Top Speed of CX9?

NWCX9

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2008 Mazda CX9 AWD Touring
Anyone have any idea of the actual top speed of a US CX9 model? My buddy and I were having a friendly little race the other day (he has a 2001 VW Golf GTI 1.8T) and although he smoked me off the line I caught up to him pretty quick. Before we both kicked back the throttle, I noticed I was doing a solid 110mph+ and had some peddle left. I was just wondering what this beast would do top speed wise (actual not on paper)? (dunno)

FYI - My 08 CX9 AWD at that speed was very stable and smooth. It certainly didn't feel like I was pushing well over 100!

Anyone else push their CX9 to see what it can do??
 
Google search results in 119mph.
Probably limited to 120mph electronically or wind-drag limited.
CX9s have V-rated tires, so tires are not the reason why top speed is governed.
I bet on wind-drag limited.
Though, the Cd is 0.36, with large cross-section area and limited 273hp, 120mph top speed seems likely.
 
The problem with SUV's and top speed is not power, or tires, but wind resistance. They begin to hit "aerodynamic walls" around 100mph. My wife's old Jeep was governed at 95, I once rented a FWD Escape V6 and it was governed at 100, and the Suburban I was racing that night was governed at 100 too! (angel)

My assumption is that the CX-9 should be governed at about 124...and I believe it's that high b/c it has a 4 star rollover. If I ever try it (most likely will never have the chance since it's my wife's car), I will let everyone know. (drinks)
 
mihalis,
Please take a look at this spec from BMW.

------------------------

BMW X5 4.8i:
V8 petrol engine, 4,799cc
Max output: 261kW (+ 11 per cent)
Max torque: 475Nm (+ 8 per cent), 3400-3800rpm
Top speed 240 km/h

BMW X5 3.0si:
6-cylinder petrol engine, 2,996cc
Max output: 200kW (+ 18 per cent)
Max torque: 315Nm (+ 5 per cent)
Top speed 225 km/h (210 km/h with H-spec tyres)

BMW X5 3.0d:
6-cylinder diesel, 2,993cc
Max output: 170kW (+ 6 per cent)
Max torque: 520Nm (+ 4 per cent)
Top speed 216 km/h (210 km/h with H-spec tyres)

-------------------
The wind resistance of these three models should be very similar.
Yet, their top speed differ significantly due to max power (350/260/214hp, correspondingly)
Furthermore, if H-rate tires (tyres) are installed, the top speed is further reduced for safety(legal)
concerns. (210km/h =~ 130mph - max top speed for H-rated tires/tyres)

CX9 has slightly higher horsepower than the X5 3.0 (273 vs 260 hp).
Assuming the same wind resistance A(area)xCd(coef), the true top speed of CX9 should be around 230km/h, which is about 143mph. However, CX9 is electronically governed at 119-120mph due to safety concern. The V-rated OE tyres/tires have no problems at that speed (149mph+). Mazda just don't want your CX9 to run at that "jail speed". (unless on a track, of course)
 
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I had once at 97 mph for few second on highway 95 from Las Vegas to Reno.
I feel the car is very smooth at that speed.
 
mihalis,

BMW X5 4.8i:
V8 petrol engine, 4,799cc
Max output: 261kW (+ 11 per cent)
Max torque: 475Nm (+ 8 per cent), 3400-3800rpm
Top speed 240 km/h

QUOTE]

What's up with all the crazy symbols here, kW and Nm and also what's this km/h? Where's the hp, foot pounds, and mph?
 
Top Speed!

Having traveled recently through several western states, the urge to push that go-fast peddle down got the best of me. When I reached the 115 MPH mark I couldn't believe how solid the car felt. Still a bit of peddle remaining but my wife woke up and caught me speeding! Well, that was the end of my speed test for sure. Thank God she is a deep sleeper! Plus, I didn't really want to pay some local yocal for doing such a naughty thing on his/her highway!
 
mihalis,
Please take a look at this spec from BMW.

------------------------

BMW X5 4.8i:
V8 petrol engine, 4,799cc
Max output: 261kW (+ 11 per cent)
Max torque: 475Nm (+ 8 per cent), 3400-3800rpm
Top speed 240 km/h

BMW X5 3.0si:
6-cylinder petrol engine, 2,996cc
Max output: 200kW (+ 18 per cent)
Max torque: 315Nm (+ 5 per cent)
Top speed 225 km/h (210 km/h with H-spec tyres)

BMW X5 3.0d:
6-cylinder diesel, 2,993cc
Max output: 170kW (+ 6 per cent)
Max torque: 520Nm (+ 4 per cent)
Top speed 216 km/h (210 km/h with H-spec tyres)

-------------------
The wind resistance of these three models should be very similar.
Yet, their top speed differ significantly due to max power (350/260/214hp, correspondingly)
Furthermore, if H-rate tires (tyres) are installed, the top speed is further reduced for safety(legal)
concerns. (210km/h =~ 130mph - max top speed for H-rated tires/tyres)

CX9 has slightly higher horsepower than the X5 3.0 (273 vs 260 hp).
Assuming the same wind resistance A(area)xCd(coef), the true top speed of CX9 should be around 230km/h, which is about 143mph. However, CX9 is electronically governed at 119-120mph due to safety concern. The V-rated OE tyres/tires have no problems at that speed (149mph+). Mazda just don't want your CX9 to run at that "jail speed". (unless on a track, of course)

Thanks for the info...I was really talking about governed, but now you've answered that question too! (drinks) Now if I can only find a way to remove the governed speed limit... (laugh)
 
Just a quick FYI the speed rateing on the tires is the "top speed" of the tire not the car.
 
Sure. Speed rating is based on testing tire's capability to handle heat generated by high-speed running/friction and flexing. Most automakers will shoe their vehicles with proper tires that match the top speed of the vehicles.
Would you put H-rate summer tires on a Ferrari?
 
119 mph makes sense. Its the same as the CX7 and its roughly 190 kph. That being said, the only reason you'd see 120+ on your speedo is b/c at that speed, your speedo is probably not very accurate whereas the computer will know where 119 is.
 
Would you put H-rate summer tires on a Ferrari?

Maybe in NJ.... So freaking congested here in the summer (and fall and winter)


My tires on my SRT10 are ZR rated (excess of 186MPH) and while my truck will top out at 165, it is nice to know I have a little bit extra and for those long hauls in Montana doing 120, no worries about tire fatigue.
 
Tires are usually very under-rated for safety reason. i.e. large margin built in.
For example, max PSI is usually around 44psi. However, insiders of tire industry will tell you that it is safe even at 60psi. My guess is that the speed rating is probably the same.
Speed-rating is based the tires' capability to withstand/dissipate heat from flexing and friction.
 
Two questions:

My CX9 FWD has 2,500miles on it and just had first oil change...this post has me fired-up to test her...what is the top speed I should target w/ this low mileage?

Next, when going 120 MPH, what MPG would you expect to acheive? Variables: Flat interstate, 1-5 MPH wind, dry roads, 70-80 degree temp.

Just curious - thx, tstex
 
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