The new 2007 warranty policy doesn't look like that bad a thing to me. Although the bumper to bumper warranty decreases to 3 yr/36K miles, the powertrain warranty increases to 5 yr/60K miles.
I guess they have to save money somehow...as long as that translates to a decent selling price (I'm hoping it'll start in the high 20's and won't go any higher than the mid 30's).
And when in heck is this thing coming out? Wife is pregnant with #2, due in January, and her Prizm will suffocate with all that load!
The word is, from what I gather, that pricing will start about $28k, but I'll bet you can probably, with all the options, get it close to $40k, especially with the high-priced options, approximately $2k for AWD, $2k for navigation, $1k for moonroof (somewhere around that price), and $1k for rear entertainment.
I would hazard a guess that the CX-9 will come out around that time, but it might not come out until after you start buying more diapers. :P Just try not to go up any steep hills in the prizm. My sister-in-law had a prizm. It was a good car, but desparately needed overdrive.
In the $28k range...well that's about the range they're thinking about on the GM Outlook/Acadia/Enclave forum. Looks like the CX-9 might be a direct competitor, which would make sense I guess.
I'll need all the room of a larger SUV just to store all those diapers...#1 is still not potty trained (he's 2)
They are the same size and power range and feature class so it's natural they'll be in the same price range. I'll bet the only one you'll be able to get for $28k of the 3 GM products is the Saturn Outlook though. The GMC and Buick will probably have options to set them apart. The estimate starting price for the Buick is about $32k, but it will have more standard. The GM products look to be about 2 inches bigger overall, but you probably won't see in difference in the interior because the Mazda's engine is smaller (by it's dimensions and displacement) so the nose is probably shorter.
I'll bet you don't get much sleep (or won't soon). Hopefully I'll have your problem in the next few years. I'm looking forward to having a few rugrats of my own in the future.
Aviboy97 wrote:The Mazda CX-9 will be built in Japan.
The Ford Edge/ Lincoln MKX share the platform with the CX-7, not the CX-9. However, they will share the same engine, Duratec35. As for transmission, it will probably use the same 6-speed auto that is in the CX-7. I do not see why they would use the Ford tranny. ____________________________________________________________
I am pretty certian that the CX-9 is on the same platform as the Edge/MKX and that the CX-7 is on an entirely different platform. I seriously doubt that the CX-9 will be built in Japan if they are using a common platform, and it is intended for the American market, and is using the Ford 3.5. Just curious if anyone could confirm this? I suspect it will be using Ford's six speed auto as well. And there is no chance that a mainstream Ford engine will require premium fuel.
The CX-9 is slated to be built at the Ujina No. 1 Plant located near Mazda's headquarters in Hiroshima, Japan (although they may do some final assembly in the states to get around import tax laws). While the Edge and CX-9 may share the same platform, the CX-9 is highly modified to lengthen the wheelbase and overall length. Although it will share some Ford goodie's, I don't think Mazda will let it be another Tribute. It will most likely have a totally different suspension to give it some "zoom-zoom" (as much as you can give a 4000-plus lb. vehicle). As for the transmission, my guess is that it will use Ford's 6-speed auto to save cost.
I just read that Ford already has a relationship with Aisin as they developed the 6-speed auto for the Five Hundred. I'm assuming that the new transmission will probably be a more agressive version of that for the CX-9. The Edge's transmission is the result of a collaboration between Ford and GM meant for high volume applications. The Aisin will probably work just fine for the Mazda because volume will not be too high, and the relationship is already there.
That's more or less it's job. Why look rugged when you're not? I think it's more meant to attract people from the minivan market being that Mazda is not going to produce the MPV next year. The purpose of these vehicles is to haul people (especially kids) and light cargo, not go off-roading or haul around a huge trailer (just a small one). The more rugged looking vehicle will probably attract more men buyers, but men really aren't buying this class of vehicle any way. They're buying Nissan Pathfinders, Toyota FJ, Ford Explorers,etc. It's their significant others who want the crossovers, for the most part.
Yep, it's the wife who has a lot of say in this purchase. She's not crazy about minivans, though, and definitely doesn't like the big boxy SUVs. A nice little sport wagon would be acceptable (e,g. the Mazda 6 wagon) but I've noticed that the few wagons that are available in the US are typically too small for our needs (except maybe for the new Passat wagon).
In any case, the point is moot since we want 3rd row seating, and maybe a DVD entertainment system for the kid(s) (which none of the wagons seems to have as an option).
So as CUVs go, looks like we'll be looking at the CX-9 or Buick Enclave, which both have a more "rounded" look than, say, the GM Acadia/Outlook products.
That's exactly what my wife wants. She basically wants the functionality of a minivan without being a minivan, and also something that doesn't look like a traditional SUV.
The Buick looks like it could set you back a bit more from the estimates of price, but it is supposed to have upgraded materials over the GMC and Saturn.
You could also look at theHyundai Veracruz as an alternative. They haven't released official pictures to the public. We'll have to wait until January for that. It will probably be about 5 inches shorter than the CX-9, but has the same wheelbase so interior room will be good. It will be probably be $3k or $4k cheaper. It will definitely be a competitor. I just wish they would release more information on any of these new vehicles. :mad:
Thanks for the tip. I haven't researched the Veracruz, so that forum is a good start. It seems to fit right in with the CX-9 in terms of room and power.
I think Hyundais have tended to be more on the soft side, suspension-wise, so it'll be interesting to see how it compares with the CX-9, which I expect might be a little more firm in order to give it that zoom-zoom.
That's definitely true. Hyundai's are not too sporty, but I heard Hyundai is trying to step farther into luxury territory with this vehicle so I'd be surprised if they let handling suffer too much. I'd love to see how they stack up against each other as far as the actual driving experience being that they are both V6 powered with 6-speed autos and similar power numbers.
For a sort of taste as to how the 3.5L V6 on the CX-9 would be, see the Edmund's review of the First Drive: 2007 Lincoln MKZ:
...263 hp at 6250 rpm and 249 lb-ft at 4500 rpm. Stab the accelerator and the 20-percent power gain makes itself known. Thrust comes on smoothly, and builds intensely as the tachometer swings past 4000. Unlike the Duratec, the 3.5-liter likes to rev. There's no harshness. No thrash. No clatter. Just plenty of power and a purposeful growl that is loud enough to add some aural thrill to the acceleration, but not so loud that it detracts from the MKZ's luxurious intentions...
...Curiously, McCarthy is quick to point out technologies not on his engine. "To meet our performance goals, we didn't need to employ 'add-on' technologies like variable exhaust-valve timing, manifold swirl valves or active management (of the intake system)." By pointing this out, the Ford engineer takes a gloved swipe at competitive engines that utilize such features to match his engine's output. His comment also hints that much more "power density" (his engineeringspeak) resides within the compact dimensions of the 3.5-liter — no larger than the existing Duratec V6...
..."Unlike so many competitors, our 3.5-liter produces its peak power on regular 87-octane unleaded fuel." He noted that the 3.5-liter V6 powering the 2007 Toyota Camry and Lexus ES 350 requires 91-octane fuel to hit its advertised hp of 268. With the cost differential being approximately $0.20/gallon between regular and premium, savings of three bucks per fill-up gets your attention...
Nice find crikey. Without speaking on long-term reliability here, it sounds like Ford may have a winner with this engine, and it's just in time too. I doubt they'll get the fuel economy of the Camry out of it, but with the added savings of using regular, I'd say they would come out pretty even.
Turbocharging this beast (FoMoCo says this is an option for other vehicles) seems like an interesting idea. Could you see a turbo V6 CX-9 to go along with the turbo 4-cyl CX-7? It will never happen, but it would definitely have some "zoom-zoom".
Turbocharging would make monsters out of these engines. You'd definitely get a younger crowd interested (tuning potentials), as long as these engines find their way into vehicles that don't scream "mom and pop".
A turbocharged CX-9...actually that would probably be a first in a CUV that size, right? Can't think of another SUV of similar size that has turbos. Mazda should probably get on it before Subaru beats them to the punch...
Well, it would be the first in that price class, but technically I think Porsche beat it with the Cayenne S. It would be the first with a 3rd row though.
It wouldn't be too hard to turbocharge though. Just change out the pistons in favor of stronger, lower compression ones, add the turbo (smaller twin turbos for less lag) and intercooler, and maybe bigger fuel injectors. You'd be on your way to 350hp with only moderate boost. Instant MAZDASPEED CX-9. Zoom-Zoom! :P
I think the MKS will get Volvo's 4.4L V8. What would really be sweet is a twin-turbo Fusion coupe w/ AWD. The Fusion coupe is rumoured to come out in the next couple of years. Mazda and Ford could certainly share a piece of that.
In the market the MKS is in as the replacement for the TownCar, I don't think a turbo would be wise, and with the MKZ getting the 3.5L 263hp V6, the 4.4L 315hp V8 would be the natural progression, especially since the Volvo S80 gets this engine as well. I've seen the news that it will only get the V6, but I just don't think it's a good idea. It's not that I wouldn't enjoy it with a twin-turbo, but it's audience, mainly 40 and older, would probably be very skeptical.
Oh, well. I suppose it doesn't matter as long as they can squeeze enough power from the V6 without turbo lag, and keep it in the right price range. They can probably build up the V6 cheaper than they can that V8 since the V6 is built in-house. The V8 is built by Yamaha, I believe.
...Regarding fuel economy, official EPA estimates are not available, but Lincoln is thinking that matching the Zephyr's 28-mpg highway mark is quite possible. Combined with the MKZ's 20-gallon tank, this Lincoln can run a long way between feedings...
That Yamaha V8 is a good motor, according to current XC90 owners. And I think they said that it was quite reasonable on gas mileage. That is, compared to the T6 that it replaced.
I've heard good things, but it can't be as cheap to procure as Ford's new V6. If it can push a Volvo to 60 in a decent time, it can't be all bad considering some Volvo's have more armor than tanks.
A well-founded rumor is that the Lincoln MKS will have a twin-turbo version of the 3.5L
I have heard the MKS will get the 4.4L V8 with 315hp engine foung in the Volvo XC90 built by Yamaha, then retracted this week, I believe? Who knows what it will get.
There is some word they are developing a more conventional 4.2L V8 based on the 3.5L V6 and that it will be available in 18-24 months. Its supposed to have somewhere upwards of 320hp. It should provide what they're looking for while reducing costs by using similar manufacturing techniques. It could end up in Ford's new 7-seat crossover as an optional engine. I think Mazda would rather use a turbo to boost horsepower to the CX-9, if they even wanted to.
I wish I could say more. The only thing that is probably is that this thing will start in the $28k range and will probably have 265hp+. Mazda has been pretty tight-lipped about the CX-9 since it release the preliminary data. I'd say it's a safe bet that it will be alot like a stretched Edge but with some Mazda suspension goodies. Zoom-zoom reputation is expected to stay intact. Think of a roomier CX-7 w/ more conventional powertrain (V6 will handle the weight better than the turbo 4). The Edge is supposed to go 0-60 in the mid-7's atleast so I'd look for the Mazda to come in under 8 seconds.
Funny you should post this: the "first drive" review that was just posted lists a starting price of ~29k, with 265HP. So you're almost spot on! Click here for first drive review on Edmunds.
Top of the line starts at $32.6k, which isn't all that bad at all. Heck, the new MDX starts at $40k.
The third row looks nice and actually useful, and the cargo space is exactly where I want it to be with all rows folder down (~100 cu ft).
Can't wait to see that one when it comes out in January.
Looks like it's going to be similar in the middle (price-wise) of the GM's Lambdas, more expensive than the Outlook but less than the Enclave. It's probably similar to the Acadia.
Sport FWD............$29,630 Touring FWD..........$31,730 Grand Touring FWD....$33,270
Sport AWD............$30,830 Touring AWD..........$30,930 Grand Touring........$34,470
Packages and Options
Crystal White Pearl Mica Paint............$200 Power Seat (8 way adjustable w/ lumbar)...$350 Rear Seat Entertainment System w/ Bose audio package.....$2,560 Moon roof/ Bose audio package.............$1,760 Touring Assistance Package................$2,717 Towing Package............................$450 Grand Touring Assistance Package..........$2,500
It probably had to do with the vehicle dimensions and the engine compartment. The wider the tire gets, the larger the wheel well has to be to accommodate the turn. Hopefully, it will have a fairly tight turning circle despite the large wheels and tires.
Yes, the Touring AWD was a typo..opps....it is supposed to be $32,930.
Some features to the vehicle are as follows:
3-zone climate control, Bluetooth technology, rearview camera, Bose centerpoint surround sound system, 8 cup holders, 4 bottle holders.
All safety features found on the CX-7 are also standard on the CX-9.
Touring package includes leather trimmed seats, heated 8 way power adjustable drivers seat with power lumbar support, heated 4-way power adjustable front passenger seat, stitched vinyl trimmed door panels, 2nd row armrest with storage, heated side view mirrors.
Grand Touring includes silver and wood trimmed accents, driver seat with 3-way memory settings, electroluminescent gauges and blue indirect lighting, front and rear door, and over head indirect blue lighting, Smart Card with Mazda's Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System, 20" aluminum alloy wheels, chrome door handles, auto on/off Xenon HID lights, fog lights, rain sensing windshield wipers, side view mirrors with side marker lights.
Colors: Stormy Blue Mica, Black Cherry Mica, Liquid Platinum Metallic, Galaxy Gray Mica, Copper Red Mica, Sparkling Black Mica, Crystal White Pearl Mica, Brilliant Black Clear coat.
Interior: Sand Cloth, black cloth (sport), sand leather, black leather (touring/ GT)
Comments
Mazda Warranty Information
And when in heck is this thing coming out? Wife is pregnant with #2, due in January, and her Prizm will suffocate with all that load!
I would hazard a guess that the CX-9 will come out around that time, but it might not come out until after you start buying more diapers. :P Just try not to go up any steep hills in the prizm. My sister-in-law had a prizm. It was a good car, but desparately needed overdrive.
I'll need all the room of a larger SUV just to store all those diapers...#1 is still not potty trained (he's 2)
I'll bet you don't get much sleep (or won't soon).
The Ford Edge/ Lincoln MKX share the platform with the CX-7, not the CX-9. However, they will share the same engine, Duratec35. As for transmission, it will probably use the same 6-speed auto that is in the CX-7. I do not see why they would use the Ford tranny.
____________________________________________________________
I am pretty certian that the CX-9 is on the same platform as the Edge/MKX and that the CX-7 is on an entirely different platform. I seriously doubt that the CX-9 will be built in Japan if they are using a common platform, and it is intended for the American market, and is using the Ford 3.5. Just curious if anyone could confirm this? I suspect it will be using Ford's six speed auto as well. And there is no chance that a mainstream Ford engine will require premium fuel.
Mazda has already confirmed that the CX-7 will be built in Japan. It will be use an Aisin sourced sport shift six speed transmission like the CX-7.
In any case, the point is moot since we want 3rd row seating, and maybe a DVD entertainment system for the kid(s) (which none of the wagons seems to have as an option).
So as CUVs go, looks like we'll be looking at the CX-9 or Buick Enclave, which both have a more "rounded" look than, say, the GM Acadia/Outlook products.
The Buick looks like it could set you back a bit more from the estimates of price, but it is supposed to have upgraded materials over the GMC and Saturn.
I think Hyundais have tended to be more on the soft side, suspension-wise, so it'll be interesting to see how it compares with the CX-9, which I expect might be a little more firm in order to give it that zoom-zoom.
...263 hp at 6250 rpm and 249 lb-ft at 4500 rpm. Stab the accelerator and the 20-percent power gain makes itself known. Thrust comes on smoothly, and builds intensely as the tachometer swings past 4000. Unlike the Duratec, the 3.5-liter likes to rev. There's no harshness. No thrash. No clatter. Just plenty of power and a purposeful growl that is loud enough to add some aural thrill to the acceleration, but not so loud that it detracts from the MKZ's luxurious intentions...
...Curiously, McCarthy is quick to point out technologies not on his engine. "To meet our performance goals, we didn't need to employ 'add-on' technologies like variable exhaust-valve timing, manifold swirl valves or active management (of the intake system)." By pointing this out, the Ford engineer takes a gloved swipe at competitive engines that utilize such features to match his engine's output. His comment also hints that much more "power density" (his engineeringspeak) resides within the compact dimensions of the 3.5-liter — no larger than the existing Duratec V6...
..."Unlike so many competitors, our 3.5-liter produces its peak power on regular 87-octane unleaded fuel." He noted that the 3.5-liter V6 powering the 2007 Toyota Camry and Lexus ES 350 requires 91-octane fuel to hit its advertised hp of 268. With the cost differential being approximately $0.20/gallon between regular and premium, savings of three bucks per fill-up gets your attention...
Turbocharging this beast (FoMoCo says this is an option for other vehicles) seems like an interesting idea. Could you see a turbo V6 CX-9 to go along with the turbo 4-cyl CX-7? It will never happen, but it would definitely have some "zoom-zoom".
A turbocharged CX-9...actually that would probably be a first in a CUV that size, right? Can't think of another SUV of similar size that has turbos. Mazda should probably get on it before Subaru beats them to the punch...
With such a rugged bottom end, designed for turbos, and broad application, this engine should have a LOT of support from after-market parts makers.
It wouldn't be too hard to turbocharge though. Just change out the pistons in favor of stronger, lower compression ones, add the turbo (smaller twin turbos for less lag) and intercooler, and maybe bigger fuel injectors. You'd be on your way to 350hp with only moderate boost. Instant MAZDASPEED CX-9. Zoom-Zoom! :P
That was the initial plan...but Ford announced this week that the V8 for the MKS is a no go.
I have heard the MKS will get the 4.4L V8 with 315hp engine foung in the Volvo XC90 built by Yamaha, then retracted this week, I believe? Who knows what it will get.
Top of the line starts at $32.6k, which isn't all that bad at all. Heck, the new MDX starts at $40k.
The third row looks nice and actually useful, and the cargo space is exactly where I want it to be with all rows folder down (~100 cu ft).
Can't wait to see that one when it comes out in January.
B.
Also, a group has been created for the CX-9. To see the top level, click on "Mazda CX-9" in the "You are here" line at the top of the page.
B
Sport FWD............$29,630
Touring FWD..........$31,730
Grand Touring FWD....$33,270
Sport AWD............$30,830
Touring AWD..........$30,930
Grand Touring........$34,470
Packages and Options
Crystal White Pearl Mica Paint............$200
Power Seat (8 way adjustable w/ lumbar)...$350
Rear Seat Entertainment System w/ Bose audio package.....$2,560
Moon roof/ Bose audio package.............$1,760
Touring Assistance Package................$2,717
Towing Package............................$450
Grand Touring Assistance Package..........$2,500
All prices include $595 destination
Know anything about what the standard features are in each of those categories (Sport, Touring, Grand Touring)?
Have you found these prices on an official site/news release or have they only been released to dealers?
Some features to the vehicle are as follows:
3-zone climate control, Bluetooth technology, rearview camera, Bose centerpoint surround sound system, 8 cup holders, 4 bottle holders.
All safety features found on the CX-7 are also standard on the CX-9.
Touring package includes leather trimmed seats, heated 8 way power adjustable drivers seat with power lumbar support, heated 4-way power adjustable front passenger seat, stitched vinyl trimmed door panels, 2nd row armrest with storage, heated side view mirrors.
Grand Touring includes silver and wood trimmed accents, driver seat with 3-way memory settings, electroluminescent gauges and blue indirect lighting, front and rear door, and over head indirect blue lighting, Smart Card with Mazda's Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System, 20" aluminum alloy wheels, chrome door handles, auto on/off Xenon HID lights, fog lights, rain sensing windshield wipers, side view mirrors with side marker lights.
Colors: Stormy Blue Mica, Black Cherry Mica, Liquid Platinum Metallic, Galaxy Gray Mica, Copper Red Mica, Sparkling Black Mica, Crystal White Pearl Mica, Brilliant Black Clear coat.
Interior: Sand Cloth, black cloth (sport), sand leather, black leather (touring/ GT)