Mazda RX8 Kuro & MX-5 ZSport - Mazda UK adds limited editions to the range

Geneva Show aside, Mazda UK just announced that it’s adding two new special edition versions to its RX-8 & MX-5 range. The MX-5 2.0 ZSport is priced at 19.995 BP and it'll be available in just 400 examples. Unique exterior features include Radiant Ebony Mica paintwork, 17’’ BBS alloys, a chrome front grille surround complete with other exterior chrome touches while in the interior, Mazda has added Stone-coloured leather upholstery, a brushed aluminium dash panel, chrome air vent bezels, climate control a/c and alloy pedals.

As for the RX-8 Kuro 231Hp, it costs 23.995 BP and it features Sparkling Black Mica paint with special exterior badging and five-spoke 18” dark silver alloys along with a unique ID displayed on its stainless-steel scuff plates and as the Zport, it also gets Stone-coloured leather upholstery. The Kuro will be strictly limited to 500 vehicles in the UK. No word out yet if these special editions will be available in other countries. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see more high-res pics & the press release

PRESS RELEASE: ‘SPECIAL EDITION’ SPORTS CARS ZOOM-ZOOM MAZDA INTO SPRING

Continuing to celebrate its status as ‘Britain’s favourite sports car brand’ – delivering one in every five sports cars sold in the UK – Mazda is introducing two ‘Special Edition’ models to its established Zoom-Zoom product line-up this spring.

The Zoom-Zoom desirability of the iconic Mazda MX-5, the world’s best selling roadster, is boosted by the special edition Mazda MX-5 2.0i ZSport. Priced at £19,995 on-the-road, it costs just £1,045 more than the Mazda MX-5 2.0i Sport with six-speed transmission, but offers further value with more than £2,250 worth of additional or exclusive extras.

Exclusive exterior features of the MX-5 ZSport include unique Radiant Ebony Mica paintwork, bespoke 17-inch BBS multi-spoke alloy wheels, a stylish chrome front grille surround complete with other exterior chrome touches and discreet ZSport badging.

Inside, there is special Stone-coloured leather upholstery, a brushed aluminium dash panel, chrome air vent bezels, climate control air conditioning and alloy pedals. Just 400 examples of the ZSport will be available in the UK.

This spring, the Mazda line-up includes a new version of the high power Mazda RX‑8 four-seater, four-door sports coupé – the Mazda RX-8 Kuro Limited Edition. With a power output of 231ps and six-speed transmission, the Mazda RX-8 Kuro will be strictly limited to 500 vehicles, every one finished in unique Sparkling Black Mica paint (‘Kuro’ translates as ‘Black’ in Japanese), with special exterior badging and five-spoke, 18-inch dark silver alloy wheels.

Appropriately for a limited-edition model, each Mazda RX-8 Kuro has its own unique vehicle number clearly displayed on its bespoke stainless-steel scuff plates, while the seats and interior are trimmed in unique Stone-coloured leather, with co‑ordinated stitching featured on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and hand-brake lever. Costing just £23,995 on-the-road, the Mazda RX-8 Kuro is priced keenly at £505 less than the standard high power Mazda RX-8 and comes with more than £1,000 worth of extras.

Technorati: Mazda+RX-8, Mazda+Miata, Mazda+MX-5, Special+editions, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, image

2008 Mazda2 – Mazda Demio official image gallery breaks cover prior to Geneva debut

UPDATE: 2008 MAZDA2 - DEMIO VIDEO

Well, to be honest, not much of a leak this time as only a couple of days remain before the all-new Mazda2 aka Mazda Demio in Japan, debuts at the 77th Geneva Motor Show. Unlike the current model whose conservative looks (unsuccessfully) balance between a semi-mini-mpv and a compact hatch, the new Mazda2 / Demio takes on a modern, you could even say a sporty approach to the mini-segment. That’s even more obvious in the versions fitted with the “Sports Appearance Package”. As you can see by the grey colored car in the pics, this pack adds a new front bumper with a wider and opposite angled air intake, a different grille, side skirts, a roof spoiler and larger alloys. Personally I like it however, I can’t help seeing some Toyota Yaris in it, but maybe that’s just me. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the rest of the article plus a high-res image gallery

Despite the dark-colored interior trim of the car shown here, it’s obvious that Mazda designers wanted to create a “playful” environment for the Mazda2 – Demio. Maybe a bit too playful as the center console with the side air-vents looks like “Mickey-Mouse”, but ok, I definitely prefer this interior than the boring-to-death cabin of the current model.

There’s no official (full-length) press release out yet, but as noted in a previous post, we found a more analytical German press release on the car revealing that the 3.880 mm long and 1.690 mm wide Mazda2 –Demio will be offered in the beginning with three newly developed petrol engines: 1.3-liter producing 55 kW/75 HP and 62 kW/84 HP as well as a 1.5-liter with an output of 76 kW/103 HP. The new Mazda2 – Demio will go on sale in Europe in the summer with other markets following later on the year (the US will probably get it in 2008).

PRESS RELEASE: The All-New Mazda2 -Compact, Lightweight and Fun

- Mazda2, the first Zoom-Zoom choice

- Eye-catching and dynamic design

- Superior fuel economy through lightness and compactness

Mazda Motor Corporation has always used the Geneva Motor Show as a venue for important global premieres and this year is no exception with the first showing anywhere of the all-new Mazda2. More than simply a model update, Mazda’s new B-car has been redesigned from the ground up and is the first of Mazda’s acclaimed new-generation line up to be evolved. It delivers a superior package of attributes that will appeal to a growing global market for sub-compact cars.

Zoom-Zoom – Mazda began using this expression with the launch of its first new-generation model, the Mazda6, in 2002. It expresses the love of motion and is used by children to imitate the sound of an engine. And it has always been more than merely a brand slogan. It describes Mazda’s ultimate goal: to provide customers, who never forgot the love of motion they felt in childhood, with an exhilarating driving experience.

Now, Mazda is unveiling the all-new Mazda2 at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. The new Mazda2 is not just a model change from the current Mazda2, but the first of Mazda’s new-generation line up to evolve to the next stage. It reflects not only Zoom-Zoom passion, but also a range of capabilities refined in a severely competitive environment using input from customer feedback around the globe. The aim was to further refine Mazda’s DNA — distinctive design, exceptional functionality, and responsive handling and performance — while enhancing driving quality attributes such as ride comfort and quietness and meeting global environmental and safety performance standards. The all- new Mazda2 represents an evolution of Zoom-Zoom. With this new model, Mazda aims at strengthening the Mazda brand and further expanding its presence in the global B- car segment , especially in Europe, where the segment has grown by around 10% in the last six years and where more than one car in four is a B-car.

In developing the new Mazda2, Mazda took a fresh look at the global sub-compact car market, where there is intense competition among many diverse brands and vehicles, and worked to identify the truly important attributes for a global B-car. These attributes include superior fuel efficiency , which is crucial for low running costs and reduction of CO 2 emissions; easy-to-drive functionality and operability; Mazda’s unique dynamic performance , which delivers enjoyable, comfortable driving; and a design that instantly grabs attention. While many other carmakers have enlarged their small cars, Mazda was able to reduce the size of its B-car with the new Mazda2 (-40 mm now at 3885 mm) and still meet the mainstream demands of sub-compact customers while enhancing safety .

A Dynamic Design to Attract Customers Worldwide

With the look of the new Mazda2, Mazda’s mission was to embody its next-generation design direction in a way that would appeal to a wide range of people in many global markets. Given that customer preferences differ from market to market, Mazda considered various design directions with a view to satisfying all the diverse expectations. Designers then refined the findings of the study in pursuit of an exquisite and dynamic design with a distinctive Mazda identity. Blending sharp contours with clear expressions of gentleness, they created a look that has global appeal.

Design Concept – Exquisite and Dynamic

With the goal of expressing refined dynamism, the designers further evolved the look of athletic movement that characterizes Mazda’s DNA. At the same time, they worked to create forms that would convey a sense of precision in line with the Japanese appreciation of simplicity of form and objects that are beautiful because of their simplicity. The key to the new look was a design concept described by the design team as ‘exquisite and dynamic’. Here, ‘exquisite’ denotes the designer’s desire for the design to possess forms that express beauty and a carefully considered dynamism. Designers and modellers scrutinized each line, contour, and other design expression in line with their vision of dynamism, even taking into account the relationship between the car’s exterior look and the space-efficiency of the cabin. This discriminating approach gave the exterior and interior of the new Mazda2 a dynamic character that’s immediately recognizable.

Some of the design elements were first publicly seen in the Mazda SASSOU design concept model that debuted to great acclaim at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. In line with the positive feedback from Frankfurt, the designers carried them forward and refined them for the production model.

An Exterior Design with Dynamic, Multifaceted Expressions

In line with an exterior design theme of ‘coordinated movements’, the visual movements created by the car’s silhouette, the lines of the body, and the patterns of light over the body were combined to create dynamic, multifaceted expressions not typically seen on a B-car. The resulting exterior design exudes a powerful energy that makes the new Mazda2 look as though it’s about to move even when it’s parked. Expressing dynamic movement within the body’s limited dimensions was a major design challenge. For those looking for an even sportier look, a Sports Appearance Package is available (depending on market).

By pursuing beauty in the transitions between each expression of movement, the design team realized forms that have natural-looking visual movements and convey subtle craftsmanship. The diversity of visual expressions — the body has sharp lines but also conveys softness and gentleness, and it has flowing lines but also conveys a sense of solidity — is a unique attribute achieved by following the ‘coordinated movements’ design theme .

An Emotionally Appealing Interior Design Conveying Dynamism and Nimbleness

Mazda2’s interior design theme was ‘a space that communicates movement’. Whereas most B-segment cabins have monotonous design treatments with flat surfaces, the interior design team made the new Mazda2’s cabin strikingly different through contoured forms that combine reassuring thickness with strong visual movement .

The instrument panel helps to create a sense of space despite the cabin’s compact dimensions; its design creates lateral visual movement from the centre toward the base of the pillar on each side by means of a recess that runs from side to side between the instrument panel’s upper and lower sections. At the same time, the instrument panel’s middle area has a substantial form that communicates a unique character. A contrast between silver accents on a black keynote colour adds further sportiness and individuality to the cabin. Plus, distinctive circular details contribute to a fresh, emotionally appealing look and feel.

Pursuit of Functionality and Operability Required in a B-Car

Most B-segment car buyers want a day-to-day means of getting around and running errands, so it’s vital for a car of this size to be easy to drive and easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces such as car parks. With the new Mazda2, functionality and operability were improved in various ways based on driver-focused ideas and in line with how a B-car is actually used.

Making the All-New Mazda2 Driver-Friendly for Everyone

The design of the Mazda2’s shoulder line, which is angled significantly downward toward the front of the car, is complemented by low mounting points for the door mirrors to afford the driver good downward visibility toward the front and sides. The good visibility makes turning into and driving on narrow roads and looking past the door mirrors to check for pedestrians when turning at junctions all the easier. Furthermore, the new Mazda2 has superior driver-seat adjustability, which is combined with an ergonomic design in which the position of the gear lever is higher for easier shifting.

Ample, Smartly Conceived Storage with No Compromises on Space

When designing the cabin, items young drivers would be likely to have in their cars were also considered and the interior team redesigned storage spaces – such as the glove box and floor console – based on these findings. For instance, the new glove box features a magazine rack that allows users to access travel guidebooks and road atlases without having to open the glove box itself. Also, the floor console between the front seats has a large rear tray stable enough for storing handbags and other personal items. A 60:40-split rear seat (depending on grades) guarantees convenience and luggage space to meet daily needs. There is a total of 250 litres of luggage space.

The Zoom-Zoom Driving Experience that’s Unique to Mazda

Performance that gives the driver confidence is essential for true driving enjoyment. So the new Mazda2 exceeds conventional levels of dynamic performance with agile but stable handling, high body rigidity, strong stopping power, a confidence-inspiring brake feel, and comfort-enhancing quietness. Plus, the new Mazda2 has a comprehensive powertrain line up that combines superior fuel economy with enjoyment and driveability.

Environmental Compatibility with Zoom-Zoom Performance

Mazda is serious about improving fuel efficiency as a way to reduce CO 2 emissions and other exhaust gases that place a burden on the environment. So the new Mazda2 minimizes weight as a means of increasing fuel economy. Even before full-fledged development of the car was under way, a special team was busy devising weight-saving techniques using the latest computer-aided engineering technologies. The team incorporated these techniques into prototype vehicles and conducted evaluations of the resulting low weight on dynamic performance, ultimately achieving significant weight savings together with superior Zoom- Zoom driving enjoyment. Through measures that included body-structure optimization and increased use of high- tensile steel, engineers not only made the new Mazda2 about 100 kg lighter than its predecessor , they also achieved major improvements in terms of safety, body rigidity, and noise, vibration, and harshness — all attributes that conventionally mean more weight. With the additional benefits of enhanced powertrain technologies and aerodynamic performance, the new Mazda2 delivers some of the best fuel economy in its segment (up to about 15%* better than the previous model). Underpinning the weight-saving technologies in the new Mazda2 is a new platform that reflects Mazda’s expertise in the development of small cars.

* Depending on model

Brisk Handling and a Stable, Quiet Ride

With the new Mazda2’s chassis, engineers pursued superior dynamic performance through brisk, nimble handling, through stability that inspires confidence even at motorway speeds, and through a ride that’s quiet and feels steady but mild. The lightness and rigidity of the body played an important role in maximizing handling and ride quality. With regard to handling, engineers targeted manoeuvrability and agility on urban roads, brisk, linear steering response and high grip on winding roads, and superior straight-line stability and confidence-inspiring lane-change behaviour on motorways.

To help achieve these targets, various grades of high-tensile steel sheeting give the body superior local rigidity. The light, highly rigid body shell also ensures optimal geometry in the car’s MacPherson-strut front suspension and H-type torsion- beam rear suspension, whatever the driving conditions.

Efficiency

The new Mazda2 will be launched initially with two petrol engines: the MZR 1.3-litre DOHC (standard and high-power derivatives depending on market) and MZR 1.5-litre DOHC. For the European market, a fuel-efficient, clean-running MZ- CD 1.4-litre diesel engine will be introduced a few months later. Each engine combines the superior fuel economy expected in a sub-compact car with a lively performance feel that’s pure Zoom-Zoom.

The 1.3-litre DOHC and 1.5-litre DOHC MZR petrol engines each have a sequential valve timing system and optimized exhaust-valve timing, which together realize superior cylinder-charging efficiency at all engine speeds. The 1.5-litre DOHC engine additionally has a variable induction system , which ensures smooth, strong torque delivery throughout the rev range. These technologies ensure highly controllable, linear acceleration and brisk throttle response, so drivers in everyday situations can enjoy the lively engine performance that’s a hallmark of Mazda.

Superb Active and Passive Safety

A fundamental requirement for safety is dynamic performance that allows the driver to confidently control the car in exact accordance with his or her intentions. So the all-new Mazda2 has handling that realizes predictable steering response and superior straight-line stability and a braking system that consistently delivers linear braking force in response to pedal inputs. For customers in Europe and Australia, dynamic stability control is available as an option, that further enhances active safety by helping to control side slip. For passive safety in the new Mazda2, an evolution of the unique, high-rigidity, high-safety Mazda Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System body structure realizes superior crash resistance by dispersing impact energy throughout the car in the event of an impact from any direction. The body structure is complemented by dual front airbags as standard, with front side airbags and curtain airbags available on option. Also, the bonnet, fenders, and wipers are designed to help minimize injuries in the event of contact with a pedestrian.

Conclusion – small and friendly with plenty of Zoom-Zoom

The all-new Mazda2 is an urban vehicle that’s comfortable and safe to drive, with a strong element of Zoom-Zoom fun thrown in. While being affordable and inexpensive to run with excellent fuel economy, it delivers virtually the same level of Zoom-Zoom fun as Mazda’s larger vehicles. It’s a delight to drive, a joy to own, fun to use, and the most personable car in Mazda’s line up. For the development of this all-new model, the perspective was broadened from a Japanese one to a global viewpoint. Mazda is confident that the Mazda2 will earn the respect of many customers and that it will strengthen and expand the presence of the Mazda brand in sub-compact car markets. The new Mazda2 will be produced in Japan.

All-New Mazda2 Preliminary Specifications (for Europe)

Dimensions Overall length 3885 mm
Overall width 1695 mm
Overall height 1475 mm
Wheelbase 2490 mm
Tread (front / rear) 1475 mm / 1465 mm
(for 14- & 15-inch tyres)
1465 mm / 1455 mm
(for 16-inch tyre)
Seating capacity 5 people
Boot volume 250 l
Engine Type MZR 1.3-litre: In-line,
4-cylinder petrol engine
MZR 1.5-litre: In-line,
4-cylinder petrol engine
Max. output Target MZR 1.3-litre:
55 kW (75 PS) / 6000 rpm
(standard power)
62 kW (84 PS) / 6000 rpm
(high power)
MZR 1.5-litre:
76 kW (103 PS) / 6000 rpm
Max. torque Target MZR 1.3-litre:
118 Nm (12.0 kgm) / 3500 rpm
(standard power)
121 Nm (12.3 kgm) / 3500 rpm
(high power)
MZR 1.5-litre:
136 Nm (13.9 kgm) / 4000 rpm
Transmission Type 5-speed manual
Suspension Type (front / rear) MacPherson strut /
torsion beam
Brakes Type (front/rear) Ventilated discs /
leading-and-trailing drums
Tyres 175/65R14
185/55R15
195/45R16
Wheels 14-inch steel wheels
15-inch steel & aluminium wheels
16-inch aluminium wheels
Top speed* Preliminary 186 km/h (1.5-litre)
Curb weight* Preliminary 954 kg (1.3-litre)
Fuel
consumption* Preliminary 5.4 L/100 km (1.3-litre)

* Mazda measurement

All figures and other specifications in this press kit may vary according to market. Also, data are subject to change upon homologation.

UPDATE: 2008 Mazda2 – Mazda Demio extra images & specs

UPDATE: Full Image Gallery here

Looks like Mazda didn’t reveal just one teaser pic after all as we discovered a couple more images of the 2008 Mazda2 / Demio on Automotorundsport. We checked out all of Mazda’s European press sites and we didn’t find these images so I’m guessing that AMS got the special treatment… At least our site-tour wasn’t for nothing us we also discovered a second press-release in German which reveals that the Mazda2 will be offered initially with three petrol engines: 1.3-litres with 75Hp & 84Hp and 1.5 with 103Hp. Via: AMS & Mazda -Continued: Click “Read More...” below to see the official German press release

GERMAN PRESS RELEASE: NEUER KOMPAKTWAGEN ENTWICKELT ZOOM-ZOOM-GEDANKEN WEITER

• Neuer Kompaktwagen entwickelt Zoom-Zoom-Gedanken weiter

• Geringer Benzinverbrauch durch weniger Gewicht

• Zur Markteinführung mit drei Benzin-Motoren

Premierenbühne Genfer Automobilsalon (8.-18. März): Der neue Mazda2 feiert seine Weltpremiere in den Messehallen des Genfer Palexpo. Entgegen dem allgemeinen Trend ist er leichter und kompakter als sein Vorgänger. Der etwa 3,88 Meter lange und etwa 1,69 Meter breite neue Mazda2 bietet aber zugleich mehr Sicherheit, Fahrspaß sowie ein charismatischeres Design – und das bei geringerem Benzinverbrauch. Damit hat er auch in der aktuellen Diskussion um Kraftstoffverbrauch und CO2-Emission die Nase vorn.

Beim neuen Mazda2 handelt es sich nicht um einen einfachen Modellwechsel, sondern um das erste Produkt einer weiterentwickelten Generation von Mazda Automobilen. Diese neue Generation führt den Zoom-Zoom-Gedanken weiter fort, der erstmalig 2002 mit dem Mazda6 eingeführt wurde.

Zur Markteinführung erscheint der neue Mazda2 in Deutschland mit drei neu entwickelten Benzin-Motoren: Einem 1,3 Liter mit 55 kW/75 PS und 62 kW/84 PS sowie einem 1,5 Liter mit 76 kW/103 PS.

Technorati : Mazda2, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

Geneva Preview: All-New Mazda2 – Mazda Demio

Just received Mazda’s Geneva press release in my mail this morning. Well to be accurate it’s more of a teaser but at least Mazda had the courtesy to add a picture where we get a glimpse of the all-new Mazda2 which is called Mazda Demio in Japan. According to the “Spartan” press release, the new Mazda2 is more than just a new model as it’s also the first vehicle in Mazda’s line up to take the “Zoom-Zoom” philosophy to the next level –whatever that means. Anyhow, design-wise the new Mazda2 looks a whole lot more intriguing than the current boxy bread-van. We’ll have more on the new Mazda2 which will also base the next generation Ford Fiesta later on. -Continued: Click “Read More...” below to see the official press release

Technorati : Mazda2, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

PRESS RELEASE: ALL-NEW MAZDA2 TO DEBUT AT THE 2007 GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW

Hiroshima, Japan, 13th February 2007. Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of the all-new Mazda2 (known as the Mazda Demio in Japan) at the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show to be held from Tuesday, 6 March through Sunday, 18 March 2007. Officially titled the Salon International de l’Auto de Genève, the Geneva Motor show press days are March 6 and 7, and the public days are March 8-18. Mazda will hold its press conference on Tuesday, 6 March at 14:15 CET.

The all-new Mazda2 is more than just a model freshening of the current Mazda2. In 2002, the Mazda6 heralded the arrival of Mazda’s new generation of Zoom-Zoom vehicles, and now the Mazda2 becomes the first of these to evolve to the next level. As such, the new Mazda2 represents the progression of Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom brand promise.

Geneva Preview: Mazda Hakaze Concept

Following the Nagare and Ryuga concepts, which were unveiled at the Los Angeles and Detroit Show respectively, the Hakaze is the third design concept of the series created around the 'Nagare' design language. However, this time, Mazda’s new concept was penned at its European Design Centre in Frankfurt -not that it makes any difference as we find this “Nagare design language” look like a silly imitation of a clam-shell but, what the heck do we know….
Anyhows, at 4,420 mm, the Hakaze is roughly about the same length as the Mazda3 hatchback and according to Mazda’s description, it’s a 4-seat coupe-style compact crossover SUV. And o yeah, its equipped with the Mazda6 MPS’s drivetrain (2.3 Turbo & 4x4). -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the press-release and the image gallery

PRESS RELEASE: Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of the new Hakaze design concept at the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show to be held from Tuesday, March 6 through Sunday, March 18, 2007. Officially titled the Salon International de l'Auto de Genève, the press days are March 6 and 7, and the public days are March 8-18.

"Nagare is the start of a new journey. A journey that will ultimately sow the seeds for an entirely new generation of Mazda vehicles. That is why it is so exciting and exhilarating. Nagare is about capturing motion, energy and beauty, and translating it into forms that people connect with and want to touch. Nagare finds its inspiration in nature, and as such is an incredibly rich source for our designers." Laurens van den Acker, General Manager Design Division


1. Introduction
Nagare Design - A New Expression of Movement

Last year Mazda wowed the show car world with a trilogy of design concepts that were talked about on three continents. From Europe's Sassou show car with its unique Shoji design principle and hidden features, to Tokyo Motor Show's Mazda Senku concept car, winner of the Grand Prix du Plus Beau Concept Car at the XXIst Festival Automobile International in 2006 in Paris, to North America's sports car study Mazda Kabura, winner of the Detroit Motor Show's Aesthetic and Innovation Award –Mazda Motor Corporation wrote another chapter in its global reputation for eye-catching, Zoom-Zoom designing.

The new show car season features four concepts from Mazda that express a new design language called Nagare, (pronounced na-ga-reh) developed by Mazda's new global design director, Laurens van den Acker. The word Nagare means "flow" and "the embodiment of movement" in Japanese and applying it to car design involved analyzing motion itself and how forces like wind and water move in nature. Natural flow lines are all around us - wind blowing shapes in sand, wave forms seen from above - and are literally symbolic of movement itself. Nagare, then, is the application of natural flow to automotive design that combines surface language and proportion to communicate movement in a new way.

"Through the success of the current generation of cars, Zoom-Zoom has managed to focus our company and delight our customers at the same time. Nagare builds on this newly regained confidence and gives it a unique and distinctive identity", says Laurens van den Acker.

Its first expressions were the Mazda Nagare concept car presented last November at the LA Auto Show, and the Mazda Ryuga, which premiered at the Detroit Motor Show this January. Both Mazda concepts are an evolving expression of Zoom-Zoom, inspired by the movement of nature's elements - Mazda Nagare's surface articulation was inspired by geological flow patterns, and Mazda Ryuga's side body texture was inspired by Karesansui, or Japanese raked gardens. Both evoke energy and lightness, translated into a beautiful language of lines and forms that are powerful yet effortless, simple yet strikingly seductive.

Now Nagare is coming to Europe with this season's third all-new concept car, the Mazda Hakaze, which was designed at Mazda's European Design Centre near Frankfurt, Germany. Mazda Hakaze is a compact crossover coupe with roadster feel. It combines the best attributes of three traditional types of cars. Part of its roof is removable, which gives a feel similar to a roadster; it is agile and fun to drive like a compact hatchback, and it has a high hip point and interior functionality like a compact SUV. It expresses Nagare "flow" on the outside with sand-dune like surface iteration, and combines these with shapes from machines that move through water or air. On the inside, it boasts "flowing" Nagare forms, natural surfaces and insightful functionality to meet the demands of adventurous lifestyles like kite-surfing.

"Nagare is expressed in the Mazda Hakaze, not only in the iteration on the side of the car, but also in a lot of the details, " says Peter Birtwhistle, Chief Designer, Mazda Motor Europe. "If you look at things like the execution of the wheel design, the spokes have a nice flow in terms of the way they move, the way the surfaces move, the way they integrate into the tyre design. The interior too. The basic form of the interior is like looking at sand dunes. It's got all this movement, winds blowing. I find that inspirational in terms of trying to find a new way of expressing design. Of course, you have to think about functionality. But Mazda is all about emotion. And this is emotion."


2. Market Inspiration
A Look at Advanced Product Planning

Cross-Functionality for Concept Development
While the new Mazda Hakaze design concept is a look into a possible future compact crossover vehicle from Mazda, it is nonetheless a concept rooted in reality. It meets the unmet needs of a growing compact segment trend towards SUV-like crossovers in Europe, making it a valid proposal, despite its futuristic attributes. To ensure Mazda Hakaze and all upcoming concepts from Mazda Motor Europe are not merely flights of fancy, an Advanced Product Planning (APP) team was assigned to Mazda Motor Europe's Research and Development (MRE) centre in late 2004 with cross-functional team members from design, marketing and engineering.

The APP team was responsible for the initial planning phase of the Hakaze project. This began with lifestyle and automotive trend research, and included spending time with"normal"consumers in Germany and the UK, to see exactly what kind of lifestyles people lead, and what kind of attitudes these customers have towards their cars. Combined with market data, it became clear that compact SUVs - those able to meet emerging and more active lifestyle trends - will become more popular over the next 10 years.

"Traditional segments in Europe are declining," said Benno Gaessler, Manager APP who, along with Stefan Meisterfeld, Assistant Manager APP, was responsible for analysis and strategy. "What the team found was that potential customers have emotional needs that are unfulfilled. They would like to drive a coupe, to drive a convertible, to drive a vehicle that is expressive. But these normally come with a very big price tag and expensive running costs. How we can fulfil these needs is what Hakaze is all about."
The APP team clearly identified an overall concept that would appeal to these kinds of customers. It should be just as agile and fun to drive as a compact hatchback, while offering attributes like open-top driving, a higher seating position, more sporty driving attributes and a modern, upscale design.

"What is unique to this vehicle is that its realization was a tightly-knit, cross-functional effort," says Jose R.G. Santamaria, Director of APP and Consumer Insights. "We have engineering, planning and design professionals working together as one group. From this point of view, Hakaze is the first of this new and effective process of future development."

After identifying the key attributes of the new concept, the APP team turned the plan over to two cross-functional members of the team - a designer and a packaging engineer. Together, they worked to develop a vehicle concept that meets the needs of the target customer mentioned above, while making sure it stayed true to C-segment hatchback values. This robust process at the beginning of development was a major asset to the actual designers of the Mazda Hakaze, when they took over realization of the project at a later stage.


3. Exterior Design
The Compact Crossover Coupe with Roadster Feel

In Japanese, the word Hakaze (pronounced Hah-kah-zay) comes from "ha" for "leaf" and "kaze" which means "wind," a fitting combination for a vehicle that looks like it is effortlessly cutting through the air while standing still. Mazda Hakaze has very compact proportions. At 4,420 mm, it is roughly the same length (+15 mm) as the Mazda3 hatchback - which ensures agile, sporty handling - but is wider (1,890 mm, + 135 mm), and taller (1,560 mm, + 95 mm) with a high seating position, a very large glass area and large suspension travel - all attributes usually associated with a C-segment SUV.

This insightful package is clothed in a modernistic body work with no door handles and no mirrors - exterior cameras replace these - very compact proportions and flowing major feature lines and side textures that create a muscular and taught look. Mazda Hakaze has no B-pillar either and the rear two-thirds of the glass roof can be taken off in two parts and stored in a slide-out compartment in the rear bumper. Lowering the car's four frameless windows then converts the concept into a fun to drive, four-seat coupe with roadster feel.

Mazda Hakaze's exterior design was a cooperative effort from the same successful duo that designed the Mazda Sassou, presented at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show: Mickael Loyer, whose design was selected this time for the final proposal, assisted by Luca Zollino. "The design team took inspiration from sports and outdoor activities in the wind or in the water giving the sensation of being free and allows us to break boundaries," says Mickael Loyer, "like kite-surfing, flying, diving, driving a jet-ski or a motorbike. We were looking for shapes moulded by natural elements, and how the wind shapes the sand is a key element in the exterior design of this concept."
At the front, they pushed forward the design idea of the Mazda Sassou - with a large grille design that has chevron-shaped front indicators and headlights - to which they added Nagare flow lines. At the rear of the car, a unique illumination system is used with light flowing directly into the lower part of the rear window. Because the rear lights have flowing shapes integrated into the design here, this creates an impression of floating light. Mazda Hakaze's silhouette features Nagare flow lines at the front of the door panel, with a visual link to the front of the car created by a line falling over the top of the front wheel well and into the side panel. These are combined with a rising beltline extended into the hatchback door, a steeply angled windshield similar to Mazda's crossover SUV CX-7 and a roof line that gives Hakaze a modern body shape that integrates the strong look of a Samurai sword when seen from the side.

All the concept's Nagare flow lines combine to visualize movement by making it seem as if the wind itself has etched natural flow lines into the car's surface. Even when parked, Mazda Hakaze looks as if it is moving - as if wind is blowing over the front wheel wells, down and along the side panels and across the bottom of the rear window.

Mazda Hakaze not only took its inspiration from Nagare natural flow, but also from technological objects like helicopters, speed boats, jetfighters. These are strongly related to flow and examples of human interface to fast movement through natural elements. The design team combined these kinds of forms with shapes directly moulded by flow in sand and water. Examples of this are Hakaze's glass roof cockpit and its 20-inch wheel design. The wheels use a mixture of forms inspired by sand dunes and propeller shapes to express flow and movement - including extensions of the spoke design into the tyre rubber bordering the wheel - and adds a three-dimensional depth to lend Mazda's new show car a modern sophistication.

"The Hakaze is an agile yet tough coupe that takes you wherever you want to go," says Luca Zollino. "Its design is also unique because of the unconventional shape of its hatch. The continuity of the beltline through the hatch allows us to close all the volumes above it: this together with a very angled and long windscreen enhances the compactness of its proportions."


Exterior Colour and Materials - Nagare Surface Treatment enhanced by "flop" technique
Mazda Hakaze's exterior forms are combined with colours, materials and surface treatment that also express Nagare flow. A desert image is the source for its golden colour, reminiscent of a desert at sunset.

"The exterior colour was selected to support the surface language, its articulation and its texture," says Maria Greger, Senior Designer for Colour and Materials, "so that the whole surface impression is one of natural flow. We want to have a feeling of sand. So if you look closer at the colour, you see small particles like sand."

The natural look to the exterior surface was further underscored by employing a "flop" technique in the colour treatment of all panels that are bent at an angle to form two sections with a smooth edge between them. The paint used for such panels was designed to give the upper part of the panel a more transparent feel, which is created by a transparent layer over the colour. Then the colour "flops" over towards a darker impression below the edge, an effect achieved by additives to the paint and by a slightly different use of particles in the paint. The final effect is similar to a sand dune or a wave in sand, which is lighter above and darker below.

4. Interior Design
A Natural Environment

The interior of the Mazda Hakaze is a triumph of form, texture and functionality. Its two large, pop-up doors are keyless, one-touch and give a wide opening into one of its four bucket seats. Once inside, Hakaze's interior gives an intense open feeling, even with the roof on. The windscreen extends to behind the front occupants, creating an enormous viewing angle. The A-pillar dives into the instrument panel just in front of the door, making this feeling even stronger.

"Nagare is visible on the interior in the main surfaces, which are a combination of gently flowing volumes with edges that slowly fade away," says Jo Stenuit, Assistant Chief Designer who, along with Masato Ogawa, Lead Designer from Hiroshima, designed Mazda Hakaze's interior. "Inspiration was taken from a dune landscape with the technical parts, like the steering column, being pushed into the surface like a shell that is partly covered in sand on the beach. Also the textures follow this gentle flow of form in a natural manner. All this creates a sensual feeling for the interior and makes sitting in Hakaze like sitting in a natural environment."

The interior design, and especially the instrument panel, is asymmetrical with a strong focus on the driver. The wrap-around cockpit features a long steering unit that gives a feeling of sportiness and depth. It has orange-lit meters on each side of the steering wheel - speedometer and tachometer - and in the centre of the steering column is an LCD screen with navigation information, images from the car's rear view and side cameras and warning indicators - all of which give an enhanced feeling of control to the driver. The centre of the steering wheel is fixed, only the rim and the lower arm can rotate.
There are also unique sliding controls to the right of the driver on the centre console, which follow the three illuminated lines in the surface. These lines have a dune wave design to make it easy for the driver to slide his finger up or down along the surface. Doing so adjusts seat positions, heating, audio and multimedia devices, with light below the surface moving up or down with the finger. The wave strip furthest from the driver has the controls for the car's hard disc drive multimedia system and an LCD screen that electrically rises up and out of the dashboard surface on the passenger side. This screen can be turned by hand so the driver can also see it when the car is parked.

Data can be transferred to and from the car's computer with a personal "data shell", which is a further development of the USB stick concept used on the Mazda Sassou design car.
It is a wireless device that allows the driver to open the car simply by carrying it in his pocket, and also allows him to save his personal driving settings and data from his home computer (route, music, movies). After getting in the car, the driver pushes the switch on the side of the "data shell" causing the connector to pop out (in way similar to a key). This he sticks into a designated slot in the centre console and it automatically downloads the stored information wireless using Bluetooth^® technology and provides ignition. Once in place, the "data shell" also functions as the gear shift lever for the concept's automatic gearbox. Mazda Hakaze concept also has a wireless charging pad located in the glove box (also using Bluetooth^®) to recharge the batteries of a mobile phone, PDA, camera or MP3 player. This insightful solution does away with annoying cables hanging everywhere, and keeps the device out of view and safe while it recharges automatically.

All of Mazda Hakaze's seats are mounted on the centre tunnel and are electrically adjustable, sliding fore and aft. For more room in the boot, the rear seats slide forward with their lower cushions under the front seats, which give ample space in the hatch for all kinds of gear necessary for a day at the beach. With the windows down and the top off, there is a true roadster feel wherever you happen to be sitting in the car.


Interior Colours and Materials
"We want the interior to be a heightened touch experience full of natural-feeling surfaces. Natural in the sense that you come to the car and you have one impression. When you look a second time, you see new things happening everywhere," says Luciana Silvares, Designer for Colour and Materials who, along with Maria Greger, designed the colours and materials for Mazda Hakaze.

The colour scheme on the inside of Mazda Hakaze was chosen to enhance the natural flow forms and to underscore the car's kite-surfing functionality. They reflect the ocean, continuing the beach and dune theme, with the floor a dark brown, the trim, dashboard, doors and centre panel a greenish beige, the four seats in a deep blue. This is combined with unique texturing of materials meant to enhance the Nagare flow strategy with natural feeling surfaces and patterns. Many of the concept's interior materials are grained using new Flotek^® technology, which can create different textures on a single surface. Before, materials had to be embossed using the same repeating patterns. With this new graining technology, the Colour and Material's team was able to make asymmetrical and creatively-patterned surfaces that mimic natural irregularities.

The floor, for instance, is made of soft, natural leather - great for bare feet just off the beach - embossed in a flow pattern with a patina of various textures and slight imperfections that give a natural feel compared to artificially homogeneous material like carpet. The dashboard also has a special grain over it that feels sandy in some places and has line texture in others, which enhances the flowing Nagare forms by making them not only look natural, but feel natural as well.

This touch experience also extends to the seats of Mazda Hakaze, which are made of smooth, high-tech leather with a surface coating to make them feel similar to the material used for wet suits, but with a higher quality. The driver's seat is surrounded in a cocoon-like cockpit and continues the kite-surfer appeal with wet suit stitching and badging in orange Kanji script, while the other three seats have water droplets printed on them for a wet and wild look. The result of all these efforts is a very interactive, even sensual interior surfacing where passengers can discover new touch sensations every time they get into the car.


5. Powertrain & Chassis
Ready for Off-road Fun

The Mazda Hakaze design concept has been conceived to be equipped with either a powerful DISI^* petrol engine or a diesel engine. The MZR 2.3-litre DISI petrol is a high-performance turbocharged engine with direct injection that is coupled to Mazda's active torque-split all-wheel drive transmission. This is Mazda's latest MZR petrol powertrain technology and is an ideal match to the adventurous and fun nature of Mazda Hakaze. It delivers high torque and power, 6-speed sport automatic transmission and beach-ready four-wheel drive traction.

Combined with Mazda Hakaze's aerodynamic shape and lightweight body, the engine would not only be fun to drive, but would also use acceptable amounts of petrol. It has MacPherson front struts and multi-link rear suspension for agile, Zoom-Zoom handling, whether at the beach or in the city.


6. Technical Data

Dimensions Overall length 4420 mm

Overall width 1890 mm

Overall height 1560 mm

Wheelbase 2650 mm

Seating capacity 4

Boot volume 400 l

Engine Type MZR 2.3 DISI turbo petrol

Transmission Type 6-speed electronically controlled sport
automatic gearbox.
Mazda's active torque-split all wheel-drive
transmission

Tyres & Wheelss Type Dunlop 255/50 R 20 20'' x 9 J

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