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2017 Mazda CX-9 Prototype First Drive

If you read our coverage from last week's Los Angeles Auto Show, you'll note that we were extremely fond of the new Mazda CX-9. We like the look of the thing, inside and out, and it promises to be the best-driving entry in the three-row crossover class. We agree wholeheartedly with that claim. You see, we already drove it. Full disclosure: Our test of the camouflaged CX-9 prototype you see here was short, and while we were able to get a good handle on the CX-9's basic driving dynamics, it'll take more than a 30-mile session around the outskirts of LA to uncover the finer details. What's more, these vehicles are not production ready. In fact, according to our handlers at Mazda, the CUV we tested was actually at the stage before pre-production – so basically, a pre-pre-production car. That said, all the details about the engine, transmission, suspension, and steering are "largely final." As you can see in the gallery, the cars we tested were heavily camouflaged both inside and out. As for styling, we love it – see the undisguised pictures from the LA show for more views. And as for inside, we can say leather seats of our Grand Touring model were comfortable and supportive, and the smallish steering wheel felt natural in the hand. Even in pre-pre-production state, the CX-9 was impressively quiet. An extra 53 pounds of under-floor sound deadening, thicker windows, and active noise cancellation all contribute to what Mazda claims will be "among the quietest vehicles in its class." It's worth noting that the good sounds, like the throaty, whooshy noises of the turbocharged engine, found their way into the cabin just fine. The 2.5-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine – Mazda's first force-induced Skyactiv engine – is an excellent piece. The 2.5-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine – Mazda's first force-induced Skyactiv engine – is an excellent piece. It uses a variable geometry turbocharger, which the company calls a Dynamic Pressure Turbo. Here's how Mazda explains it: Imagine a normal garden hose. Put your thumb over the nozzle, and the force of the water increases dramatically. That's the DPT at low rpms. It features three small exhaust ports to direct exhaust gases into the turbo, making for 17.4 quick-spooling PSI at low rpms. As the revs climb, a flow control valve opens up, redirecting the gases to a trio of larger ports – removing your thumb from the hose, if you will – and keeping the boost up.

California adapts ZEV mandate with PHEVs for smaller automakers

California is the nation's largest market for zero-emissions vehicles with over 100,000 of them estimated to be on the roads there. The state's goal is to keep that number growing every year. To that end, the California Air Resources Board is now tweaking its rules in a way that might not boost ZEVs but could mean more plug-in hybrids for the Golden State. Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, and Volvo asked for an exemption to the state's zero-emissions vehicle mandate last year due to their relatively small development budgets compared to larger automakers. CARB denied their request but did craft a compromise, according to Automotive News. Rather than being required to offer a ZEV in the state, companies with an annual global revenue of less than $40 billion, like those in this group, may instead sell plug-in hybrids to earn ZEV credits. The companies aren't completely off the hook, though. If these plug-in hybrids don't earn enough credits, the corporations must buy them on the market to make up the difference. Automakers with popular electric models like Nissan and Tesla have made a big business through this trading system by selling their surplus to rivals. Tesla alone pocketed $51 million in the first quarter from this part of its business, according to Automotive News. The changes to the regulations also aren't set in stone, yet. CARB is meeting in 2016 and could adjust things further at that time. Related Video: News Source: Automotive News - sub. req. via Hybrid CarsImage Credit: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images Government/Legal Green Jaguar Land Rover Mazda Mitsubishi Subaru Volvo Emissions Electric Hybrid California zev credits zero emissions vehicle

'Gran Turismo Sport' Super Bundle comes with a real Mazda Miata

"Gran Turismo Sport" is now on sale (stay tuned for a full review in the near future), and as with most video games now, there are basic versions and those that come with a few extras. For instance, in the United States there's a Limited Edition version that includes the full game, plus a metal box, several Group B rally cars and a couple of prototype cars unlocked, as well as 1,000,000 credits available at the start. It's a pretty meager special edition compared with the "Gran Turismo Sport" Super Bundle on offer in Taiwan, though. The Super Bundle lives up to its name primarily because it comes with a real, drivable Mazda MX-5 Miata. It comes in Soul Red and features custom Gran Turismo vinyl graphics. On top of that, the bundle comes with a Bravia 4K HDR OLED TV, a Playstation 4 Pro, Playstation VR, a year of Playstation Plus (the online multiplayer service), a Thrustmaster T-GT steering wheel controller, and an Apiga AP1 racing seat for playing the game. Oh, and of course it comes with a copy of the game. Funny enough, this isn't the first time a car has been offered as part of a video game bundle. When " Grid 2" launched a few years ago, the developer, Codemasters, partnered with BAC to sell a Mono edition. This special edition of the game came with a real life BAC Mono with "Grid 2" livery. There's no such thing as a free lunch, or a free car for that matter. At current exchange rates, the " Gran Turismo Sport" Super Bundle costs just shy of $46,300. Now that's a much more affordable proposition than the " Grid 2" BAC Mono package, which rang in at about $189,000, though the Miata is a much more affordable car with less performance. Americans shouldn't be disappointed the " Gran Turismo Sport" Super Bundle isn't available here, though. This is because the Super Bundle can be re-created here for much less money. Every item in the bundle plus a Miata Sport with a manual transmission and the Soul Red paint would come to a little under $32,000, a savings of over $14,000. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.