Mazda is finally bringing its KODO and Skyactiv treatment to the mid-sized crossover category with the introduction of the all-new CX-9 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Tailored for the North American market, Mazda expects to sell 80 percent of its annual CX-9 production there. Sales start in the spring of 2016.

Front and center to the CX-9 is the introduction of a brand-new engine: a turbocharged version of Mazda’s 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine. Developing 227 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 420 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm, the Skyactiv-G 2.5T is based off the normally-aspirated version of the Skyactiv-G 2.5 with the same bore, stroke, and bore pitch. Even the fuel pump and fuel injection system are shared. Enhancing the performance, however, is the world’s first turbocharged engine with the ability to vary the degree of exhaust pulsation depending on engine speed.



Dubbed Dynamic Pressure Turbo, the volume of the exhaust ports is reduced by closing a series of valves located just before the turbine that drives the turbocharger. This reduces interference between exhaust pulses and maximizes the energy of each pulse to obtain a high turbine driving force. At higher rpms there is sufficient energy in the exhaust flow and the valves open, allowing the turbine to be driven by a steady flow of exhaust gases as in a traditional turbocharger. This is comparison to a traditional variable geometry turbocharger which adjusts the direction or speed of exhaust gases flowing into the turbine.

The design, previewed by the Koeru Concept in Frankfurt, features the newest interpretation of KODO offering a much more premium look and feel to the CX-9. In addition, Mazda promises a much quieter and comfortable interior for all 7 occupants without sacrificing Mazda’s fun-to-drive attitude. Features such as i-ACTIVSENSE and i-ACTIV all-wheel drive are available features as well.