Ch-Ch-Changes: 2008 Mazda CX-7, CX-9

As we continue our look at 2008-model-year changes, we‘re a bit surprised to see models that were new for 2007 having any alterations at all. The new CX-7 and CX-9 crossovers were huge new launches for Mazda this past year, and the CX-9 even won our three-row-crossover Faceoff against the GMC Acadia and Hyundai Veracruz. Mazda, however, saw some small changes that needed to be made.

For 2008, the CX-9 gets an entirely new engine. The new 3.7-liter V-6 gets 273 hp, a 10-hp bump over the engine it replaces. It gets roughly the same mileage, taking the more-stringent 2008 EPA tests into account. A new blind-spot monitoring system will also be available.

Changes to the 2008 CX-7 are less extreme but also impact the engine. The company has modified the CX-7’s impressive four-cylinder turbo engine so that premium fuel is now recommended, not required. That means owners can fill up on regular when gas prices spike too high too swallow.

The 2008 CX-7s and CX-9s are beginning to arrive at dealers this month.

Related
Ch-Ch-Changes: Mazdaspeed6, Mazda6 Wagon Dropped for 2008 (KickingTires)
Research 2008 Mazda CX-7 (Cars.com)
Research 2008 Mazda CX-9 (Cars.com)

Comments

I'm curious if they actually modified the engine on the CX-7 or simply changed the recommendation.

Talking with some people from the Ford plant back home, it seems it really was modified, per se. They updated the engine software and apparently did something with the camshafts. Don't quote me as a reliable source, because Im pretty sure the Ford guy I know, lets just call him Jimbo, was likely a little drunk when he told me this (had to think up a name for a drunk guy).

The last 'too' should be a 'to'.

Thanks for the reply, Tom.

The official release just says they "reprogrammed" the engine so it could run on regular.

Which begs the question why have it run on premium only, in the first place. Don't you make it a turbo four so that you offer a good mix of fuel economy and power?

I'd like to know why the CX-7 is offered with 260 hp and a 6 speed manual transmission in most other countries. I want that!!!

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