyone to give up performance”.Apart from the twin-turbo V6, Ford has a standard 3.5-litre that develops 198kW and 339Nm but can reach 224kW once such features as direct injection are added.Direct fuel injection, already used on some Japanese and European performance cars, monitors fuel flow into the cylinders more precisely, resulting in lower emissions.Technologies for the twin turbocharging system were developed in co-operation with Volvo.The direct-injection system is a joint development between Ford and Bosch, based on Bosch DFI systems already in production.The engine is capable of operating on any mix of E85 ethanol and premium petrol.Ford is also working on new dual-clutch six-speed gearboxes called Powershift, which will be used with the new engines.The gearboxes were developed in conjunction with Getrag. 

Mazda's venture into the world of the crossover SUV has already taken on a local flavour with extensive Australian testing of the new CX-9. The seven-seater, a big brother to the sporty CX-7 launched late last year, has been undergoing engineering evaluation in Victoria ahead of its local launch next January.Mazda sent a prototype right-hand-drive engineering mule and a team of engineers to evaluate the V6-powered CX-9 under local conditions. The move was prompted in part by the decision to use Australia as the world launch market for right-hand-drive models.To be offered in two grades, the AustralianCX-9s, which have been extensively modified for right-hand-drive use, are expected to be priced between $55,000 and $60,000.Modifications include flipping the centre seat 60/40 split and middle row seatbelt mounting point to ensure the CX-9's interior works just as well in Australia as it does in North America, a market the cars were designed for.On the evaluation drive, which focused on powertrain, suspension and steering calibration and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), the right-hand-drive mule was driven alongside a left-hand-drive North American specification car to benchmark the results.While final specifications have yet to be confirmed, the 186kW CX-9 will be generously equipped with a choice of 18-inch or 20-inchalloy wheels, dual zone climate control airconditioning, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, six airbags and active safety features such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Roll Stability Control (RSC).

HOLDENThe focus at the GM-owned stand willbe the concept of the next generation of America's iconic muscle car, the Chevrolet Camaro. The partly Australian-designed sports coupe concept will make its debut here.Holden will be evaluating public response to determine if the Camaro will be a viable option for the local market.The new model has been confirmed for production in North America at the beginning of 2009. It is expected to be identical to the concept model, a modern interpretation of its original 1969 form.Part of the Camaro's engineering and design work is done in Melbourne.Holden is also unveiling a diesel version of its Captiva family all-wheel-drive plus the new Epica mid-size sedan. FORDThe hottest new baby car for Australia is the Fiesta XR4 (pictured on today's cover) which Ford will start selling here mid-year.The European-built car will complement its big brother the Focus XR5 Turbo.The XR4 will be powered by a 2.0-litre Duratec 16 valve engine. Falcon Cobra-style stripes will enhance its racy looks.Also following the Cobra style is a limited-edition run of 200 FPV GTs to commemorate 40 years since the first Falcon V8, the XR GT, was built in 1967.The distinctive black with gold stripes machine will sell for $65,110 from next month. TOYOTAThe company will reveal its latest prestige performance vehicles. The locally designed Toyotas make their world debut in Melbourne.The TRD range features a supercharged 3.5-litre, V6 Aurion sports sedan and the supercharged 4.0-litre, V6 HiLux sports utility.The Aurion will go on sale in the middle of the year and the Hilux will be launched towards the end of the year. AUDI The surprise of the show could be Audi's new S5 and A5 models, which make their world debut at the Geneva show next week.The A5 will be available in both four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, with the 3.2-litre, 195kW V6 petrol topping the range.The S5 has an eight-cylinder 260kW engine, producing 440Nm of torque. It sprints from nought to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.The coupes will be available to order from March, with deliveries starting in June. JEEPThe Chrysler brand will preview three of its new production models in Melbourne.The all-new Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited will be the main attraction to the stand, along with the first compact SUV for Jeep, the Compass.The Wrangler has been redesigned, and has a new diesel engine added to the range.The Unlimited is a four-door model, with five seats and extended wheelbase.The new Compass will be available in both petrol and diesel engines when it goes on sale this month and the company believes it will appeal to a younger audience. NISSANNissan will unveil three new models, including the much-talked-about Qashqai, which has been renamed Dualis for the Australian market. The Dualis will be launched in Australia towards the end of this year and will slot into the small segment.Nissan will also display the new Micra, a 1.4-litre small car which will also go on sale towards the end of the year and the revised 350Z. With a new 3.5-litre, V6 engine, the 350Z will go on sale in April. It also features changed interior and exterior designs. HONDAHonda's latest offering in fuel-cell technology, the new FCX concept, is making its Australian debut in Melbourne.The low-riding, sporty sedan runs on hydrogen and has more power, while still offeringa a full-sized cabin. Honda is currently working on a retail version of the prototype for the US and Japan. EDAGThe engineering and design company will exhibit its EDAG SUV, a one-of-kind model based on the Porsche Cayenne. The modified SUV has been lowered and reshaped and the roofline dropped by 70mm.It has a 447kW turbo engine, with large air inlets on the front bumper for the intercoolers. Wedge-shaped side skirts and muscular fenderflares give the EDAG SUV even more character. It sits on 23-inch wheels with ultra-low profile tyres.Inside, four sports seats are separated by a full-length centre console, which features a DVD player and Sony PS2 game console. BMWWe'll see the debut of the new X5 in Australia at the motor show.The revised SUV will go on sale in April with a 3.0-litre diesel and a 4.8-litre, V8 petrol engine. A 3.0-litre petrol will be available from June. Prices will start at $80,000.BMW will also show the 3 Series convertible as well as the the updated 5 Series and 1 Series. MAZDAMazda will feature the Australian preview of its new large SUV, the CX-9. The seven-seater will be the third SUV for Mazda when it goes on sale in Australia in January.It is expected to cost $55,000-$60,000.Mazda will have both a cut model with the roof taken off, as well as a left-hand drive, North American production model on display.

It is a cutaway without a roof. It was sliced in the United States to show the space and flexibility in the biggest passenger vehicle to carry a Mazda badge. The dissected CX-9 will be at the show alongside a regular road runner that's also coming from America. The production car should arrive next week. Both are left-hand-drive because right-steer cars will not be on the production line in America until the end of the year. "Right-hand-drive production won't start until then. We are the only right-hand-drive country taking the existing CX-7," Mazda Australia spokesman Alastair Doak says. "The CX-9 is being developed specifically for the Australian market. It is fantastic that they are making that effort for us." Doak says Mazda is keen to allow potential customers to see the CX-9 early after the success of the CX-7, the company's first crossover people mover. "We definitely want to have the CX-9 at the show. The cut body has had the roof removed so people can see inside," he says. Doak says Mazda Australia expects solid demand for the newcomer, a seven-seater with a V6 engine. "It is a mid-sized crossover. It does what the CX-7 does for its sector in a bigger size. "It is a whole new level of style while delivering the Mazda `zoom-zoom' driving dynamics." Mazda Australia moved quickly to get the CX-9, even though it is not going to Britain or Japan. "The people-mover segment is not large in Australia. But, obviously, a three-row crossover wagon has a much larger pond to fish in," Doak says. "We haven't talked price, but it sits above CX-7. The leather CX-7 is $46,000 and it will be significantly larger than that," Doak says. "There is no relationship in architecture between these two vehicles. They are stand-alone. They have the same school of styling, but the CX-9 will come only as a V6, and will have a six-speed automatic gearbox."

AUDIThe much-anticipated second generation of the Audi TT Coupe made its public debut at this week's New York International Auto show. Audi Australia spokeswoman Anna Burgdorf says the new TT will be in showrooms here before the end of the year.The new TT features Audi's new magnetic ride-damper system, which uses metal particles suspended in the damper oil and electric current to provide variable damping. The car is also longer and wider than its predecessor while retaining the sleek lines pioneered in the original TT Coupe.DAIMLER CHRYSLERChrysler will unveil the stretched version of its popular 300C sedan. The extended wheelbase adds 150mm to the length while the rear seat environment has been enhanced with illuminated writing tables, more power outlets, footrests and custom-paint colours. Chrysler expects the 300C long wheelbase to attract interest from the limousine industry, as well as retail customers. Its arrival date in Australia is still uncertain.DaimlerChrysler has also showcased the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, claimed by Jeep to be the most spacious ever offered. Also on the stand is the compact Jeep Patriot.The Dodge Caliber will bring the Dodge badge back to Australia and will provide a second passenger stream for Chrysler. It will arrive in Australia for sale mid year. Dodge plans to release a new vehicle in Australia approximately every six months for the next three years.MERCEDESThe mildly face-lifted E-Class with engine revamps will make its way to Australia in September or October. Other vehicles on display include the R-Class, which had its Sydney launch this week and G-Class, due in Australia in November.HONDAThe next generation of the Honda MDX large four-wheel-drive, sold as Acura in the US, is on show as a concept car. It is expected to be a pointer to the production model that will go on sale in the US later this year.Honda is not giving away much about the second-generation MDX model, which it says is designed, developed and will be built in North America. The current MDX started as a left-hand-drive-only model, but after sufficient lobbying, Honda agreed to build right-hand-drive models for Japan and Australia. Honda Australia says it doesn't know if the second-generation MDX will be made in right-hand-drive but hopes it will be.It is keen to keep the prestige MDX in its line-up because the big crossover wagon, which is about the same size as a Ford Territory, added 829 sales to its tally last year.SUZUKIThe Suzuki SX-4 – a joint Suzuki-Fiat enterprise – is set to be released to markets outside Europe in the coming months. Suzuki Australia will not officially commit the car to Australia but privately is understood to be anxious to add it to the marque's limited garage.The latest generation of the large XL-7 will not make it to Australia with a decision having been taken last year to phase the model out of local sales.FERRARILaunched at the Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari's 599 GTB has embarked on its world tour. Described as the company's most powerful V12 production car, the innovative and technologically advanced performance star is expected to make its first appearance in Australia at the Sydney motor show in October.MAZDAMazda has unveiled the CX-9, a seven-seat crossover sport-utility vehicle. Its arrival in Australia is still uncertain, with Mazda assessing the possibility of making the vehicle available in right-hand drive and getting it to market at a competitive price. Also on the stand – and confirmed for Australia – are the mid-sized crossover CX-7 and MazdaSpeed3 (badged as the Mazda3 MPS for Australia).LEXUSThe LS600h, which Lexus claims will be the world's first vehicle to feature a full hybrid V8 engine, has been unveiled in New York.This new version of its flagship will be available in Australia only in long wheelbase, and is due to be launched in the first half of 2007. Lexus claims the car will be economical for such a large body, averaging 14 litres/100km.PONTIACOne highlight of the New York showcars not destined for Australia is the G6 GXP concept car. It features Pontiac's distinctive nose also seen on the US-version of the now-defunct Holden Monaro. This concept car has 19-inch wheels and boasts a 200kW, 3.9-litre V6 engine.Which of these cars excites you?