2017 Mazda CX-9

The three-row Mazda CX-9 has been redesigned for 2017, and has significantly improved from its predecessor. It is powered by an all-new 2.5-liter Skyactiv turbo-four producing 250 horses and 310 foot-pounds of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is optional. There is a slight difference between the two versions when it comes to fuel economy, with the former rated at 22/28 mpg city/hwy and the latter at 21/27 mpg. These numbers make the new CX-9 the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid three-row crossover on the market. It is also one of the most stylish and underrated vehicles in its class. The second-gen CX-9 is offered in four trims: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and the all-new, top-of-the-line Signature. The Signature model makes the cabin seem like that of a Lexus; it is laden in legitimate rosewood trim, French-stitched detailing, and nappa leather. Mazdas are known for relatively high interior noise levels, but this has significantly decreased thanks partly to acoustic-laminated glass in the front windows and 53 lbs. of sound-quieting material in the floor. The new CX-9's length is 1.2 inches shorter than its predecessor, while its wheelbase measures 2.2 inches longer. Third-row access has been improved to where a single lever can easily shift the second row aside. Pricing for the 2017 Mazda CX-9 begins at $32,450 and tops out at $44,915. Mazda's flagship crossover is a great vehicle; however, I'm anticipating Mazdaspeed variants of the 3, 6, and MX-5 Miata, along with a reborn RX-7 more than the arrival of this vehicle in showrooms. In other words, the 3, 6, and Miata in Mazdaspeed form are expected in a few years' time, but no one knows whether there will be another RX rotary sports car.

Best of Car Shows 2015 Part 2

The long-awaited second half of Best of Car Shows 2015 is finally here, showcasing the greatest and most exclusive vehicles at car shows I attended between July and December of last year. Like Best of Car Shows 2014 Part 2, this compilation excludes the L.A. Auto Show; photos from that will appear in later posts. Cars in this post pictured consist of a Lotus Europa, a variety of Corvettes, a handful of classic Camaros, Opel Manta, late '60s-early '70s Chevelles, 1968-70 Plymouth Roadrunner, Chevy-powered Datsun Z, two De Tomaso Panteras, a few Mustangs (2007-09 Shelby GT500, 1965-66 Shelby GT350H, 1967 & 1970 Shelby GT500), 1968-70 Dodge Charger R/T, Porsche 356, a few Thunderbirds, mid 1960s Pontiac Grand Prix, a handful of 1955-57 Chevy Bel Air/210s, some Shelby Cobras, three classic Chevy Impalas, 1970 Plymouth Hemi AAR 'Cuda, Ferrari California, 1950 Mercedes-Benz 170S, 2010-15 Camaros made to look like a modern-day Trans Am and GTO, 2005-07 Ford GT, 1960s Buick Riviera, Mach 5 from Speed Racer, 1915 La Bestioni, Honda S2000 from 2 Fast 2 Furious, Mercedes-Maybach S600, Audi R8, Bentley Continental GT, 1966-67 Pontiac GTO, early Porsche 911, Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph, two Jaguar F-Types, Mini Cooper JCW GP, Aston Martin DB7, Aston Martin DB9 Volante, 1940s Jaguar Mk2, 1950s Jaguar Limousine, 1967 Jaguar 420G, six Jaguar E-Types, 1953 Singer 4AD, Jaguar XK140, Jaguar XJS racer, 1966 Lola T70 Spyder, three DeLorean DMC-12s, MGB roadster w/ a Cadillac body kit, mid-late 1960s Sunbeam Alpine, Jaguar XK120 roadster, and 1969 Lola T70 Mk3B replica. Please state your opinions and favorites in the comments. Expect more all-new content throughout 2016.