The Mazda CX-9 will be unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, and this 7-seat SUV is designed for the US market. It looks elegant and sporty at the same time, and it could very well be an affordable alternative for the Porsche Cayenne (if you're willing to lose a bit on the performance side of things too).

The CX-9 will be powered by a MZI 3.5L V6 and the transmission is a 6 speed automatic.


HIROSHIMA, Japan--Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that it will showcase the new Mazda CX-9 seven-passenger crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV) at the New York International Auto Show to be held from Wednesday, April 12 to Sunday, April 23, 2006. As a larger sibling to the Mazda CX-7 crossover SUV, unveiled earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Mazda CX-9 is the second vehicle designed and engineered specifically for the North American market.

Also featured on the Mazda stand will be the new high-performance Mazda3 model, called Mazdaspeed3 (North American specifications), together with newly-upgraded versions of the highly popular Mazda3 range.

Mazda will hold its press conference at the Mazda stand from 9:10 am to 9:35 am on Thursday, 13 April 2006. Press days are April 12 and 13. The show is open to the public from April 14 to 23, 2006.

The seven-passenger Mazda CX-9 is a clean break from the traditional boxy SUVs crowding the US market. Engineered with Mazda's "Soul of a Sportscar" signature, Mazda CX-9 deftly blends a sporty driving spirit with seven-passenger SUV practicality. The Mazda CX-9 provides unique Mazda design and energetic performance as well as an up-market interior with class-leading space and unmatched versatility.

Mazda CX-9 is powered by a new MZI 3.5L V6 engine driven through a standard six-speed automatic transmission. Final drive is through either front- or all-wheel drive.

The Mazda CX-9 will be produced at the Ujina No. 1 Plant located near Mazda's headquarters in Hiroshima, Japan and is expected in North American showrooms in early 2007.