2016 Mazda CX-9 Debuts With New Styling, Turbocharged Engine
The all-new 2016 Mazda CX-9 three-row crossover has made its official debut at the 2015 L.A. Auto Show.
Mazda is calling its new CX-9 “the latest, grandest expression of KODO – Soul of Motion design yet and the high-end model of Mazda’s new-generation lineup” and it shows. The design features an athletic stance highlighted with signature KODO proportions such as a long hood, swept greenhouse, large wheels and short overhangs. The 2016 Mazda CX-9 measures 199.4 inches long, making it 1.2 inches shorter than its predecessor. Its wheelbase, however, has been stretched 2.2 inches, adding passenger leg room as well as easing entry to and exit from the rear.
The crossover also introduces the newest signature color from Mazda, called Machine Gray. According to the Japanese automaker, the shade is designed to make the CX-9 look as though it was carved from a single ingot of steel and the color will be joined by Soul Red, Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver, Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue and Titanium Flash for the vehicle’s launch in spring of 2016.
SEE ALSO: 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Coverage
But perhaps the most exciting news from the debut of the CX-9 is a new SkyActiv-G 2.5T engine. The 2.5-liter turbocharged engine boasts 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, but the specifications aren’t everything. The engine was designed specifically for the CX-9 with engineers developing Mazda’s Dynamic Pressure Turbo, what the automaker calls “the world’s first turbocharger with the ability to vary the degree of exhaust pulsation depending on engine speed.” In other words, the turbocharger can spool up quickly, helping eliminate turbo lag while offering ample performance throughout the rpm range. The powerplant is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Although fuel economy figures haven’t yet been determined, Mazda believes that the new CX-9 will deliver an estimated 20-percent improvement compared to the current model, making the new CX-9 best-in-class.
Along with the new engine, Mazda focused on shedding some weight on the three-row crossover. In total, the CX-9 lost approximately 198 pounds on the front-wheel-drive model while the all-wheel-drive SUV is about 287 lbs lighter. The weight savings also allowed Mazda to increase window thickness to 4.8 mm to help reduce interior noise levels by 12 percent. At 62 mph, road noise levels inside the cabin have been reduced by 2.0 dB.
Expect pricing information on the 2016 Mazda CX-9 to be announced closer to its launch in spring 2016.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Hood area seems to stick out too far.
How about putting this engine in the 3rd Gen Mazda 6... I know it wouldn't be as smooth as my '09 V6. But it would be a start to bringing more power to the current gen Mazda 6.