Posts Tagged ‘DriveATL’

Mazda’s All-New CX-9: Meticulously Crafted for Drivers

On Wednesday, July 27, members of the Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association had the pleasure of experiencing the All-New Mazda CX-9 at Babette’s Café.

Mazda North American Operations’ Manager of Public Affairs, Tamara Mlynarczyk, introduced the group to Tetsu Nakazawa, the vehicle line manager for the CX-9.  He explained the following:

Mazda’s KODO: “Soul of Motion” design philosophy gives the CX-9 a look of composure and prestige—even at a standstill. A muscular stance, elongated hood and tapered roofline express an athletic elegance. The overall effect is one of purity, simplicity and beauty—an extraordinary achievement in a three-row SUV.

Mazda believes every detail makes driving better. They used premium materials to craft the Signature Trim of the all-new CX-9. From Nappa leather, to sculpted aluminum, to the same genuine Rosewood used in some of the world’s finest musical instruments, this vehicle produces a multi-sensory driving experience of sophistication and indulgence.

To elevate your driving experience, Mazda subdued unwelcome sounds, diminished the noise of engine vibrations and added 53 pounds of sound-deadening material. Sound-insulating glass, narrowed gaps, and more seal insulation further reduce wind noise. All this makes the CX-9 remarkably quiet, ensuring your time behind the wheel is less distracting and more relaxing.

A focus on pure driving enjoyment sets the CX-9 apart in its class. Every aspect of this three-row SUV, from its body construction and engine technology to its chassis and transmission, is engineered with SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY to maximize driving dynamics while achieving outstanding highway MPG.

 

Mazda North American Operations’ Tetsu Nakazawa, the vehicle line manager for the CX-9 with Manager of Public Affairs, Tamara Mlynarczyk at Babette's Cafe.

Mazda North American Operations’ Tetsu Nakazawa, the vehicle line manager for the CX-9 with Manager of Public Affairs, Tamara Mlynarczyk at Babette’s Cafe.

 

The All-New Mazda CX-9.

The All-New Mazda CX-9.

 

The All-New Mazda CX-9.

The rear of the All-New Mazda CX-9.

 

The All-New Mazda CX-9.

The grill and lights of All-New Mazda CX-9.

 

The interior of All-New Mazda CX-9.

The interior of All-New Mazda CX-9.

The 2016 Atlanta International Auto Show

The 2016 Atlanta International Auto Show features more than 400 import and domestic cars, light trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles.  Members of the Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association (GAAMA) were on hand for a sneak peek of the show floor prior to opening on March 9th.  In addition, GAAMA awarded the best of show.

“It was a very exciting, diverse and eclectic selection of vehicles,” said incoming GAAMA President Christopher Lawrence, CEO of AutoAcademics, an automotive consultancy that aims to educate and assist consumers in making intelligent, unbiased, and logical automotive choices. “Every year we are excited and impressed by the new technology, sleek designs and powertrain efficiencies. The judges had a tough job and after much discussion, we selected the best in each category.”

The 2016 winners:

Green:  2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Luxury: 2017 Lexus LC 500

Performance:  2017 Acura NSX

Biggest Bang for the Buck: 2017 Hyundai Elantra

Truck:  2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty

SUV/Crossover: 2017 Infiniti QX30

Judges Choice: 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

Highlights below:

The grand entrance to the 2016 Atlanta International Auto Show.

The grand entrance to the 2016 Atlanta International Auto Show.

The 2017 Ram Power Wagon sports a front end winch.

The 2017 Ram Power Wagon sports a front end winch.

The 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider.

The 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider.

This Toyota Prius is a beauty.

This Toyota Prius is a beauty.

The Lexus LC 500 Luxury Coupe "wows" the media.

The Lexus LC 500 Luxury Coupe “wows” the media.

Tamara Mlynarczyk, Manager, Public Affairs, Mazda North American Operations with Mazda Motorsports racer Andrew Carbonell, who helped develop Mazda's 2016 Global MX-5 Cup car!

Tamara Mlynarczyk, Manager, Public Affairs, Mazda North American Operations with Mazda Motorsports racer Andrew Carbonell, who helped develop Mazda’s 2016 Global MX-5 Cup car!

The Mercedes-Benz E 220 d is coming soon to a dealer near you.

The Mercedes-Benz E 220 d is coming soon to a dealer near you.

Christian Bokich,Dept. Manager, Product & Technology Communications, Mercedes-Benz USA and Barbara Pomerance, CEO, Pomerance & Associates.

Christian Bokich,Dept. Manager, Product & Technology Communications,
Mercedes-Benz USA and Barbara Pomerance, CEO, Pomerance & Associates.

Michael Sprague, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors North America.

Michael Sprague, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors North America.

Yes, that's a KIA!

Yes, that’s a KIA! What a beauty!

Steve Parrett, Manager, Southeast and South Central Region Communications, Nissan.

Steve Parrett, Manager, Southeast and South Central Region Communications, Nissan.

The Nissan 270Z has very lovely lines.

The Nissan 370Z has very lovely lines.

The Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Awards and the Annual Meeting and Luncheon Sponsors.

The Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Awards and the Annual Meeting and Luncheon Sponsors.

Steve Parrett accepts the GAAMA award for Best SUV/Crossover: 2017 Infiniti QX30.

Steve Parrett accepts the GAAMA award for Best SUV/Crossover: 2017 Infiniti QX30.

Joe Van Hoose of Jackson Spalding presented Corey Proffitt of Toyota with the GAAMA Award for Best Luxury: 2017 Lexus LC 500.

Joe Van Hoose of Jackson Spalding presented Corey Proffitt, East Coast Communications Manager of Toyota with the GAAMA Award for Best Luxury: 2017 Lexus LC 500.

Kimberly Shults of FCA was graced with two GAAMA Awards - Best Green: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and Judges Choice: 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.

Kimberly Shults of FCA was graced with two GAAMA Awards – Best Green: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and Judges Choice: 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.

Ariel Garcia-Linares of Ketchum accepted the GAAMA Award for Biggest Bang for the Buck: 2017 Hyundai Elantra.

Ariel Garcia-Linares of Ketchum accepted the GAAMA Award for Biggest Bang for the Buck: 2017 Hyundai Elantra.

The show runs through Sunday, March 13. For details, visit http://goautoshow.com/site/.

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 at Babette’s Cafe

Bonnie M. Morét Photography

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 on display at Babette’s Cafe.

 

Babette’s Café set the scene for the October 28th Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association luncheon sponsored by Mazda.  Tamara Mlynarczyk and Dan Calhoun introduced us to the 2016 Mazda CX-3.  What a sweet ride … the 2016 Mazda CX-3 is the fifth vehicle introduced to the U.S. with KODO—Soul of Motion design, encasing Mazda’s signature SKYACTIV Technology. The new CX-3 subcompact crossover SUV was developed to “Create the standard for the next era.” It’s a vehicle designed to meet the needs of a new generation of car buyers, supporting creative, adventurous lifestyles wherever – from the urban sprawl to the weekend getaway.

 

Key Features:

All trim levels will come with a standard

SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine, paired exclusively

with a six-speed automatic transmission

– Standard push-button starter

– Standard keyless entry

– Manual-shift Sport mode

– Available i-ACTIV AWD on all trim levels

– Available power glass moonroof heated seats

and cargo cover

– One-, two- or three-tone premium cloth,

leatherette or leather interior seating surfaces

– Optional 18-inch aluminum wheels

– 60/40 fold down rear seats

– Active Driving Display

– New Ceramic Metallic body color

 

Technology Highlights:

– Standard MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment

System with seven-inch full-color touchscreen

display and voice command

– Aha™, Pandora® and Sticher™ internet radio

– Available BOSE audio system, SiriusXM

satellite radio and HD radio

– Multi-function commander control

 

Safety and Security Highlights:

– Rear Camera (standard)

– i-ACTIVSENSE

– Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)

– Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)

– Smart Brake Support (SBS)

– Lane Departure Warning

– Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

– Blind Spot Monitoring with Cross-Traffic Alert

– High Beam Control

– Adaptive Front Lighting System

 

Barbara Pomerance with Mazda CX-3.

Barbara Pomerance of Pomerance & Associates with Mazda CX-3.

Bonnie M. Morét Photography

A view of the stylish interior and perfectly-placed display.

Bonnie M. Morét Photography

Sleek alloy wheels.

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Tamara Mlynarczyk happily greets GAAMA members.

Bonnie M. Morét Photography

Jim Tucker introduces Dan Calhoun.

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Babette’s Cafe prepared a feast.

Bonnie M. Morét Photography

Tamara Mlynarczyk thanks GAAMA members for attending.

Bonnie M. Morét Photography

Dan Caloun explains the Mazda CX-3’s technology to a captivated full house.

Bonnie M. Morét Photography

Since all good things must come to an end, we bid adieu to the Mazda CX-3 and Babette’s Cafe.

 

Special thanks to Tamara Mlynarczyk, Dan Calhoun and Mazda for a a delious meal and stellar presentation.