Every 2007 Mazda CX-9 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine yielding 263 horsepower at 6,250 rpm, and 249 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. Backing the engine is a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode, feeding power to either the front wheels only or all four corners, if optioned. The available Active Torque-Split All-Wheel-Drive uses a computer-controlled coupling connected with the rear differential to adjust torque distribution, sending up to 50 percent to the rear should front traction be lost. Both the Mazdaspeed6 and smaller sibling CX-7 also use this AWD system. Front and rear disc brakes are ventilated, connected to MacPherson front and multilink rear suspension. Rack-and-pinion steering translates directional inputs from the driver.