IRVINE, Calif., May 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- When is a
headlight more than just a headlight? When it pierces through the
night, letting oncoming traffic know exactly what you're driving
without having to see any other part of the vehicle. When it's as
much a status symbol as it is a safety system. And when it comes
equipped on the 2016 Mazda CX-9, the only midsize, three-row
crossover SUV in its class1 with standard LED headlights
and tail lights.
With its signature lighting, CX-9 carries a sense of presence
usually reserved for much more expensive vehicles. Its high-tech
LED lighting has the added benefit of greater visibility and more
even light distribution than previous-generation systems, too.
As with all of the SKYACTIV-generation vehicles, the 2016 CX-9
was created using "Monotsukuri Innovation"—bundled planning with
each design and engineering departments working alongside market
research to create their ideal family crossover.
"From a design perspective, the LED lights allowed for a slim
contouring of the lamps demonstrating the appropriate stealth
attitude of the front fascia," said Julien Montousse, director of
design, MNAO. "The LED connection to our light-up 'Signature
Wing' from the grille widens into a five-point shield—a look that
clearly signifies CX-9 as taking Mazda upmarket."
From an engineering perspective, CX-9's low-beam headlights
produce 900 lumens per unit—about twice the output of a comparable
halogen headlight. Overall, CX-9's headlights are about 35-percent
brighter than a standard halogen unit and can throw light
10-percent farther than a comparable xenon HID unit.
Because of the LED headlight's versatility, engineers were able
to package both low- and high-beam lights in a single housing for a
clean look. Additionally, LED headlights run cooler than either
halogen or xenon headlights, offering what is expected to be
greater long-term durability.
"LED lights are a perfect marriage of form and function,
allowing Mazda's designers greater creativity and our engineers
more space underneath the sheetmetal to lower vehicle weight and
strengthen vehicle body structures," said Kelvin Hiraishi, director of engineering, MNAO.
"Best of all, they provide drivers real, tangible benefits that
customers can see and use."
Under Mazda Corporation's safety philosophy, LED headlights were
seen as a solution toward reaching an ideal amount of
light—illuminating the road as if it were daylight outside.
LED tail lights work in similar fashion, lighting up quicker
than traditional halogen bulbs in emergency situations as to help
prevent rear-end collisions.
Not limited to the exterior of CX-9, Grand Touring and Signature
models feature all-LED interior lighting, including overhead and
accent lights that complement CX-9's horizontally swept door and
dashboard panels.
"People could drive any ordinary crossover for years and never
fall in love with it," said Montousse. "With CX-9, we wanted to
create more than just a family vehicle; we wanted to create an
experience. Every time you get behind the wheel, from the Nappa
leather and rosewood details to the white glow of its lighting, we
wanted to make drivers and passengers feel special. I believe we
succeeded."
The 2016 Mazda CX-9 is on sale now with a starting
MSRP2 of $31,520.
Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales,
marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in
the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers.
Operations in Mexico are managed
by Mazda Motor de Mexico in
Mexico City. For more
information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll,
please visit the online Mazda media center at
www.mazdausamedia.com.
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1
The class is defined as non-luxury 2016 model year midsize,
three-row, crossover sport utility vehicles available for sale in
the United States.
2 MSRP does not include $900 for destination and handling ($945 in Alaska)
or additional taxes and fees. Dealers set actual sale prices.
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SOURCE Mazda North American Operations